I have been reading with interest all of the comments concerning the Coupeville High School flag. Unfortunately, the United States Code, Title 4 Chapter 1 (8)K states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

The US Code gives no further guidelines as to what is “fitting.” So it’s up to each city, organization, person, etc., to determine if they are in compliance with the US Flag Code.

However, I am sure everyone has a different definition of “fitting” (in this case the Coupeville High School principal). Look around, it’s not just Coupeville High School, it’s everywhere including within the U.S. government. In the past year, the flags over the Oak Harbor fire and police stations were torn and needed replacing, unfortunately I was only home for a few weeks and did not take the time to ask for the flags to be replaced. Recently, I was working at the American Embassy in Asmara, Eriteria, when I noticed our flag was badly torn. I asked the U.S. Ambassador to replace the flag, only after repeated requests over three weeks, did they replace the flag. Bottom line, the Coupeville High School principal should be ashamed of the comments Mr. Heckathorn attributed to him. He did not set a good example for the students.

I live in Coupeville but am currently on temporary duty with my wife Linda to the American Consulate, Lahore, Pakistan.

William Sharp

Coupeville