With falling confidence in national, state and local government, many have lost sight of what this country was founded on, but one woman has set out to remind island residents what our military has, and continues to fight for.

“Is there anyone on Pine Island that doesn’t realize that our nation is in trouble? Does anyone have any idea as to what we, as individuals can do? These questions bother me daily, hourly and have begun to make me realize that, although there really is nothing I personally can do, I can fly the flag of my country and visually let all the world know that I love, revere and support this marvelous symbol of freedom for my country,” said Jo deShaw. “For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s strength and unity. It has been a source of pride for all Americans. Our military men and women have fought and died to protect the rights that this flag stands for. Many of us have had or do have family members that participated in the protection of our country through military service.”

In addition to displaying the stars and stripes at her home, deShaw is also encouraging others for follow suit.

“We, as residents and business owners on Pine Island can fly our flags. It is a very small thing we can do to establish our support for freedom of our country and for so many of our rights that are now being compromised,” deShaw said. “As you read the Allegiance to the Flag, you will see that it states ‘one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.’ If you truly believe this, go out and purchase an American flag, fly it every day, learn about it, love it and view it with pride.”

It is not only deShaw’s hope that islanders will fly flags at their homes and businesses, but that perhaps the rest of the country will do likewise.

“Can you imagine the affect it would have on people visiting Pine Island and Matlacha if they see everyone and even businesses flying flags? I think it would make them pause and think and perhaps even fly their own flags when they go home,” deShaw said.

The following are the guidelines on the proper way to display a flag as established by U.S. Code Title 4, Chapter 1: Flag:

— The flag of the United States should be flown daily from sunrise to sunset in good weather from public buildings, schools, permanent staffs and in or near polling places on election days. The flag may be displayed 24 hours a day on patriotic holidays or if properly illuminated.

— The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is bad, except when an all-weather flag is used.

— The flag should always be flown on national and state holidays and on those occasions proclaimed by the President. On Memorial Day, the flag should be half staffed until noon.

— The flag should be hoisted briefly and lowered ceremoniously. It should never be dipped to any person nor should ever be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress.

— The flag should never touch anything beneath it, nor should it ever be carried flat or horizontally.

— It should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, drapery or decoration, nor for carrying or holding anything.

— The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged. It should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.

— The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle. When a flag is displayed on a car, the flag’s staff should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

— The flag or its staff should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. Nor should any pictures, drawings, insignias or other decorations be placed on or attached to the flag, its staff or halyard.