Flag Code...Are You Patriotic?

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

hey ya'll,
I have noticed that ALOT of places homes and business alike fly Old Glory here in San Antonio. I am sure many other places do too. The majority of the people that fly her are doing so to show their patriotism. The problem is that they are ignorant of the Flag Code. There are actually certain rules and regulations on the proper way to disply the flag and when to fly it half mast and when a flag is too old or raggedy for display. The most common mistake that I see is a flag is still being flown when it is torn and/or faded. To do so is disrespect to the flag. I urge you all to go to http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It is a great Q&A site and has pictures of the flag code being ignored and it has a link to the actual flag code. Its a great site please check it out. As Patriots I ask you all to help me clean up our respective towns and cities by following the flag code. Please inform any neighbor and/or business that is flying the flag wrong and let them know the proper way to fly her. Old Glory is a symbol of a living nation and should be shown the proper respect. What I do is...I go into a business ask to talk to the manager and inform him/her of the violation very politely and give them a copy of the falg code that I printed out. Its easy. After that its up to themto abide by it. Thanks for all of your help.


If you have any questions on the flag code please feel free to ask me here or PM me.

[MTICop]

Great information. I hope the weblink gets used a lot and people "get smart" on the flag code. Thanks.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

Anytime. I hope it gets used too. Its sad to see the flag disrespected. I understand the majority of it is just ignorance but thats nothing a little reading cant fix.

[KaiserB]

There is a pamphlet published by the Govt Printing Office regarding flag display. We received a copy with our "US Airbase" flag which flew over Bagram Afghanistan during CJTF 180 Operation "Enduring Freedom". It gives great information that any American should know. Needless to say it drives me bonkers to see the American flag improperly displayed, or in poor condition still flying.

Recently my wife notified the local school that their flag was in shambles (ripped and torn but still flying). She received a very confused look in response, however a few days later the flag was replaced with a new flag.

[KBCraig]

It's one of my pet peeves, too.

One of the nicest examples of proper flag etiquette is the rest stop and welcome area in Texarkana. They display the "six flags" there, and when the flag is ordered to half staff (not "mast"! ), the other four flags are taken down completely. Only the U.S. and Texas flags are flown at half staff.

This past summer, I was disgusted to see two egregious examples of improper flag etiquette, performed by military color guards! One was a USMC reserve unit, the other was from the Arkansas National Guard.

[bryang]

I am glad to see there are many others that feel the same way I do concerning our flag. I proudly fly my US Flag every day. I take it down at night because I do not have proper lighting. I get highly up set when I see a disgraceful flag being flown anywhere. I have seen torn, faded, and improperly displayed flags all over town and most of the time I will stop and ask that they replace it or take it down. Many of us here have fought for that flag and the freedom for which it stands for.

God Bless America! ...and Texas!

-geo

[bdickens]

The other thing that bothers me is that people have started flying the flag at half-mast every time somebody famous sneezes. I swear sometimes it seems that the flag is at half-mast more often than not.

[KD5NRH]

The other thing that bothers me is that people have started flying the flag at half-mast every time somebody famous sneezes. I swear sometimes it seems that the flag is at half-mast more often than not.

I'd have to agree. When I have a flag flying, and they do one of those "half-staff for Billy, the President's Paperboy" declarations, I take it down for the duration.

I'll probably do the same for Clinton...and most likely her husband too.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

Its good to see so many people out there that feel the same way that I do in regards to disrespecting the flag. I live in San Antonio and I am astonished at how many business and residences I see disrespecting the flag. It blows my mind when I see a business and I have seen more than a few that fly the Mexican flag and NOT the American flag or the Mexican flag is in better condition than the American. It disgusts me. I have served for that flag as did many of my Uncles and cousins and to see her disrepected like that makes me sick.

[jmorris]

While I agree with the postings here about respecting the flag and following the code, the code is NOT law. It is a set of guidelines. From the website cited by the OP:

"No. The Flag Code serves as a guide to be followed on a purely voluntary basis to insure proper respect for the flag. The Supreme Court has ruled that politically motivated violations of the Flag Code are protected by the First Amendment.

The Flag Code has no provision for enforcement. No fines, no penalties. There is nothing law enforcement can do when the Flag Code is broken."

[MTICop]

While I agree with the postings here about respecting the flag and following the code, the code is NOT law. It is a set of guidelines. From the website cited by the OP:

"No. The Flag Code serves as a guide to be followed on a purely voluntary basis to insure proper respect for the flag. The Supreme Court has ruled that politically motivated violations of the Flag Code are protected by the First Amendment.

The Flag Code has no provision for enforcement. No fines, no penalties. There is nothing law enforcement can do when the Flag Code is broken."

True, but the Flag Code is not just something someone put up on a website because they thought it was cool. Respect for the flag has been around since we have had a flag and violations, whether protected by the First Ammendment or not, is conduct unacceptable to a lot of people including me. While someone may not be sent to jail for any of this, it doesn't make it right. Also, I find that most people who display the flag improperly ARE trying to show respect and pride for our nation and flag but did what they thought was right. When you politely let them know they are doing something wrong, they correct it immediately with heart-felt appreciation to you for correcting them.

As you can tell, I'm pretty passionate about this issue.

[Liberty]

While I agree with the postings here about respecting the flag and following the code, the code is NOT law. It is a set of guidelines. From the website cited by the OP:

"No. The Flag Code serves as a guide to be followed on a purely voluntary basis to insure proper respect for the flag. The Supreme Court has ruled that politically motivated violations of the Flag Code are protected by the First Amendment.

