Is it disrespectful...

[EastCoastDawg]

...to leave unlit American flags in the grass overnight, or should I bring them in at sun-down?

[ElDiabloJoe]

...to leave unlit American flags in the grass overnight, or should I bring them in at sun-down?
I believe that traditionally and formally, they are codified to be lit at night. I personally do not find it disrespectful to leave it unlit - the very fact one is flying an American flag, to me, indicates pride in the flag, not an inherent disrespect. Now, if you have it laying on the ground or on fire... that's a very different story.

[fdpaq0580]

...to leave unlit American flags in the grass overnight, or should I bring them in at sun-down?

That is a very good question!
As a veteran, I shouldn't have to say that I love my country and the flag it represents. When I had a flag pole years ago, the flag went up in the morning and came down at sunset. But, the lawn flags, imo, are not in the same league, so to speak. Like a flag design shirt, dress or towel, or the "flag themed" wind socks at many of the gates, they send a message but not in an "official" way. By putting lawn lags out for a couple of days, it let's folks walking or driving by, day or night, that I recognize the reason for the special day, and it isn't just some random day off. Simply put, imo, the flag on the pole is a flag, while the little lawn flags are decorations.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I personally think that anyone who wants to demonstrate their patriotism by flying the American Flag, but violates the Flag Code, is a false patriot.

If you're okay being a false patriot, go for it. It doesn't "bother" me a bit. I just snicker as I drive by. I don't fly the American Flag, I don't have a flagpole, I don't fly any flag at my house. But if I did, I'd do it correctly according to the Flag Code.

I find it worse for people to fly fraying or faded flags, or to have those "Veterans/Memorial/WhateverElse Day" miniature flags sticking up at the edge of their lawns for holidays, and the flags are stuck in low enough that they touch the grass. THAT - I find to be intensely disrespectful.

If you're proud to be an American and want to show everyone your pride, you'll do it right. If you just want to posture, you'll disregard the code.

[graciegirl]

I personally think that anyone who wants to demonstrate their patriotism by flying the American Flag, but violates the Flag Code, is a false patriot.

If you're okay being a false patriot, go for it. It doesn't "bother" me a bit. I just snicker as I drive by. I don't fly the American Flag, I don't have a flagpole, I don't fly any flag at my house. But if I did, I'd do it correctly according to the Flag Code.

I find it worse for people to fly fraying or faded flags, or to have those "Veterans/Memorial/WhateverElse Day" miniature flags sticking up at the edge of their lawns for holidays, and the flags are stuck in low enough that they touch the grass. THAT - I find to be intensely disrespectful.

If you're proud to be an American and want to show everyone your pride, you'll do it right. If you just want to posture, you'll disregard the code.

I don't think that us older folks who find it hard to bend and stick those flags in the ground are disrespectful by putting them in the day ahead of November 11th. Even if they are not directly lit. Surely they can be seen because of our street lights.

I think we all know and care about the rules to always respect this symbol of our country that most of us love. Many of us were taught in Scouts the rules to handle the American Flag. Ours has become worn and isn't flying and is waiting in our closet for my husband to remember to take it to the fire station where we know it will be respectfully disposed of.

Most of us also remember to always say Thank you Ma'am or Sir for your service when we see those folks wearing a hat depicting their years of service.

I think sometimes that we must think and act with common sense so that we remind others that most American people are kind and responsible and law abiding and respectful of others.

[justjim]

Don’t I see small flags flying in military cemeteries? The thousands of flags are not taken down at night.

[4$ALE]

I don't think that us older folks who find it hard to bend and stick those flags in the ground are disrespectful by putting them in the day ahead of November 11th. Even if they are not directly lit. Surely they can be seen because of our street lights.

I think we all know and care about the rules to always respect this symbol of our country that most of us love. Many of us were taught in Scouts the rules to handle the American Flag. Ours has become worn and isn't flying and is waiting in our closet for my husband to remember to take it to the fire station where we know it will be respectfully disposed of.

