Respect Our Flag
Respect Our Flag
Written by MJ Reporter Willow LaMunyon
Information copied from
The Department of Veterans Affairs
Photo of Soldier on Motorcycle is MJ Reporter Willow LaMunyon and MJ Creator Shelley Malicote Stutchman’s father Charles Malicote
Flag Photos from MJ Photographer Christy Moyer
I was a Cub Scout den mother for eight years. At the time, women were only allowed to lead boys between the third and fifth grades. In sixth grade, men took over the leadership, and Cub Scouts became Boy Scouts. With three sons who were scouts, one after another, and one overlap, which explains the eight instead of nine years, I didn’t protest the obvious misogyny, despite my strong feelings about equality. I didn’t want to be selfish about sharing the weekly care of a dozen very active boys, and I willingly turned them over to the dads.
My husband was an assistant leader, so I was still involved. However, the chance to stand back and let the dads take over was not to be skipped. I learned a great deal about scouting right along with the boys. For me, rope tying was always iffy because I couldn’t do the knots myself. I depended on the boys to learn strictly from the book.
Another thing that was strictly from the book was flag etiquette, but the reason was much different. Respect for the country was tied into respect for the flag.
Memorial Day is just around the corner and a good time to refresh our knowledge of a respectful flag display. The Department of Veterans Affairs provided these guidelines for displaying the flag. I have copied and pasted the information below from Guidelines for Display of the Flag (va.gov)
Guidelines for Display of the Flag
Guidelines for Display of the Flag Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol. In response to a Supreme Court decision which held that a state law prohibiting flag burning was unconstitutional, Congress enacted the Flag Protection Act in 1989. It provides that anyone who knowingly desecrates the flag may be fined and/or imprisoned for up to one year. However, this law was challenged by the Supreme Court in a 1990 decision that the Flag Protection Act violates the First Amendment free speech protections.
Important Things to Remember
Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag.
It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions.
The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
The flag should never be draped or drawn back in folds. Draped red, white, and blue bunting should be used for decoration, with the blue at the top and red at the bottom.
The flag may be flown at half-staff to honor a newly deceased federal or state government official through the president or the governor, respectively. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon.
Other Things Not to Do with the Flag
Out of respect for the U.S. flag, never:
*Dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors, and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.
*Display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress.
*Let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise. Carry it horizontally, but always aloft.
*Fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled.
*Place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.
* Use it for holding anything.
*Use it as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be used on a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police officers and firefighters.
*Use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper napkins, boxes or anything else intended for temporary use and discard.
During the hoisting or lowering of the flag or when it passes in parade or review, Americans should stand at attention facing the flag and place their right hand over the heart. Uniformed military members render the military salute. Men not in uniform should remove any headdress and hold it with their right hand at their left shoulder, the hand resting over the heart. Those who are not U.S. citizens should stand at attention.
When the flag is worn out or otherwise no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
Memorial Day, once called Decoration Day, is a time to honor and remember all fallen soldiers. It is a time to remember our family and friends who have gone before us and show our gratitude to honor our military, both active and retired. Memorial Day is a time to appreciate the country where we live.
Yes, we have faults and problems, but we also have so much to appreciate. To all our military, thank you for your service.
Respecting our flag gets a Medicare Jet-Setters Groovy Rating.