ONE NATION, UNDER DOG IN BETHESDA - WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THIS? (PHOTOS)

One of the strangest things I've noticed recently, is the flag that has been raised high atop the Peripoint Building, at the intersection of Wilson Lane and Old Georgetown Road.

Click to enlarge these photos, and zoom in, if necessary.

You will notice the flag waving over the building features a dog.

What is this about, or is it just an attention-getter/conversation starter?

If it is, it worked.

BETHESDA U.P. RESTORES VETERANS PARK FLAG LIGHTING

U.S. FLAG

FLYING AGAIN

TUESDAY NIGHT

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

The U.S. Flag illumination problems in Bethesda's Veterans Park I reported here Monday morning, have been corrected.

Tuesday, 8:30 PM

Workers from Bethesda Urban Partnership fixed the lighting, and by last evening, the Stars and Stripes were flapping over Veterans Park once again.

Earlier Tuesday, I received a Twitter message from Bethesda U.P. that said the lighting for the flag was going to be fixed, and in the meantime, the flag would be raised in the morning, and taken down by dark.

So I was surprised to find the flag - properly lit - already flying over the park last night.

Bethesda U.P. released photos showing workers in action Tuesday.

Bethesda U.P. workers repair flag display
lighting at Veterans Park Tuesday
[Photo: Bethesda U.P.]

Kudos to Bethesda U.P. for addressing this matter, and I highly recommend everyone stop by and see the flag in its fully-lit glory after dark.  But if you can't, I've posted a photo above.

BETHESDA VETERANS PARK FLAG UPDATE

Last night, the American flag in Veterans Park was lowered and removed before dark.  As I reported yesterday, the flag had been flying in darkness recently, in violation of the U.S. Flag Code.

Veterans Park, Tuesday evening

While taking the flag down is the appropriate course of action, in the event no illumination is possible, this is not the ideal solution.

Is there a wiring or bulb issue?  If so, this should be resolved as soon as it is feasible to do so.  I'm glad that the flag is now (hopefully) going to be treated properly, and hope it will be raised again during daylight hours today.

But Veterans Park should not be left in substandard condition indefinitely.  We have a setup there to illuminate the flag and veterans memorial at night, and we ought to use it.  The park is a public space, and should be inviting to the public around the clock.  And with the monument and flag illuminated, it is also an inspiring place.

As the richest town in America, it's incumbent upon us to aim a bit higher than this.  If parks aren't going to be maintained in working order, taxpayers may start demanding a refund of the taxes they've paid for that very purpose.

IS NOT LIGHTING THE VETERANS PARK MEMORIAL DISRESPECTFUL TO VETERANS?

LIGHTS OUT

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

One thing that concerns me as summer begins, is the darkness at downtown Bethesda's Veterans Park.  As previously lit in the past, the fountain memorial to Bethesda soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice was visually impressive, and animated the park as a public space after dark.

July 2010

June 2012

After all, Veterans Park is not just a place to hang out or eat lunch; at its heart, it is a memorial.

Out of sight, out of mind, as they say.  If the memorial is hidden in the darkness of night, how is it reminding visitors of those sacrifices?  You're free to hang out there and enjoy life, because someone else gave theirs so you could.

I also wonder if the flag is adequately lighted at night, as well.  Technically, an American flag flown at night should be properly illuminated.

Is the unlit fountain a cost-saving measure?  Is the lighting malfunctioning, and in need of repair?  Given the unwise spending increases - and massive tax increases - approved by the Montgomery County Council, it would be hard to justify a cut in the lighting of a veterans memorial.  And a troubling statement about misplaced priorities.

It's time to turn the lights back on at Veterans Park.