Disrespect for our Flag

[jblum315]

All over The Villages, I see our beautiful American flag on display in front of people's homes. However, leaving the flag on display at night is disrespectful and wrong according to the official protocol governing the display of the American flag. The flag is meant to be taken down at sunset. If it is left up, it must be properly lighted. It should also be taken down during stormy weather.
It hurts me to see the symbol of our great country used as a decoration and not treated with the respect it deserves.

[raynitsche]

Your soooo right but I don't believe many people know about being lit at night.

[mulligan]

If you look at the top of the pole, you will frequently see a disc which is a solar/led light. Not real bright, but probably covers the intent.

[redwitch]

Mulligan, I'm with jblum on this one. "Covering the intent" just doesn't cut it in my mind. It is to be lit up, not glowed up. And what, pray tell, is the excuse for leaving the flag out when it is raining?

I still have the flag from my father's burial. I remember the reverence with which it was handed to my mother. My father felt it was an honor to serve his country. So did my brother. I felt (and feel) it was an honor for my father and brother to have served under this beautiful flag of ours.

I don't understand how so many so-called patriots (many of whom are ex-servicemen) are so willing to show such disrespect to their flag. The flag does not deserve to be flying tattered on the back of golf carts. It should not be displayed in the dark. It should always come in out of the rain. It should never touch the ground.

[kb8tpw]

I too take exception to many many of the ways in which Old Glory is displayd in the Villages. My personal peeve is when it is flown from a small staff near the garage door and considered to be lit by the pole light. That doesn't meet the criteria, again, in my opinion. Most of the solar lights are questionable at best, but an attempt is made in any vein to comply. I would like to address one other point you make, that of inclement wearher display. I mentioned my opinion earlier, that doesn't matter.

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag. So, in regard to your displeasure regarding inclement wearher, I offer the following:

The Flag Code states:
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed, as you suggest, however, the language of this section reflects the now-popular use of flags made of
synthetic fabrics that can withstand unfavorable weather conditions. It is not
considered disrespectful to fly such a flag even during prolonged periods of
inclement weather. However, since the section speaks in terms of “days when the weather is inclement,” it apparently does not contemplate that on an otherwise fair day, the flag should be lowered during brief periods of precipitation.


Most of the flags available for purchase are made out of a light nylon which I would consider all-weather. They don't last too long and I use 3-4 a year replacing them frequently. In my nearly 3 years in the villages I have replaced two different solar lights as I was displeased with how they lit the flag atop my 22ft pole. I am also on my second "electric" light and am satisfied with that finally. You are absolutely right, there are a large number that pay the flag lip service and the flag code may be the law but there are no provisions for any ramifications and I would consider anything beyond that a political discussion that would not see the light of day here on TOTV.

I may be a bit predjuice, but after 26 years in the military and 24 years as a civil servant working on a base it was always reassuring when I left the midnight shift of working in the command center to see Old Glory flying out front. It seemed to make my nights work all worthwhile and reenforced what I had accomplished that night.

Drive around your neighborhood on June 14th, during the day and see the flags displayed compared to the day before. Most do not know the significance of June 14th........

God Bless the USA.

[notlongnow]

I do! It was the day that our current flag replaced the union jack.

Where I live I made the evening news because people noticed that I flew the flag at night and it had a light on it. Most people that contacted the news channel were not aware that this was the correct way to display the flag and had thought it should be taken down at night.

It is a shame!

[FoPAA]

Does anyone know where to take a wornout flag to get a proper "burial"? The only place I know of is the Boy Scouts.
Thanks, as always!

[CWGUY]

:)Does anyone know where to take a wornout flag to get a proper "burial"? The only place I know of is the Boy Scouts.
Thanks, as always!

Lady Lake Flag Store (http://ladylakeflagstore.net/)

[CWGUY]

All over The Villages, I see our beautiful American flag on display in front of people's homes. However, leaving the flag on display at night is disrespectful and wrong according to the official protocol governing the display of the American flag. The flag is meant to be taken down at sunset. If it is left up, it must be properly lighted. It should also be taken down during stormy weather.
It hurts me to see the symbol of our great country used as a decoration and not treated with the respect it deserves.

