Ask CITYVIEW
4/30/2025Ask CITYVIEW anything by emailing editor@dmcityview.com.
What is proper flag etiquette?
There are many rules regarding how to fly the American flag. The Federal Flag Code, Public Law 94-344, contains rules for its handling and display. There are no federal penalties for misusing the flag, but some states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. According to 718A, in Iowa, desecration of the flag can be charged as a simple misdemeanor.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, traditional flag etiquette guidelines call for displaying the flag only from sunrise to sunset. However, it may be displayed at all times if it is illuminated during darkness. Flags should not be subject to weather damage, so they should not be displayed during rain, snow and windstorms unless they are an all-weather flag.
The flag should be displayed often but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions. When displaying a flag, it should be on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during the school day, polling places on election day, and it should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
When disposing of a flag, it should be ceremoniously burned. The U.S. Flag Code states: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
How does the Iowa Wild freeze the ice for its games?
We posed this question to the senior manager of media relations at the Iowa Wild, Alec Lessner, and received this response:
“The ice is installed over the course of a few days ahead of each season. A team lays down many thin layers of water, clear paint, and white paint, which are frozen from below the arena floor by a cooling system. The ice logos and markings are added, after which clear paint and water are layered on top to create the final surface. When the team isn’t playing, the arena lays down synthetic flooring tiles that connect to each other to cover the ice surface. The ice is still there when basketball, concerts and other events are happening at the arena.”
The mural on the wall of the former Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa, 1961 Indianola Ave., is gone. Is it being moved to the organization’s new home at 2633 Fleur Drive?
We posed this question to the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa, and received this response:
“Seriously?!!”
It would seem murals painted on walls are not transferrable.
