I have been meaning to put this post up for a long time. A fellow-writer, Mark Hummel posted a lengthy piece recently on his site, Organic Matters on this subject, and has given me permission to quote him briefly. His was entitled "I Want My Flag Back."
Another sight prompted me just the other day to finally express myself. I saw a pickup truck with an American Flag and a Confederate Flag mounted on the back. I was appalled. This is one of the most disrespectful sighs I've seen, and there are many more. Our flag has been hijacked to stand for only one side's point of view, and disrespected as a result. It is meant to stand for all of, "the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave" with "Liberty and Justice for All." Of course these quotes are still dreams, especially the last one. There has never been justice for ALL in this country. I pray it's not too late.
Mark mentioned some other thoughts: "Just as civil discourse used to exist even among those running against one another from opposite points of the political spectrum, there were once rules regarding display and handling of the American flag. Recognizing the symbolic power of service to country, they are rules those who have survived military combat have forged as ways to show proper respect. Whatever your personal beliefs about politics, please consider the following rules of flag etiquette provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars."
Before I list these, I have to note that any of us who grew up in the 1950s and 60s were taught these things in school, or in Scouts. I know I was.
Special Rules
Do not let the flag touch the ground.
Do not fly the flag upside down, unless there in an emergency (mainly meant for maritime vessels.)
Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
Do not use the flag as clothing. (I've even seen beach towel flags--talk about touching the ground!)
Do not store the flag where it can get dirty.
Do not use it as a cover, except on a veteran's coffin.
Do not fasten or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.
Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.
(I also remember being told that if displayed with other flags the American flag should be on a higher pole.)
Illumination Guidelines
Per Federal Flag Code, Section 2, Paragraph (a), it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sun set on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. (Not pickup trucks or other vehicles.)
However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if Properly Illuminated during the hours of darkness.
I must add a couple of observations of my own here. I was told the flag, if damaged or worn, was to be disposed of by burning it, not burying it or throwing it away. It makes my heart ache to see flags that have been flown 24/7 in all kinds of weather, becoming worn and in tatters, and still flying.
Thank you, Mark Hummel for giving me permission to summarize some of your message. It's something that has been bothering me for a long time.