When I look around the Villages I don't see people trying to be disrespectful
of our flag. I don't feel hurt, I feel PRIDE.

Have you ever seen Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day weekend.
You might not like it ???
Flags In at Arlington National Cemetery (http://gosoutheast.about.com/od/eventsfestivalsholidays/a/flagsin.htm)

:rant-rave:

[jblum315]

When I look around the Villages I don't see people trying to be disrespectful
of our flag. I don't feel hurt, I feel PRIDE.

Have you ever seen Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day weekend.
You might not like it ???
Flags In at Arlington National Cemetery (http://gosoutheast.about.com/od/eventsfestivalsholidays/a/flagsin.htm)

:rant-rave:

Those flags are not displayed on flag poles. The Villages is not a National Cemetery.

[graciegirl]

Many of us were Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and then leaders in those groups, many of us are people who served in our armed forces and all were taught flag protocol.

Respect for our flag and how it is to be handled was carefully taught us years ago in school and few escaped knowing how to handle the symbol of our great country.

Our generation was taught to remove our hats and cover our hearts as it passed and never let the flag touch the ground.

Thank you Jeanne for the reminder and I feel in my heart that none of us would disrepect the symbol of this great country but may have forgotten some of these important points..

[Golfingnut]

The rules concerning displaying the flag at night are listed in Section 2(a) of the United States Flag Code, and are as follows:

§6. Time and occasions for display
It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

I find it more disrespectful to never have the flag out at all. At least when flown at night, that house had someone with enough respect to buy and fly the Flag. I am sure when they do fly it 24 hours a day, they are doing it with their heart in the right place, so please consider that before condemning their actions. Next forth of July, look for households without a flag at all.

[Uptown Girl]

Does anyone know where to take a wornout flag to get a proper "burial"? The only place I know of is the Boy Scouts.
Thanks, as always!

I don't know if you will feel that this is "protocol", but flags can be donated to Operation Shoebox. (Mondays @ Lake Miona rec center) This is the volunteer group that assembles and sends packages to our men and women serving overseas.

Within each bag that is packed is a note attached to a star cut from a retired American flag that can be tucked into a pocket or helmet.... notes of thanks that Operation Shoebox has received from recipients always include mention of that star. It is a gift of true caring to each recipient and touches them deeply.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I also think displaying an USA flag made anywhere except the good old USA is disrespect. So many have fought and died for the USA that the symbol (flag) should never be displayed unless it's with respect! Better to not display than to display without the proper respect

[dillywho]

The most disrespectful thing I see here is at the parades. There are many who don't bother to stand, remove hats/caps, either salute (current and/or former military are allowed to do this) or place their hand over their heart, and save the rest of their conversations until after the colors have passed. It doesn't matter who is carrying the flag, military or just the common man, it is still what you do.

On the other hand, I have noticed some in wheelchairs struggle to stand for those few seconds as the flag bearers pass. The men who do this always remove their headgear first. They often have to hang on to someone or something with their hands, but they stand as best they can. I have also seen women stand as best they could, too. Many of the ones in wheelchairs who cannot stand at all, still show their respect in whatever way they can. I really, really admire all these people who put handicaps aside to honor our flag.

[Gunner46]

My husband was a marine in the Vietnam war. We fly the American and POW flag, very well lit at night. It looks very patriotic and we are very proud of what they both stand for.

[Donna Temple]

American legion or V.F.W. They have proper disposal.

[goodgrief]

I also think displaying an USA flag made anywhere except the good old USA is disrespect. So many have fought and died for the USA that the symbol (flag) should never be displayed unless it's with respect! Better to not display than to display without the proper respect


We only buy Annin Flags and use a spot or flood light to illuminate whether on a pole or mounted to the house.

[Bosoxfan]

I haven't seen this mentioned but the one that bothers me the most is when folks put flags on sticks in the ground around their property.I personally take great care that any flag in my possession doesn't touch the ground. Also I thought the American flag should never be flown lower than any other flag.I guess these folks think they're being patriotic but I think it's disrespectful to fly the flag so low and to allow it to touch or in many cases lay on the ground!

[rubicon]

Isn't it pleasing reading the reasonable debate concerning treatment of an american symbol while in other parts of the world the slightest slight reulsts in riots and killings.

