Posted on 06/14/2006 2:02:56 PM PDT by Steve Newton
I have studied the U.S. Flag code for many years but the code itself is not complete and there is much room for interpretation and misunderstanding including which law enforcement agency is responsible for enforcing the U.S. Statues protecting the Flag.
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I have studied the U.S. Flag code for many years but the code itself is not complete and there is much room for interpretation and misunderstanding including which law enforcement agency is responsible for enforcing the U.S. Statues protecting the Flag.
The answers to these questions are my opinion and mine alone. I do not advocate violating any law.
Here are a few common sense answers to questions that have come in over the years.
Q. If the Flag touches the ground should it be destroyed? A. Letting the Flag touch the ground is a sign of disrespect but happens all the time. If a Flag touches the ground accidentally make sure the Flag is not soiled and fly as usual.
Q. What if it did get dirty? A. Wash the Flag, preferably by hand, and dry before flying.
Q. So a Flag may be washed? A. Yes
Q. If my Flag becomes tattered on the ends should it be destroyed? A. Not necessarily. It is permissible to cut the tattered edges off as long as it does not noticeably affect the over all dimensions of the Flag. Using a straight edge you can carefully cut the tattered edge off and get more life from the Flag.
Q. My Flag pole is in the middle of a field with no electricity. I fly it 24 hours a day without lighting. Is this wrong? A. Yes, but with qualification. The statutes say a Flag must be lighted if flown 24 hours a day. But here is my opinion: I would rather see a Flag being flown than not. I would buy those solar powered lights to at least illuminate the area of the Flag itself.
Q. Does the American Flag ALWAYS fly above any other U.S. Flag? A. Believe it or not the answer is no. During Church services on board a U.S. Navy vessel, the Chaplains Flag may be flown above the U.S. Flag. It is my belief that this shows that God is above the United States. At all other times that U.S. Flag should be flown above all other Flags.
Q. When should a Flag be destroyed? A. This is a subjective question. Usually when the Flag is so tattered or faded that it no longer can be flown with pride. Let common sense be you guide.
Q. May I fly a Flag that was used to cover the casket of my father? A. There are no rules prohibiting this. In fact many people do fly the Flags that have covered caskets as a sign of honor to that loved one. I see nothing wrong with it.
Q. I live on a very fixed income and sometimes my Flag becomes very faded and dirty before I can afford to replace it. I still fly it with pride until I can afford another one. Am I wrong? A. I will catch some flack here, but again, in my opinion I would rather see the Flag being flown with pride than not being flown at all. Possible solution. Understand about finances. What you might do is contact your local VFW or American Legion and explain your situation. I bet they can find a Flag for you to fly.
Q. How do YOU destroy a Flag that has seen the end of its useful life? A. I burn mine. One of the most touching things I have seen is the VFW Flag burning ceremony. It is something everyone should read about and see.
Q. Who do I call when I see a Flag that should be replaced or is being treated disrespectfully? A. Good question. In my experience there is no law enforcement agencies charged with enforcing the Flag Statutes. (Except MAYBE the U.S. Marshal Service) I have found that a phone call to whoever is flying the Flag is usually enough especially if it is a business. If that doesn’t work you might TRY the police, the VFW or the American Legion. Or the news media. However, I would never get into a direct confrontation with someone. Your safety comes first. And remember, that person may be like one of the other people who have asked a question. They may not have the money to fly a new Flag.
If you are talking about someone burning the Flag in protest, I cannot advise you of any response. So far Congress and the Supreme Court have looked at this as a form of free speech. I happen to VERY much disagree with them.
A story. Heard today that an elderly lady flew a Flag on special occasions that her husband had flown for years before he died. Old Flag but I applaud her for her respect to her country and her husband.
Q. We all signed an American Flag and sent it to our troops in Iraq. Were we wrong? A. According to the Statutes you were. But here is where I will take more flack and I am not advising anyone to violate any law. However, I believe in my heart that if something is done to the Flag with RESPECT and honor, that it is ok. Honoring the troops in Iraq with a signed Flag somehow seems right to me. Again I think it is a matter of common sense and respect. I would not make a habit out of it though.
