July approaches I think it's important to honor the flag that much more.
My neighbor across the street considers himself a "patriot" and flies the flag on most federal holidays. But, his flag is faded and recently appears to have become ripped. Yesterday he started flying it again for the 4th because he's going to be out of town for the next month, but I think it's so disrespectful to fly a ripped flag. Then it occurred to me that maybe he's patriotic enough to fly a flag, but if he wasn't a Boy Scout he may not know how to properly retire it.
Last night I taught my sons a valuable lesson--passed the torch, if you will--by lowering his flag and properly burning it and burying the ashes. Since my boys aren't in Scouts this was a great teaching opportunity. And now that's something my neighbor Stanley doesn't have to worry about. When he gets back he'll be pleasantly surprised.