Most of us also remember to always say Thank you Ma'am or Sir for your service when we see those folks wearing a hat depicting their years of service.

I think sometimes that we must think and act with common sense so that we remind others that most American people are kind and responsible and law abiding and respectful of others.

I agree..... Thank you. :ho:

[4$ALE]

Don’t I see small flags flying in military cemeteries? The thousands of flags are not taken down at night.

:BigApplause: Yes Sir, you do. They are placed to honor the Veterans who served our country by people who appreciate their sacrifices, not "false patriots".

[fdpaq0580]

Don’t I see small flags flying in military cemeteries? The thousands of flags are not taken down at night.

Yes.

[Maker]

US Flag Code US Flag Code (https://us-flag.net/code/)
Here are two very often ignored items. Especially clothing and when painted on the entirety of a golf cart

Standards of respect
The flag should not be used as "wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery", or for covering a speaker's desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general (exception for coffins).

Displaying the flag outdoors
It should be illuminated if displayed at night.

[Altavia]

Disney came up with this solution.

Behind The Magic: Why Disney Doesn't Follow U.S. Flag Code on Main Street USA. (https://orlandoparksguy.com/blog/2020/5/1/behind-the-magic-flags-on-main-street-usa?format=amp)

With so many flags presented all over Main Street USA, how does Disney honor the U.S. Flag Code? Here’s a secret: most of the flags we see, are not official U.S. flags, they’re props. They don’t have 13 stripes and are missing a few stars. These fake flags do not need to be taken in during inclement weather nor do they need to be illuminated at night allowing Disney to tell the same story consistently every day.

...

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/flag-retreat/

Flag Retreat at Walt Disney World
Speaking of flags on Main Street USA, since opening day at Walt Disney World, there has been a flag-lowering ceremony in Town Square every day. Yes, this flag is official, that’s why it’s lowered each afternoon. The ceremony often invites an honorary veteran to assist with the flag retreat.

It’s a very touching and moving ceremony, one that is truly a must-see event at the Magic Kingdom. The ceremony will start with a child volunteer who recites the Pledge of Allegiance with the help of the Dapper Dans. The Main Street Philharmonic will be there to play “God Bless America” and the National Anthem. I promise you won’t regret taking the time to go see it.

[Kelevision]

This little flags that stick in the ground are decorations. They aren’t considered a flag for the purpose of the flag code. Much like t-shirt, golf carts etc that have a flag symbol on them.

[metalic]

...to leave unlit American flags in the grass overnight, or should I bring them in at sun-down?

I circumvent the issue by putting mine out on the morning of the day being celebrated, and just for that day.

I have neighbors who seem to be trying to "out patriot" each other by putting out huge numbers of flags, and starting many days ahead of time.

It is, of course, their choice but, like Christmas being advertised earlier each year, I consider it cheapens the occasion.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

This little flags that stick in the ground are decorations. They aren’t considered a flag for the purpose of the flag code. Much like t-shirt, golf carts etc that have a flag symbol on them.

Correct! the Flag Code rules and application is for the military installations and government offices protocols. Civilians will not be approached by the flag police.

intent of application matters. . however, that doesn't stop anyone from observing proper flag code if desired.

[fdpaq0580]

Correct! the Flag Code rules and application is for the military installations and government offices protocols. Civilians will not be approached by the flag police.

intent of application matters. . however, that doesn't stop anyone from observing proper flag code if desired.

Excellent!
Now, about those "flag" lapel pins that politicians seem so fond of wearing, do the lapel pin police ever check to verify where they were manufactured, or under what conditions (Chinese child labor, etc)? What rules apply?

[JMintzer]

Correct! the Flag Code rules and application is for the military installations and government offices protocols. Civilians will not be approached by the flag police.

intent of application matters. . however, that doesn't stop anyone from observing proper flag code if desired.

You mean people who don't strictly adhere to the "flag code" aren't "false patriots"?

Whew! I was worried there for a minute....

[Moderator]

Thank you to all who served and all who wish to recognize and show respect.