Q. How do I raise and lower my Flag. A. Hoisted it briskly and lower is slowly and ceremoniously.
Q. What can I do if I see the Flag being burned in a foreign country? A. Nothing that I know of. Come home if you can.
Q. I saw a rock star on TV. wearing an American Flag around his shoulders. Is this right? A. Ok, this is where I will get in trouble again. Rock star? Nope. A soldier coming home from overseas with a Flag draped on him. Yep. Again to me, it is a matter of respect and common sense.
Q. Can a Flag be used in advertising? A. NO. But this is very hard to prove. A Flag hanging in a store could be an honest show of patriotism. Or a callous advertising gimmick. If it is hanging in a way that offends you, say something.
Q. Do YOU believe in the Flag Amendment? A. Yes. Tell you why. To me the Flag is much more than a piece of cloth. When I see the Flag I see my father in Korea. I see the countless men and women who have died or been wounded. So to me, being disrespectful of the Flag is being disrespectful of them. I take it personal.
Q. With so many immigrants here now, would it be acceptable to you to fly the Mexican Flag at the same level as the U.S. Flag? A. NO! Not on my watch.
Q. I cut up a Flag and used a piece of it as the back round in a patriotic picture. Is this permissible? A. Humm. At first blush I would say no. But then again if you are treating that piece of the Flag with honor and respect and properly disposed of the rest of the flag--------. I am not sure about this. Let your conscious be your guide.
Well. These are just some of the questions I get. If you have a question about the Flag please feel free to e-mail me. My opinions are free.
Basically it all boils down to two things when it comes to the treatment of a Flag. Common sense and what is in your heart.
Steve Newton Steven.newton1@att.net www.silverstarfamilies.org
My magnificent American flag is flying on this Flag Day. May freedom ring forever!
My father subscribes to a service to put a US flag in his front yard on each national holiday for $35 per year.
I have never heard of a service like this.
OUTSTANDING
Steve Newton
Amen
Steve
I would add a comment about Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts in regards to two of your above comments.
If you need a flag and cannot afford it, contact your local pack/troop. Raising funds and buying (and even installing) a flag for somebody who really wants one, would make a great service project.
Also, scouts do flag retirement ceremonies, which are very moving experiences.
The U.S. Marshal service and the police department have no legal grounds to do anything if a flag is being treated disrespectfully.
Outside of possible arson or fire code violations, law enforcement is not permitted nor allowed to do anything that would hamper someone expressing contempt or disrespect towards the flag.
I think I finally convinced her that, while she would have a point if ours was a cotton flag, it is okay per the United States Code to fly an all-weather (e.g. nylon) flag during inclement weather.
I mention it only because I didn't find it in your article.
Indeed and thank you
I had forgotten the scouts!
And yes, what a great project that would be.
A real Flag retirement ceremony should be seen by all at least once.
Steve
You are exactly right
And thank you for reminding me.
All weather Flags are fine to be flown in the rain.
Steve
Yes
That has been my experience.
Kind of a shame
Steve
I would like to see flags made out of material that clings to the person burning them after ignition:-)
Understood
But I could not say that.
LoL
Steve
Lol
You DO make a person think
Steve
FLAG DAY!!!
BTTT
One of my pet peeves is seeing the Flag used on t shirts and other item such as afghans, home decor, paper tablecloths and once a bandana around a dog's neck.
"Is it okay to have a flag t-shirt with words written on it?
No, the flag should never be worn and no, the flag should never have marks or words written upon it. Section 8d (see below): "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel." Section 8g: "The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature."
Is it okay to use flag napkins or flag paper plates?
No. Section 8i (see below) reads: "It should not be ... printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."
"Q. Do YOU believe in the Flag Amendment? A. Yes. Tell you why. To me the Flag is much more than a piece of cloth. When I see the Flag I see my father in Korea. I see the countless men and women who have died or been wounded. So to me, being disrespectful of the Flag is being disrespectful of them. I take it personal,"
That would be my reason also.
Thanks Steve
One of the most interesting things to me was reading that the historical "Don't Tread On Me" Union Jack Flag is to be flown by all naval ships for the duration of the War on Terror!
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