Proper Respect For the Red, White & Blue
“No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.” ~ Flag Code, Section 8
I grew up in an America where we stood to attention and recited the Pledge of Allegiance every morning before beginning the lessons of the day. I don’t know if school children still do this, but genuinely hope that they do.
Each year, beginning with Memorial Day, our house flies the American flag in our front courtyard and it doesn’t come down until it is tattered and torn from the elements. Flying the flag from your home or business indicates that you are proud to be an American. I am.
When I see people (and politicians), young and old not standing or singing “The Star Spangled Banner” at public events, I become fairly enraged. When I see the flag of this great country being abused or discarded I fail to understand how any person can be so disrespectful in not appreciating our flag with all the rights this country has given them.
So each year when it becomes necessary to retire my inexpensive little American flag, it must be done properly and with respect. The problem becomes, just what do you do with it?
The only definitive answer is found in the US Flag Code. TITLE 4 > CHAPTER 1 > Sec. 8(k). It states:
“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning”
For flag rule snd regulations visit this site. You can read about the flag code here.
2 Responses to “Proper Respect For the Red, White & Blue”
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I, too, grew up reciting the Pledge of Allegiance (with my hand over my heart) every grade-school morning. Whenever I see the American flag flying, I feel the warmth in my heart of being an American.
Thanks, Denise, for bringing up the respect that is due from all Americans who enjoy the hard-won freedoms we enjoy.
A happy American from the Midwest,
Carolyn
Carolyn — it is nice to meet another happy American!