I wanted to make this a more organized, thought-out rant, but there seems to be no time for that these days. So here it is, as it comes.

On the way home from Colorado, cruising down the interstate many hours after dark, the wife pointed out the rear end of the semi we were passing.

There was a full sized American flag, attached to a flagpole, wired to one of the lock posts of the trailer.

Old Glory was matted with dirt and road grime, sticking like a wet rag to the gritty trailer doors.

As we moved up to pass, we saw another smaller version flapping from the rear of the cab. This Star Spangled Banner was shredded from snapping in the wind, clear down to the blue field of stars.

The emotions ranged from anger to disgust to pity, but mostly just sadness.

On the highways from our town to Central City there are least three ranches that have set out American Flags at their gates since the 11 September attacks. With all the ferrying of eldest son, I have passed those flags during the day and at night. In rain and snow.

The flags are always there. Posted and forgotten. I know two of these ranchers personally. I am not surprised that one has such a disrespectful attitude, but the other surprises me.

Our neighbors to the west also put out a flag shortly after the attacks. And it has never since gone inside. I was shoveling our sidewalks earlier this week (that's what you have to do, Bad, when the snow sticks around after you've played in it) and peeked over their fence. The flag was still there, frozen in a limp position (it was below zero) and shrouded with snow.

A "feel-good" symbol forgotten and ignored.

The wife pointed out that with all the abuses occurring, there are soon going to be a lot of flags that will need to be properly destroyed. By burning in a respectful ceremony.

She's right. Our youth group should offer to dispose of these flags properly. We'll have to see about setting up a process to collect them, and soon, before folks start throwing them in the garbage.

One of my readers, and I'm embarrassed to admit I no longer remember who, referred me to a good website detailing proper etiquette for use and display of the American Stars and Stripes. Wonderful site, full of interesting information on the American flag that I can use. And all the "Standards of Respect" for the banner.

The problem comes from the word "etiquette," which my dictionary defines as "the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority." But almost nobody cares about "good breeding" anymore (rightfully so), and apparently most new patriots do not recognize any authority on how to display the flag.

So, failing those two incentives, why should anyone concern themselves with these rules of etiquette? I have pondered this question since passing that semi on the interstate.

This web site provides a clue. "Standards of Respect." My dictionary points out that the word "respect" has its origins in the French word respicere, meaning "to look back."

The American Flag has a history. A history longer than nearly all other national banners, and steeped in sacrifice. To show disrespect to the Flag also shows disrespect to those who put those thirteen stripes on it; those who kept it from splitting asunder, or those who protected it from attack from abroad. For those who stood up for the liberties it represents, and those who accepted the responsibilities it carried.

Too often at the highest cost.

So the Star Spangled Banner is not just a national symbol, an emblem to display so that one feels good and supportive. To be able to display that flag is a privilege: a privilege granted by the sacrifices of others. To display it improperly, or even casually, is to cheapen the sacrifices that were made to keep it flying and free.

The etiquette of bringing the flag in at night or during inclement weather not only shows respect to the people who made those sacrifices, it reminds those of us who choose to display it that the liberties it represents require care and attention.

Always.