Do people know how often they violate the Flag Code?

Question

I know it's not law and I do believe in the right of expression.

But I see people who would claim to be "honoring" the flag flying ragged tattery ones, letting yard flags droop into mud, wearing them on clothes and spilling this and that one them, putting the logo of their favorite team on them...

Do people not know? Not care? Or do they think everything has changed with 9/11?

Answer 1

No, most do not know, or care. The attitude "I'm proud, I'm an American" seems to override the old flag etiquette.
But my neighbor knows. He is a vet, and knows that he is displaying the flag at night without a light on it. He does not care.
Veterans groups, here is your time. Make the rules on flag etiquette accessible, out there in the media. Take advantage of this post 911 spurt of national pride, and show us how to be responsible Americans. If more people know, more people will do. To me, to love our country is to love our flag, and for us to show it respect, is an easy and very visible way to show our love. It is visible to the rest of the world. No wonder the world laughs at us, and hates us. The rest of the world treats their flag with respect. You would never see a tatty flag mounted on a car window elsewhere in the world.
Did you all know that all you have to do to dispose of a tattered flag is to take it to your local veterans organization, and they will dispose of it for you? You might call ahead, and make sure they have the man/woman power to take care of it, but our local VFW has a "mailbox" outside of its front door, and all you have to do is drop it in. Our American Legion will do it, too., but do not have a box.
I think some people do not know what to do, and know just enough to realize it is not something you just throw in the garbage, and so leave it to fly, tears and fraying and stains.
Hey, Yahoo! We need news stories about this! People are interested! Hey Answers! people, talk this up!
I answered a question awhile back, got ten points, the person asked what to do with an old flag. He called the veteran"s organization, and got an answer.
"It's a grand old flag, it's a high flyin' flag, and forever..."

Answer 2

No, I don't believe people think about how often they are in violation of the flag code at all. I was working as a newspaper reporter during Sept. 11, when everyone began purchasing those window flags for their vehicles - they were illegal in our state, but even though that was reported multiple times, it didn't stop anyone. And I don't know of one person who was ticketed for the violation. As a matter of fact, people tended to be upset whenever we ran an article that mentioned that the flags were illegal, as though we were being "un-patriotic" to suggest that perhaps this wasn't the best way to express their support. It doesn't bother me when people, who I'm certain have the best of intentions, fly a tattered flag, and I've been guilty of wearing clothing with images of the flag. But in doing so, I was aware that what I was doing was against the flag code. I think many people may just be completely unaware, though.

Answer 3

I found that many people do know know the regulations for flying flags. I found great success in just the last year with just letting people know. One flag in particular bothered me a lot. It was outside a building that I drove by everyday, flying from a flag pole. It was very tattered and worn, you could actually see part of it looked like a streamer coming off it. I called the company that was flying the flag and left a message stating that it was improper and the flag was replaced that week. Now I just let people know (in a nice way) and most people are thankful for the knowledge.

Answer 4

I agree....ppl just dont care enough to learn the proper way of displaying a flag. It is to be taken in at dusk every night and everyone just leaves it. Its a total lack of respect for the flag if you ask me. Now on the wearing of the flag i differ...if material is made looking like the flag but not an actual flag I see nothing wrong with that but many ppl differ on that also.

Answer 5

I embarrassed to admit this, but before 911, I didn't fly a flag. After 911, I was one of those Johnnie-come-latelys who ran out to the hardware store and bought a flag and put it on my house. To this day, I still have a flag, but I haven't flown it correctly. I don't take it down at night, I let it get a little raggedy at times before I replace it, and I probably violate a few other "rules" as well.

However, the point is I AM flying a flag, and I AM showing support. I an not one of the "Flag Thumpers" who never said two words to me before I started to fly a flag, but now that I do fly one, I am being criticized to the point where maybe the "Flag Patrol" would like me to remove my flag, and not show any support to my country whatsoever.

I don't get the "Flag Patrol." Leave people alone and mind your own business! Quit discouraging Patriotism! You think you're doing a civil-service when all you're doing is discoraging people from waving a flag. I relate this to people who thump their Bibles, who discourage people from God.

Answer 6

Flag etiquette has long been lacking - back in the day, this was taught in schools. I think they just don't know.

Answer 7

What is the "Planet Earth" Flag? Do we have one?