...it's also Flag Day - interesting info
 

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Have We Taken The Starch Out of Respect for the Flag?
By Rebecca Robbins for Herald-Times
June 14, 2005

If you didn't remember that today is Flag Day, you are not alone. Wedged between Memorial Day and Independence Day, Flag Day is the forgotten middle child of the patriotic family. No one has the day off. Most people don't remember it. There are so many other holidays with better food.

Officially established by President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916, the holiday was intended to mark the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777, the day our newborn country adopted the stars and stripes. On Aug. 3, 1949, President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th National Flag Day.

Perhaps the real reason that Flag Day seems to have been forever relegated to the B team of holidays is that every day is now "flag day" in the United States. We have year-round flag clothing and flag home furnishings. We have flag-imprinted credit cards and cookie dough. Flag motifs are painted on boat hulls and gas station walls. We once saluted the Red, White and Blue at ball parks; now we sit on it … in the form of flag stadium cushions. We barely notice the big flags that fly at government buildings and schools, because there are even bigger flags that fly over banks and Bob Evanses.

With all our well-meaning patriotism, I wonder if the dignity of our flag is being compromised by all of this flagware. Instead of heralding our nation's founding principles, the flag has become the color scheme of the day.

According to flag historians, the colors red, white and blue are historically symbolic: Red signifies hardiness and valor; white, purity and innocence; blue, vigilance, perseverance and justice. Are these our noble thoughts when we spread the catsup-stained flag tablecloth over the picnic table?

The federal Flag Code contains rules and regulations about how the flag and its likenesses may be displayed. Section 8, "Respect for the Flag," states that the flag should not be "printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard." Ironic as it may seem, patriotic partyware may actually be a sign of disrespect.

The Betsy Ross Homepage (www.ushistory.org/betsy) offers some surprising answers to frequently asked questions about flag usage:

Q: "Is it OK to have a flag T-shirt with words written on it?"

A: "No, the flag should never be worn, and no the flag should never have marks or words written upon it." (Sorry, Old Navy shoppers.)

Q: "Is it OK for an advertisement to use the flag?

A.: "No. The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever." (Political candidates, you are not exempt.)

Q "I am thinking of getting a flag tattoo. Is it OK?"

A: "There is nothing in the Flag Code about tattoos … In this case, one person's respect is another's disrespect, and we advise against a flag tattoo. Perhaps an American Eagle would look good?" (Or better yet, "Mom.")

Addressing the Rolling Thunder motorcycle group at Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sported not his military uniform but his "riding outfit," a denim shirt emblazoned with a large flag pattern. Here was the highest officer in the military, recklessly tossing out the Flag Code in favor of one big, bad shirt.

Maybe it's time we returned to the days of true respect for the flag. Instead of reducing Old Glory to boxer shorts, we should reserve it for special observances, when we sit up, take note and pay it the respect it deserves.

Damn, I was thinking about putting my flag out but I wont be home until after dark. Had I know it was Flag day, I would have put it out. ARGH

good article, I kind of disagree with the no-shirts-with-flags-on-it thing... to the individual it may seem patriotic and not disrespectful. It's not like I'd wear another country's flag on my shirt... I think it's all up to the individual to decide...if they are happy to be an American, and not afraid to show it, why not wear a USA flag shirt, as long as it's made in the USA? (or you may as well have a China and a US flag on your shirt..lol)

As for napkins, I agree on it...solid red looks just as nice ;)

Any time you want to display the flag is OK, except on your foriegn car. I never forget Flag Day, but then again, it is my only child's birthday!

:) its also my birthday

geuss its forgoten too ahahha jk

the site actually sent me an email
iu love this site

You can leave the flag out if it is lighted. Either in a lighted area or better yet lit by a flood light.

I love the look of old glory at night lit by a couple of flood lights from below.
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...841-126140.jpg





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Title 4, US Code
 

:fyi: The full set of official rules for display of the US Flag are codified in Title 4 of the US Code.

It is US LAW and can be found here----> Title 4, U.S.C. :thumbsup:

and remember...old out of service flags are to be dropped off at your local V.F.W. for proper burning...do not discard old flags in the trash...thats a no-no...one of my buddies is a ex-marine...he does flag burnings the right way and is very adamant about it...do the right thing with old flags :thumbsup: ...semper fi...even though i was never in the military..my buddy russel allways says that and i allways saluted him when he said it...zap!