|
Why I do not have a flag on my car...
The flag of the United States is a symbol of honor, loyalty and freedom. It is not a fad, it is not a trend and it is not something to be trivialized. There are specific guidelines as to when and where to display the flag. Following those guidelines shows due respect for our country and the symbols that stand for it.
I have always considered myself a patriot and I have always rendered honors to the flag when appropriate. I fly a flag at my home on holidays and occasions when it is proper to do so. It has always bothered me how people could continue to talk through the National Anthem, look around, keep walking, or just not pay any attention. I believe that you should stay still and face the flag when the National Anthem is played. You should remove your hat and cover your heart, or salute if in uniform. Flying the flag should be done in a respectful manner and do not think it is appropriate to fly a flag on my car.
I do not have a problem with cars painted up in red,white and blue. I have no problem with airplanes, motorcycles, helmets or anything else with that paint scheme. I have no problem with decals of the flag and I have nothing against clothing that looks like the flag. To me those are tributes to the flag and are not the flag itself. I was on a racing team where the colors are red, white and blue and the airplane was painted up in those colors. The airplane and the team are a tribute to America and to patriotism. The airplane is not a flag.
When the attack of September 11th happened, I flew a flag at home at 1/2 mast for 2 days. taking it down when the sun went down and replacing it when I woke up the next morning. Mine was one of two flags displayed at the time. It was also one of only two flags displayed on holidays in the immediate area. Within a week of the attack, many of the homes on my block had flags displayed. Most at the top of the mast and most stayed out all night, even though they did not have the appropriate lighting required. At the time that everyone decided to display their flags, mine went back into storage.
I started to see people wearing red, white and blue and flags were popping up everywhere. I only participated when they officially asked us to do so at work. Otherwise, I have not purposely worn red,white and blue. I have only done so if it just happed to work out that way. I did not want to be part of a fad, and I feel like people who are putting flags everywhere and wearing red, white and blue are only doing it because it is the popular thing to do. I have not purchased anything with a flag on it since September 11th.
I am an American soldier. I have served my country during war time and do not feel the need to jump on any band wagon or do anything just because it is popular. Also, I have raised my hand and gone in defense of my country and my flag, and have nothing at all to prove. I still feel that if you are going to display a flag that you do it in the proper way. I do not think they should be placed on cars and left out in darkness without appropriate lighting.
I often wonder how many of the millions of people who have gone "Flag Crazy" all of the sudden are willing to raise their hand and support and defend that very flag that they are displaying. How many would go to Afghanistan if asked to do so and risk their life for the liberty that the flag stands for? How many would have gone to Desert Storm knowing what we knew of how long it would last when we went? We did not know it was going to be a short war, we only knew we were going to do what we were told was necessary to defend our country...however long that takes. How many would drop what they are doing and go to Bosnia? If President Bush asked me to go to Bosnia, Afghanistan or Iraq now, I would go. Although that is not likely, it still is a possibility given that I am in an inactive reserve status and still age eligible.
It is my hope that people display the flag because it is in their hearts everyday, and not because it is a popular thing in our recent culture. It is my hope that when they do display it, it will be done so properly and with due respect. It is my hope that we as a Nation never have to go somewhere to defend our flag, but that everyone who displays it is willing to go, risk themselves and defend what it stands for. Sometimes I think I hope for too much.
This came from an organizational newsletter at a Federal Agency. It came shortly after I wrote this page for my web site and I thought that it's inclusion would be appropriate.
U.S. Flag Etiquette
There are a few rules regarding our American flag that you may find useful and informative.
Did you know that a flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or a boat? When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag.
No disrespect should be shown to our flag; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, or water.
The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
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. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform, However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.
Let us never forget that the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
| 
