THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 29, 1995 TAG: 9511290010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
Regarding Margaret A. Tarrall's letter (``Missing flag,'' Nov. 15) in which she laments the absence of flags on Veterans Day: I am responsible for the four flags at Waterside. Each flag is very large at 10 x 15 feet and is, therefore, very susceptible to being damaged by rain and/or high winds.
The flags are city property and cost taxpayers about $2,500 when replacement is needed. Because of this cost, and probably because of harsh experience as well, specific guidelines have been created that determine whether the flags get raised. If rain is predicted or if wind speeds are expected to exceed 15 mph, we do not raise the flags.
Unfortunately, the forecast on Veterans Day called for a frontal passage with rains and winds from the south at 30 to 35 knots.
Having donned the uniform of a naval officer for 21 years, I called Ms. Tarrall to assure her that I take the protocol seriously. However, she probably is not the only citizen who has wondered why those tall poles are often bare. As we move into winter, flagpole nudity will be more frequent.
MIKE EVANS, dockmaster
Waterside Marina
Norfolk, Nov. 15, 1995 by CNB