For my first blog post, I though I'd talk about somethings that bother me about the American Flag and how it's treated and displayed in our society today. I also thought it fitting as Independence Day is just around the corner.
My husband, Jonathan, and I were driving from Chippewa Falls to Eau Claire the other day, just after a passing summer rain shower. In Lake Hallie (the small town that nestles between Chippewa and Eau Claire) there is a park in which there are 10 to 15 American Flags flying proudly on their poles, and it made me aware of all the other flags being flown over various homes and businesses on our drive.
My father is a retired Master Sergent in the U.S. Air Force. Growing up, I was taught to revere and honor the flag, which I am proud to do to this day. Sometimes, I see the way the flag is treated by people who think they are fiercely patriotic, and I am troubled. I am sure their intentions are good, but, in some cases, I think people are sadly misinformed about how to treat this very real symbol of our freedom and the men and women who have sacrificed (sometimes ultimately) over our history.
On our drive, I saw a flag that was faded and tattered. It had obviously been left on this pole and forgotten for years. This is what the American Flag Etiquette website (www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette.shtml) had to say:
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
This means that if your flag is faded and looks like the winter hat I've had in the back window of my car for the past 4 years, you should take it down and replace it. Don't throw it away. Contact your local VFW or American Legion, and they can either take the flag to be disposed of in a respectful manner, or tell you where you can take it, if you don't want to do it yourself.
If a flag is in that state, chances are it was left out, night and day. Here is what AFE had to say about that:
The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
Take the flag down at night, people. Men and women have died to keep that flag up and in sight. Take it down respectfully and fly it again in the morning. Or, light it proudly so all can see the beacon in the darkness.
Now, let's talk about wearing the flag. After September 11th, many manufacturers made a lot of money making flag bandannas, neck ties, t-shirts, jogging pants, and dear God, I think I've even seen underwear. Does wearing the American Flag under your jeans where it can get skid marks seem respectful to you? No, I don't think it does. I understand that these garments and accessories were worn with the intent to show unity and support in a very dark time. Still, I don't think it was respectful. Now, it's a free country, so you can wear your stars 'n stripes thong, but you won't find any of that in my closet. Let's see what the American Flag Etiquette website has to say, shall we?
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
Also:
The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
And for those of you with the adorable flag-themed paper napkins for the July 4th BBQ:
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
Again, I am not saying that people are doing these things to be deliberately disrespectful, perhaps they are just misinformed. I also don't expect that many people will become informed by my humble blog, but I figured I'd give this the ol' college try. I know that if I walked into my parents' house wearing American flag jogging pants, even at the age of 30, I would get a stern talking-to from my father.
The flag is a symbol of the ecstasies of freedom and the agonies of the sacrifices made for that freedom. If you truly appreciate these sacrifices, as I do, then the flag needs to not only be flown in your yard or over your business, but in your heart.
