I am not writing about pre-game ceremonies at athletic events.
I am, however, writing about how we as ordinary citizens use and display and respect the U.S. flag. In general, I have observed that many, many citizens disrespect the flag even when these same patriotic citizens believe they are showing superior respect.
How can this be, you might ask? In so many ways. I've noticed to a disheartening degree the pathetic lack of respect for the flag ever since the events of September 11, 2001. You might remember that suddenly American flags sprang up all over our country, like an overwhelming crop of red-white-and-blue mushrooms. Folks put flags on every conceivable item and in every conceivable place.
I completely understand this as an act of defiance against those who would destroy us. But when I saw how most of these flags were left outside day and night in the rain and snow, and allowed to droop into the dirt and mud, I recognized that citizens have no clue about the proper display and care of the flag.
If you wish to honor America by displaying our flag, please don't let it become dirty and bedraggled, with frayed or torn ends. Please.
Here are a few guidelines for displaying our flag, from the Flag Code:
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.
No part of the flag shall ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. A flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be affixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
The flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset. If properly illuminated during the hours of darkness, the flag may fly for 24 hours.
When a flag is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way. You could contact an American Legion post or a VFW post for assistance.
As you can tell, seeing ragged, dirty, bedraggled, disrespectfully displayed American flags really bothers me. I've been known to point out to well-intentioned medical groups that the flags flying outside their buildings have torn and ragged edges. People mean well, but they don't know.
I'll have my flag flying for Veterans' Day, but only if the weather is fair. Check your flags for wear and tear and damage before then. Let's show true respect for this flag.
[I am now stepping down from my soapbox...]
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