I have my father's burial flag contained in a display case located in my front room. One of my initial duties while in the US Navy was to raise the flag at sun rise and lower it at sunset. The flag represents in my mind the many men and women who fought died or were injured to protect our way of life and respect is of the upmost

[Taltarzac725]

Small Flag Etiquette | eHow.com (http://www.ehow.com/about_6637724_small-flag-etiquette.html)

I had the honor to take down the US flag a few times while as a volunteer at the East Lake Community Library in Palm Harbor, FL.

They did have a number of rules about how to take it down, carry it, and store it. Do remember that if could never touch the ground. The flag at the library was quite large.

I will try to be more careful with small US flags. It just seemed to be people displaying their patriotism to me to have the many small US flags you see in some neighborhoods on patriotic holidays. Some areas have hundreds in the Villages' neighborhoods.

[Bosoxfan]

Small Flag Etiquette | eHow.com (http://www.ehow.com/about_6637724_small-flag-etiquette.html)

I had the honor to take down the US flag a few times while as a volunteer at the East Lake Community Library in Palm Harbor, FL.

They did have a number of rules about how to take it down, carry it, and store it. Do remember that if could never touch the ground. The flag at the library was quite large.

I will try to be more careful with small US flags. It just seemed to be people displaying their patriotism to me to have the many small US flags you see in some neighborhoods on patriotic holidays. Some areas have hundreds in the Villages' neighborhoods.
Thank You Tal for that link. I kind of thought that no matter the size a flag should never touch the ground.I also found it interesting that it should not be placed where it can be splattered or soiled.Lots of the flags I see in the neighborhoods around holidays are right at the curb where anyone could splash it after a rain.Plus folks put them right next to the storm drains.:shrug:

[Mack184]

Jesus said "the LETTER of the law brings death where the SPIRIT of the law brings life". In an age where our school children are more often than not being told that our flag is an unworthy symbol of this nation and not worthy of their respect and proper protocol of flag use is rarely being taught anywhere, I think to nit-pick about people displaying the flag is a poor choice. I'd rather see the flag displayed than not displayed even if it isn't within the letter of the law.

Do you know that many communities in the US that have deed restrictions & covenants similar to TV FORBID display of the US flag so as to not "offend" some of the residents?

I think we should applaud those who choose to fly our nation's flag, and not worry too much if it's being put up or taken down according to Hoyle.

[jblum315]

Isn't it pleasing reading the reasonable debate concerning treatment of an american symbol while in other parts of the world the slightest slight reulsts in riots and killings.

I have my father's burial flag contained in a display case located in my front room. One of my initial duties while in the US Navy was to raise the flag at sun rise and lower it at sunset. The flag represents in my mind the many men and women who fought died or were injured to protect our way of life and respect is of the upmost

:agree:

[Shimpy]

I have another complaint about people with good intentions that don't know what is proper. There is a homeowner several blocks from me that takes it upon himself when to fly the flag at half mass. It is my understanding that this order is from congress or the president.

[casita37]

Jesus said "the LETTER of the law brings death where the SPIRIT of the law brings life". In an age where our school children are more often than not being told that our flag is an unworthy symbol of this nation and not worthy of their respect and proper protocol of flag use is rarely being taught anywhere, I think to nit-pick about people displaying the flag is a poor choice. I'd rather see the flag displayed than not displayed even if it isn't within the letter of the law.

Do you know that many communities in the US that have deed restrictions & covenants similar to TV FORBID display of the US flag so as to not "offend" some of the residents?

I think we should applaud those who choose to fly our nation's flag, and not worry too much if it's being put up or taken down according to Hoyle.


I was sitting here trying to put my thoughts into words before posting. This is pretty much it. I'm not religious, but the quote from Jesus hits my thoughts on the subject, and many others, smack dab on the head.

The only thing I would question in this post is that kids are being taught not to respect the flag. It may be different in the classroom now than it was when we were kids, but I really doubt anyone is deliberately telling kids the flag is not worthy.

[JoeC1947]

I have another complaint about people with good intentions that don't know what is proper. There is a homeowner several blocks from me that takes it upon himself when to fly the flag at half mass. It is my understanding that this order is from congress or the president.

