Do not disrespect the flag!

[Rastoff]

I'm a patriot.

In case the avatar doesn't give it away, I have a tremendous respect for our military members and what they've done for us.

The US flag is the symbol of my country and represents not just the country, but the pain and suffering given to make this a free country. It should be respected.

There are two things done with the US flag that are often misunderstood:

• Flying the US flag at half staff
• Flying the US flag upside down

Half Staff
Basically, only two people can order the flag to be flown at half staff; the President of the US and a state Governor. It is an honor reserved for people who have brought great service to the country.

Upside Down
The flag should never be flown with the union (stars) down except to indicate extreme distress or danger to life.


The US flag should NEVER be used to make a political statement. Lately some people around the country have used it to indicate their displeasure with how they believe things are going. Some have flown it at half staff to indicate they think their city/county/state has "died" through political outcomes. This is a complete and blatant misuse of the flag. It is extremely disrespectful to the country and to those for whom this honor has been rendered in the past.

Some have flown the flag upside down to indicate the country is in distress. In my opinion this is even worse. It trivializes the indication of distress. Further, it could lead to a person not responding to a cry for help in a serious situation because they might think it's just someone making a political statement.

I don't care what your personal beliefs are, the flag should be respected. I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see that people do these things either out of ignorance or just plain disrespect. There's a lot of angst running through the country. Don't let it extend to our flag.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Shortly after 9/11/01 everyone was flying U.S. flags, including some were displaying them from little plastic staffs attached to their car/truck windows. One of these flags was lying in the street and being driven over! I blocked traffic with my truck, got out and picked it up. Another man stopped traffic the other direction and we folded the flag. I ended up taking it to The Flag Lady's store, they collect flags for the Boy Scouts to properly retire.
My best friend was president of his American Legion Post, they have a solemn ceremony each spring to Retire flags and Retire the membership ID cards of members that passed over the last year. It is so easy to have a worn, damaged. or fallen flag retired! I went to work for a firm that flew a flag at every apartment they managed (117 in Columbus alone) We were issued 4 US flags a year, In a closet I found 15 wadded up flags that were in tatters. After work that day, I had the only veteran on my staff stay and we folded them all and I swung by The Flag Lady's store. Two days later I heard her on the radio asking people to render proper respect to their flags. She and the Boy Scouts also accept Armed Forces Service Flags, for retirement at the same ceremony. Since we are in Ohio, our state flag is retired the same way, but I have no idea what other states do.

Ivan

 

[soFlaNative]

For the most part I've had people get bent out of shape by merely saying "Hey fella, the flag's a bit tattered" to the Rufus in his pick up flying it off his rear. And the neighbor flying the flag day and night.
I know people mean well but it ain't no damn decoration... a fact I wish car dealerships would remember.

 

[coachray]

I no longer watch or support anything related to NFL football because of the disrespect for the flag and our nation.

 

[Marshwheeling]

It’s not about the flag.

 

[Funflyer]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op-oRFeb2P0[/ame]

 

[coachray]

It’s not about the flag.

I understand they want to make a point, but not standing for the flag IS about the flag!

 

[dougb1946]

I understand they want to make a point, but not standing for the flag IS about the flag!

It is legal. They are not burning it, nor trampling it in the mud, which, surprisingly, would also be legal. They respectfully take a knee. What could actually be more disrespectful than forcing someone to follow someone else rules for respect. Some of you were around for the Viet Nam demonstrations that involved throwing paint, blood, mud, or feces on the flag, stomping on it, burning it. If you bought the flag, you own it and can legally do those things. Taking a knee is not showing disrespect. It's showing disagreement and disappointment in a respectful manner.

 

[Kanewpadle]

People that disrespect our countries flag truly don’t know what it stands for.

The flag stands for unity. But mostly it’s a reminder to all of the sacrifice that many have made so that the rest of us can live free.
Sacrifices that are still being made everyday.

I am appalled and sad that people feel the need to act in such a manner. Sure, they have rights. But just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should.

When I see the flag and stand for our National Anthem, I still get choked up. Why do I feel in minority here?

 

[labworm]

It’s not about the flag.

Can't top your statement, fully agree.

 

[Watchdog]

It is legal.

Lots of things are legal. That doesn't make them right.

They are not burning it, nor trampling it in the mud, which, surprisingly, would also be legal. They respectfully take a knee.

I wish I could think of a way to respectfully tell you what I think of this, but forum rules won't allow it.

Taking a knee is not showing disrespect. It's showing disagreement and disappointment in a respectful manner.

B.S.

 

[Watchdog]

When I see the flag and stand for our National Anthem, I still get choked up. Why do I feel in minority here?

I don't believe you (we) are in the minority. Lots of people, especially veterans, feel that way. There's something about the sight of Old Glory flying in the breeze while our national anthem is being performed that can (and should) bring a lump to the throat of even the most cynical of men.

In the past, most people didn't talk much about their feelings for flag and country. But now, with the recent shenanigans of a bunch of overpaid athletes visible for the whole world to see, a new sense of pride is rising to the top. Some people call it patriotism. Others call it nationalism.

Whatever anyone wants to call it, it's a renewed sense of worth, a reinforcement of our beliefs and our sense of what this country stands for.

The kneelers are the ones in the minority, not us.

 

[rkittine]

When I was a kid, the flag had to come down if it was raining, could not stay up after dark unless it was illuminated, had to be burnt if it touched the ground etc. I remember the pride as a 10 year old having "Flag Duty" at school and putting up the flag in the morning. You also were not supposed to make anything out of the flag or its image like clothing etc.

It is too bad that people can not respect the symbol of a great country even if they do not agree with its politics or actions. The alternative is leave.

Bob

 

[lkabug]

I STAND!
Yes, I'm saying it loud.

 

[arjay]

It’s interesting that a country that was founded on rebellion against an over reaching government has so many who are against those who now rebel

 

[Absalom]

I want to make clear that I am not trying to impugn the motives of anyone here, so this is not in response to any post in this thread.

But it is interesting and a bit sad that many of the folks who get all outraged at the taking-the-knee stuff (and I fully appreciate and respect their feelings) are frequently nowhere to be found, seen, or heard when the flag is appropriated and truly dishonored in much more nefarious ways.

I am a bit suspicious about selective outrage.

 

[Ozark Marine]

Go ahead and protest, walk around with signs, chant slogans, go to public
protest rallies and yell as loud as you want. Hey even take a knee like the oppressed multi millionaires who play a kids game for a living do. That's a right that was given to them by those that fought and died, became lame and crippled for your right to so.

And in the end that beautiful Flag drapes our war dead and surviving veterans caskets.

Just don't ever spit on, burn, urinate, walk on and other disrespectful actions to show your hatred of our Nation's Flag and what it stands for.

Not very much to ask for in return.
Right?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I heard told that a particularly LARGE Midwestern city no longer lets its police officers blow their cars' sirens in pursuit of bgs. They play the National Anthem.

 

[WardenRoss]

Listed below are some of the things I learned in KINDERGARDEN!


Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1

§ 8. Respect for flag

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; ...


...The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing....



Title 36, Subtitle I, Part A section 301 United States Code – National Anthem

(a) Designation.— The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct During Playing.— During a rendition of the national anthem—

(1) when the flag is displayed—
(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and

(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

 

[labworm]

What my daily ride looks like, how about others here?