Beyond the waving of flags, however, the colors and design scheme of Old Glory can be found on clothing and other merchandise.

To some people, that could be an indication the flag design has become a fashion trend commercialized for profit.

Taking a simple stroll though many stores, you will see hats, shirts, swimming trunks, ties and other types of clothing with the flag’s features on them. There are also many items you might not expect to have the deisng, such as kitchen utensils, tablecloths, umbrellas and lawn pillows.

The question is, are people purchasing those items because of their love and loyalty for the flag and freedom, or because the design has become a fashion or trend which will fall away when the next best trend begins?

News Photo by Steve Schulwtiz Many people who attended the annual Memorial Day memorial service on Monday carried Old Glory with them while they honored men and women who were killed while serving our nation.

Tracy Barrett said she has noticed a lot of flag merchandise in stores, especially Walmart. In that store, there is one aisle comprised almost entirely of flag-related products and a pair of smaller displays with red, white and blue items such as sunglasses, hair clips and plastic jewelry for sale. Barrett said it makes sense to have those items for sale as Memorial Day and Independence Day near, but she said she has noticed more stores carrying such products year-round.

Barrett said she is unsure why there is such a focus on flag-related items today. In the past, things like that were hard to find.

“There is an awful lot of stuff with the flag’s print on it and, even though I like to think that people are buying it all out of love for the flag, I suspect somebody is getting rich from it, and that is a shame,” she said. “Our flag is beautiful, and I just don’t like the thought of it being used as motivation to make money.”

Phil Croteau said he looks at the flag as a beacon of strength, perseverance, and freedom, and as a reminder of those who lost their lives defending those things. He said seeing and purchasing commercial items with American flag graphics takes away from what the flag truly represents.

“It takes away from the importance of the flag and diminishes what it is supposed to mean to the entire world,” Croteau said. “In other words, I think it is becoming more of a novelty item and being disrespected.”

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Wearing clothing themed after the American flag isn’t limited to humans. This black Labrador named Kole proudly showed off his patriotism at the Memorial Day ceremonies in Alpena on Monday.

Alpena County Veterans Counselor George Stevens said the flag means everything to veterans like himself. He said it is a symbol of everything great in the U.S. and he believes enough in what it stands for to risk his life defending the values it represents.

Stevens said that, when he looks at the flag, it also reminds him of family and friends who have served on the battlefield.

“It means that the people before me have given me the freedom of choice of what to do in my life,” he said. “It also reminds me that both of my grandfathers served in World War I and were highly decorated. My dad served in World War II and my uncles were in the Korean War, and then my generation was in the Vietnam War. When I see that flag, I see a representation of the generations of my family serving.”

Jacob Reilly said he doesn’t mind seeing flag merchandise, because it reminds him of the flag and what it represents.

“I have a lot of red, white and blue stuff, and I don’t think I’m being disrespectful to it,” he said. “If anything, it makes me proud to show off that I’m proud to be an American.”

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The Avenue of Flags in Alpena has become a popular destination in Alpena six times a year. There are more than 400 flags lined up in two sections of the city to commemorate and honor people. The flags will again be raised on July 4.

Michael Nunneley said that, to him, the flag is a reminder of those who died defending our nation so we can live free. He said businesses capitalizing on the flag for financial gain is unfortunate, but it is their right, as was earned by those who perished preserving those rights.

“It is a free-enterprise system, and everything can be commercialized because of the sacrifices represented by our flag,” Nunneley said. “With our freedon of speech and expression, Americans enjoy the freedom of burden of all uses and displays of our flag. Although frustrating as some may be, hence the burden of our freedom.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpeanews.com.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Smaller retail items, such as hair accessories and sunglasses, are also available to those who want to add a little red, white and blue into their wardrobe.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz There are hundreds of American flag-related products available in local stores during the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays, but it is not hard to find similar flag-themed products year-round.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The American flag at half-staff is a way to bring the nation together in a time of mourning. On Monday, flags around the area were at half-staff to honor our fallen heroes who died during our nation’s wars.