There’s no time like the present to fly the American flag, says Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) who has been seeking out homes in his district where Old Glory is flying with plans to send letters to those patriotic homeowners to congratulate them.

With this in mind, the assemblyman and staffers drove around the portion of the district bounded by 14^th and 18^th Avenues, from 82^nd Street to the Belt Parkway, just before Memorial Day, taking note of all the locations where residents proudly display the Stars and Stripes.

“Flying the flag shows support for the military, both current members and veterans, and appropriate respect for those who have given their lives for this country,” said Assemblyman Colton, who has two American flags displayed at his own home. “I really want to encourage people to fly the flag. It’s a small but powerful gesture that says volumes, especially at this time of year, when Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day occur. I wish we could have covered more of the district before Memorial Day, but we will continue driving in different areas of the district looking for flags in advance of our nation’s birthday, and again, this fall, in the lead-up to Veteran’s Day.

“Every time I see a flag flying in front of someone’s home, I feel such pride in our nation and our community,” the assemblyman added. “Patriotism truly does start at home.”