CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicagoans are getting ready to show their pride this Fourth of July and a Chicago veteran has a friendly reminder.
The Fourth of July means it is time to fly the American flag - the most iconic symbol of freedom.
"I still have my father's flag. He served in WW2," said Mike Lake, Commander of VFW post 2992.
But Mike Lake said it is important to fly the American flag the right way and that displaying a damaged flag is anything, but patriotic.
"It means a lot to us," Lake said. "I'll tell you, if you disrespect the flag, you disrespect a lot of veterans. They are going to be real angry."
That means making sure your flag is not worn or tattered and taking it down every night.
"It does come down at night, unless you have a light on it," Lake said.
Lake said if your flag is too damaged for display, you can bring it to any local VFW for proper disposal.
"Some actually have some flags in reserve and then we will donate a flag to you. All you have to do is ask," he said.