I think you mean half mast, right?

[Mack184]

I was sitting here trying to put my thoughts into words before posting. This is pretty much it. I'm not religious, but the quote from Jesus hits my thoughts on the subject, and many others, smack dab on the head.

The only thing I would question in this post is that kids are being taught not to respect the flag. It may be different in the classroom now than it was when we were kids, but I really doubt anyone is deliberately telling kids the flag is not worthy.

Do you not know that in many states in many schools children no longer recite the pledge of alligence because "it may be offensive to others"? Do you not know that parents are suing school districts (and winning) to keep their children from having to say the pledge because it's offensive to them? This is becoming common news. Our flag, it's history and it's pride are under attack in many schools in many states across the USA.

I don't know your age, but those who attend school today are being taught things that are much, much different than people who attended school even 20 years ago. It's a very different world today, especially in states such as NY, CA & MA. The never-ending push by the PC crowd to see that no one is ever offended by anything, ever is taking a deep toll in our schools all around the country.

[KeepingItReal]

....

[casita37]

In an age where our school children are more often than not being told that our flag is an unworthy symbol of this nation and not worthy of their respect and proper protocol

Like I said, I know things are different in the classroom now, but I don't believe teachers actually go to this extreme.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

Jesus said "the LETTER of the law brings death where the SPIRIT of the law brings life". In an age where our school children are more often than not being told that our flag is an unworthy symbol of this nation and not worthy of their respect and proper protocol of flag use is rarely being taught anywhere, I think to nit-pick about people displaying the flag is a poor choice. I'd rather see the flag displayed than not displayed even if it isn't within the letter of the law.

Do you know that many communities in the US that have deed restrictions & covenants similar to TV FORBID display of the US flag so as to not "offend" some of the residents?

I think we should applaud those who choose to fly our nation's flag, and not worry too much if it's being put up or taken down according to Hoyle.

I disagree in a age when there is little respect for anything (country, human life and e.t.c.) I think it's important to teach respect for the flag and everything else that deserves respect. If someone was using your lawn as a restroom would it matter that the intent was to use a proper restroom? As our society has proven lack of respect for one thing leads to lack of respect for everything

[graciegirl]

After my first retirement in 2008 I worked in a middle school and an elementary school in KY and in fact my last day was October 14th, 2011. I am happy to say those two schools had the utmost respect for our flag and the reciting of the pledge of allegiance and singing of the national anthem occurred often at assemblies ect. On veterans day at the middle school I helped another veteran with a progam for all the students to attend one class at a time throughout the entire day. There are no doubt some schools that do not go to these lenghts but no doubt there are a lot that still do. If the parents don't support the schools efforts they are easily discouraged by threats of lawsuits for about anything they do.

I absolutely, completely, totally agree with Keepingitreal. That is my experience.

I have many young friends who still teach in the school district from home, and they are still teaching patriotism and respect for the flag in our area of Ohio. In our high school two local World War two veterans acccompanied a group of students to Pearl Harbor. Our teen grandchildren were so deeply moved by that experience.

I can't imagine that disrespect for our country or our flag is taught in public school. There are always extreme parents. Always, everywhere.

[casita37]

If someone was using your lawn as a restroom would it matter that the intent was to use a proper restroom?

That's also an extreme example and very highly unlikely to happen. If it did, probably the person using the lawn would be mentally ill, very low IQ or so sick that there was no control. So, to answer the question, yes, the intent should be considered, just in my humble opinion.:) If the person was of sound mind and body, etc., the intent should also be considered, and they should be arrested.

[Bavarian]

I don't know if you will feel that this is "protocol", but flags can be donated to Operation Shoebox. (Mondays @ Lake Miona rec center) This is the volunteer group that assembles and sends packages to our men and women serving overseas.

Within each bag that is packed is a note attached to a star cut from a retired American flag that can be tucked into a pocket or helmet.... notes of thanks that Operation Shoebox has received from recipients always include mention of that star. It is a gift of true caring to each recipient and touches them deeply.

Proper disposal of an American flag requires that the flag(s) be cut into strips and ceremonialy burned. Cutting stars out of a flag is flag desecration.
Contact the Knights of Columbus Assembly nearest you for help.