American Flags Across Chicago

Traveling throughout Chicago I regularly come across the cultural and ethnic pride of our varied communities that adds to the character of our city. Flags of many nations fly freely and their cultures are celebrated highlighting one of the many things that makes America exceptional. However, what I find generally missing is reverence for the American flag. I believe that in most cases this is not deliberate. Never during the decades that I have advocated for a larger presence of our national colors in the public and private square, have I ever received push back on my requests to fly the American flag with pride. Please let your members, friends and neighbors know that we should fly the American flag at every opportunity and that there is a protocol to follow when handling the American flag. This protocol was established in 1923 with the first U.S. Flag Code. Shame on us for letting the Americ’an flag take a back seat to any other flag in the world. Chicago, the State of Illinois and the entire Nation should be blanketed with American flags in a spirit of good citizenship as well as to honor all who have given so much, and continue to sacrifice in service to our country.
The American flag belongs to us all as American citizens. It is our uniting symbol. Therefore, I am respectfully asking that each chamber of commerce, business district and of course all schools, public officials offices and government buildings (as already required by law) fly the American flag and that it be flown proudly and unapologetically according to the U.S. Flag Code and that all those listed above encourage private citizens do the same.