Some may remember I wrote last about flag etiquette after Memorial Day 2013. Well, I decided to conduct the second annual Memorial Day Flag Etiquette survey in New London. I was very surprised to see the same violators as last year and pleased to report the same locations doing it properly.

First the flag etiquette on Memorial Day is to fly the flag in the morning at half-staff till noon and then raise the flag after that. I think as a citizen of this great country we should all know the proper way to display the flag, especially on Memorial Day.

Many flags were observed, which is a good thing, but only eight places got it right. I was very displeased at the military places such as Connecticut Army National Guard (Bayonet Street) and U.S. Coast Guard Station New London at Fort Trumbull that failed to adhere to procedure.

And yes, once again, two years in a row the State of Connecticut and the City of New London failed miserably. Improper flags were at both courthouses, city pier, City Hall, some parks, Nathan Hale School and the list goes on. Even the Custom House on Bank Street failed to raise the flag by a 2 p.m. check.

The Day also failed for the second year in a row.

I should recognize the true citizens and companies that deserve to say they honored those on Memorial Day; U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Ocean Beach Park, New London Fire Department (South and North stations only), Fort Trumbull State Park, DEEP, Cross Sound Ferry, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital main campus, and McDonald's on Colman Street.

If you did right and I missed you, sorry, but I know you're not mad because you didn't do it for recognition, you did it because it's the right thing to do.

Mike Strecker lives in Waterford and has a passion for making sure U.S. flag etiquette rules are followed, particularly on days of patriotic distinction. He'll be watching.