What are the rules for flying the flag?

[Gaz]

I am an Australian living in the USA. While I love my adopted country, I also love my homeland. I want to be able to show my patriotic leanings by flying a flag or two or three.

So I had to learn the rules so I did not make an "issue" with the locals or even break the law.

So here is what I now know..

http://www.almostafarmer.com/flying-the-flag/

I hope it might help others

Gaz
www.almostafarmer.com

 

[Smart Red]

Always a good reminder, @Gaz! What really gets under my skin, besides deliberately mistreating the flag, is flying a flag with 13 frayed ends -- well past their proper life.

Wearing flags or flag picture is another bug-a-boo with me even though it has become so common.

 

[Gaz]

It is actually against the law to wear a flag...just no one seems to care anymore!

 

[Smart Red]

It is actually against the law to wear a flag...just no one seems to care anymore!

It is a 'thing' that happened after 9/11. Wearing the flag became a symbol of patriotism. Flags on police and fireman uniforms, sweatshirts, jackets and tees, even attached to cars driving down the street -- proving they are good Americans by improper use of the flag and being allowed to under free speech laws.

Before that, about the only ones wearing the flag were abusing it in protest. On the other hand, it should be said that not many schools are teaching proper flag usage so it may be more ignorance than disrespect.

 

[journey11]

I saw a young lady at the 4th of July parade this year with the stars and stripes plastered across the rear of her shorty shorts.

Also something that REALLY bothers me is that almost no one anymore shuts up and pays attention, putting their hand over their heart when the flag goes by in formal procession leading the parade. (It is also proper to clap instead, I am told.) At the corner I used to stand on with my grandpa, folks there seemed to know. But the place we've stood the past 2 years at the parade is inhabited by a long stretch of idiots.

My sister had her flag stolen out of her front yard because she left it out in the rain. Not sure if stealing is patriotic or not. They could have just left a passive-aggressive note.

 

[Smart Red]

That is all too true, @journey11! I was at a parade with my three oldest grands when the colors came by. I stood and asked my grandsons to remove their hats. Their mom (where did I fail?) reached for another drink and said I was being rediculous. As we continued to stand, a few of the other viewers chose to stand as well, but most seemed to be there for the sun.

 

[britesea]

Have you seen the picture of a July 4th parade where the only person standing for the flag is a disabled Vet? He was able to pull himself out of his wheelchair long enough to show respect, while everyone else is sitting on the ground or in chairs, sipping sodas and eating snacks. Really sad...

 

[journey11]

That is all too true, @journey11! I was at a parade with my three oldest grands when the colors came by. I stood and asked my grandsons to remove their hats. Their mom (where did I fail?) reached for another drink and said I was being rediculous. As we continued to stand, a few of the other viewers chose to stand as well, but most seemed to be there for the sun.

Or the free candy...

I saw that too, Britesea. So sad. I always wonder what the veterans carrying the flag think about it.

 

[Nyboy]

I had to get a replacement flag for my father who is a Veteran, he wanted one made in USA. I had to go to 3 stores to find one not made in China.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If the flag gets worn or damaged, find a Boy Scout troop so they can destroy it properly. We did a lot of flag retirement ceremonies when I was working with the scouts.