Land company makes tenants fly the flag

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Anyone leasing land from Lincoln Land Development Co. better be flying a clean, untattered American flag.

If not, company spokeswoman Eileen Montgomery is going to let them know about it. Flying the flag is a requirement for more than 50 businesses that lease from Lincoln in two business parks. And it's Montgomery's job to check up on them.

"I've had people call me the flag police," Montgomery said. "Every once in a while, I go around and make sure everyone is flying the flag and that those flags are in good shape."

The job is a little easier since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks brought out everyone's patriotism, Montgomery said.

"In the past, I've had to crack down on some who either haven't flown their flag or those who have worn-out flags," she said. "I've asked businesses to replace their flags before, but recently I haven't had any complaints. I think with what's been happening, people are paying attention to their flags."

Flag sellers offer no standard for when a flag needs replaced.

"People with good sense usually know when it's time," said Ken Oglesby of Flag World in Springfield.