How worn is too worn?

[CultureGeek]

I go to American University (no, really, I do) and I recently noticed that one of the flags on campus is starting to look worn. The lowermost stripe is starting to come loose at the end. OTOH, I collect vintage clothing, which means I can spot at 50 paces a loose seam that someone who isn't obsessed with old textiles wouldn't notice at all, so it may not be worth mentioning at all.

Should I mention it anyway? I mean, if only as a heads-up that this flag will need replacement soon.

AU is all about America. I mean, first and, to my mind, foremost: we are in the top 5 most politically active student bodies (last year, GW was #1, but the year before, it was us. I think we look pretty good for this year, and I suspect it's kind of generally between the schools in DC). AU's into the symbolic stuff too: Our school colors are red, white, and blue; our school mascot is the bald eagle; and there are flags everywhere on campus.

There's no question that AU's concerned about proper flag display and I do not doubt at all that they keep replacements on hand. However, since I don't have a picture, I guess the question is, how much damage can a flag sustain and still be suitable to serve as a symbol for our country?

Thanks all.

[american_flag_uk]

wow - i really want to see this place!!! it sounds good with flags everywhere! lol

and im completely obsessed with flags - so i notice dirt or the seams coming loose aswell

wut i would do is notify them about it and i would also offer to repair it
if people repaired them when they 1st started coming apart they might realize the flag will last much longer!

to me - when the flag is dirty it needs cleaning and if coming apart then repair it

[Stuff4Toys]

If the flag is still in good shape otherwise (good color, etc) get it fixed now before it really starts to come apart. Once a seam starts coming loose, all it takes is a good wind storm and it will fray beyond repair.

JOhn

[CultureGeek]

Thanks.

I emailed them about the damage that I noticed and said that it may well be just an advance warning because I'm very sensitive to this kind of thing. I passed on your suggestion about shoring up the seam too. It sounds like a great idea to me, though. I would not have thought of that; for some reason, I just never thought of anyone repairing a flag, but it makes sense. I don't know that there's anything wrong with doing that kind of maintenance.

I don't know if I'm the best person to fix it, although I certainly could. Someone who has a machine within 50 miles of the campus would probably be best, though; I commute quite a ways & my machine is at home.

However, I am sure that the school has no shortage of either. They have definitely dealt with this problem before.

[Stuff4Toys]

We actually take them to the local tent and awning company, they have the machines to do our largest flags and the space to spread them out.

JOhn ><>

[CultureGeek]

Well, the work order should be in by now. Thanks all for the advice

[CultureGeek]

As expected, they replaced it almost immediately.
Sorry it took me so long to get back; I spent spring break in PA.

[Rockdude_UK]

when the suns bleached all the colour out and its pink white and blue, with most of the stripes ripped off and green mould on, plenty on uinion jacks round here lilke that lol!!!

[american_flag_uk]

lol

i live in an area of england where our flags fly proudly and many are kept to a reasonable standard of care
this cant be said when England are playing in an international sport- cannot move for tattered dirty flags then

[Wayniac99]

So this is obviously an older thread, but maybe someone is still watching...
I came to find the answer to the original question, "How worn is too worn?"
I belong to a small neighborhood pool club in New York City, and I have hung the same 3' x 5' US flag on the wall facing the pool since 1998. This flag was NOT new in 1998 when it began its seasonal display (summers only - storage for the winter); admittedly this flag is faded, but it is not torn. The stripes are still red (not pink) and the field is still a decent blue.
One Member of the Board decided it was unfitting to have such a faded flag, and that I should replace it. I held my tongue, mainly because it is my honor to supply and hang the flag each year. On the other hand, some members expressed the sentimentality of the old flag.
What do you think?
How worn is too worn?
I don't want to disrespect the flag, but I don't want to put the old girl out to pasture before her time!
Thanks from NYC
-w