The Flag Code has no provision for enforcement. No fines, no penalties. There is nothing law enforcement can do when the Flag Code is broken."

True, but the Flag Code is not just something someone put up on a website because they thought it was cool. Respect for the flag has been around since we have had a flag and violations, whether protected by the First Ammendment or not, is conduct unacceptable to a lot of people including me. While someone may not be sent to jail for any of this, it doesn't make it right. Also, I find that most people who display the flag improperly ARE trying to show respect and pride for our nation and flag but did what they thought was right. When you politely let them know they are doing something wrong, they correct it immediately with heart-felt appreciation to you for correcting them.

As you can tell, I'm pretty passionate about this issue.

I never understood the passion about the flag. Please understand I am as big of a supporter of patriotism as anyone. Anyo one who knows me even casually knows I'm passionate about my love of country. My life and actions I believe support this. Its a symbol. a piece of cloth. I've known a few men who willingly went in harms way because of love of country, their fellow soldiers, or ther unit. In my experiance it's a fallacy that soldiers are willing to die for their flag.

That being said I understand that we should be respectful of of other patriots feelings, and not disrespect them. I wouldn't ever tread on a flag. Not because I respect the flag so much, but because I respect the folks that could be offended by that action.

I Corinthians 8 v13" Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."

I also don't hold much to rosary beads, crosses, and other images. Its the ideas that matter to me, not symbols. If these things help others find strength its a good thing. Faith and Patriotism can be seperated by the symbolism for some folks.

[tallmike]

I fly a flag everyday. I fly it every night too. I know I violate the flag code but Im OK with that. I know I would not take the time and effort necessary to put the flag away each night and I prefer to see it flown incorrectly than not flown at all.

You prefer to not see it flown than to see it flown incorrectly. The nice thing is we each have the freedom to choose the option that fits our lives best.

I did not serve in the military for a flag, I served for love of my country and the freedoms it affords its citizens. Hell, I dont even see a problem with someone burning a flag as a protest.

The freedoms afforded to the people are much more important to me than any symbol.

[MTICop]

I don't look at the flag as a piece of cloth but as a symbol of everything you described above and more. Our flag is not just a piece of red, white, and blue cloth with a bunch of stars on it.

Maybe this will help everyone understand how I view the flag. This is the only accepted flag ceremony script reading allowed by the Air Force and was read at my retirement ceremony as a flag that was flown over our nations capitol was presented to me for my 20+ years of defending it and everything it stands for. You are entitled to your opinion, and I love the fact that opinions on this forum can be stated in an adult manner. I may not be able to change your mind, our the minds of anyone else, but this way you will know how I feel.

It's a little lengthy but here it is:

Flag Folding Ceremony
Air Force Script

For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens.

Born on June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress determined that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternating between seven red and six white; and that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation. (1)

Between 1777 and 1960, the shape and design of the flag evolved into the flag presented before you today. The 13 horizontal stripes represent the original 13 colonies, while the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white signifies purity and innocence; and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. (1)

Traditionally, a symbol of liberty, the American flag has carried the message of freedom, and inspired Americans, both at home and abroad.


In 1814, Francis Scott Key was so moved at seeing the Stars and Stripes waving after the British shelling of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry that he wrote the words to The Star Spangled Banner. (3)

In 1892 the flag inspired Francis Bellamy to write the “Pledge of Allegiance,” our most famous flag salute and patriotic oath. (3)

In July 1969 the American flag was “flown” in space when Neil Armstrong planted it on the surface of the moon. (3)

Today, our flag flies on constellations of Air Force satellites that circle our globe, and on the fin flash of our aircraft in harms way in every corner of the world. Indeed, it flies in the heart of every Airman who serves our great Nation. The sun never sets on our US Air Force, nor on the flag we so proudly cherish. (3)

Since 1776 no generation of Americans has been spared the responsibility of defending freedom… Today’s Airmen remain committed to preserving the freedom that others won for us, for generations to come.

By displaying the flag, and giving it a distinctive fold we show respect to the flag, and express our gratitude to those individuals who fought, and continue to fight for freedom, at home and abroad. Since the dawn of the 20th century, Airmen have proudly flown the flag in every major conflict on lands and skies around the world. It is their responsibility…our responsibility…to continue to protect and preserve the rights, privileges and freedoms that we, as Americans, enjoy today.

The United States flag represents who we are. It stands for the freedom we

all share and the pride and patriotism we feel for our country. We cherish

its legacy, as a beacon of hope to one and all. Long may it wave.




(1) From a report Secretary of Congress Robert Thompson wrote to define the Seal of our Nation (1777).

(2) Text from President Woodrow Wilson’s Flag Day message (1917).
(3) Based upon historical facts

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

Dear Liberty,
How did you choose your name?

The Flag is NOT just a piece of cloth. Its a SYMBOL of a living nation. It represents freedom and LIBERTY. Why do you think that terrorist burn Old Glory? Cause its a symbol of our great nation and they want to disrespect us. It is OUR symbol. It represents us. Men and women have died serving under that flag. I can assure you they didnt see it as 'just a piece of cloth'. To think and to say that is to not only disrespect the Flag of our nation, the nation that gives you the very freedom you so dearly love and I can bet you take for granted but it is also NOT in the least patriotic. It disgust me to hear Old Glory being called just a piece of cloth. My family and friends have served under that 'piece of cloth' I still serve under that 'piece of cloth' I have a colleague that died while we were in Iraq under that 'piece of cloth' I have a friend who was drafted during Vietnam and lost his right arm serving under 'that piece of cloth'. Remember that there are men and women who are giving up their rights to fight for yours because of what that 'piece of cloth' stands for.