Respect the Flag! US flag code

[Chupacabra]

After watching the US/Barbados match I finally decided that USMNT fans need to be made aware of the US flag code. Every time I go to a US match I see countless violations of the US flag code. I realize that most people are unaware of the code and not aware that - even though they are trying to show support for the US - they are actually disrespecting the flag and being unpatriotic.

Here is a link to the US flag code: US flag code (http://www.legion.org/national/americanflag/flagcode)

Example:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2581883115_6d9bcc7c91.jpg?v=0

§ 8. Respect for flag
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.

I see this all the time, especially people wearing the flag like a cape or draped over their shoulders like a scarf.

See the guy in the background wearing a flag draped over his ass like a sarong? That is just wrong.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2581898485_d12a2c685d.jpg?v=0

If you know any of these people please make them aware of the flag code.

In photos and on the television broadcast I saw the flag worn as a doo rag (don't), head band, worn bandido style over the mouth and nose, etc. If you're wearing it as a cape, that means you're probably sitting on it and it probably frequently touches the ground. No flags should be worn anywhere on the body, so don't do it please!

(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

In front of section 138 at the Home Depot Center, someone draped a large flag that was touching the ground.

(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

Even event organizers aren't aware of this, as we often see large flags displayed flat on the field for the national anthem. This is the one violation of the flag code that probably merits the most discussion. Personally, I like seeing the BAF in the Sam's Army section, and I wasn't even aware this was a violation until I checked the code recently.

Please respect the flag. Please pass the word around to the various supporters groups. I know that none of you mean any disrespect, but it can reflect badly upon us supporters when people who know the flag code see us violating it.

If you see someone disrespecting the flag, please point it out to them in a polite manner since they probably aren't aware of the flag code (recently many politicians have signed autographs on flags - that's a violation of 8 (g): The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature). There are plenty of other ways to show our support without disrespecting the flag.

Thanks for your help getting the word out there!

[rksehga]

This AGAIN????????


The Flag Code is a joke. Think about the intent behind why people sport the flag the way they do.

Go back to drinking your kool-aid now.


After watching the US/Barbados match I finally decided that USMNT fans need to be made aware of the US flag code. Every time I go to a US match I see countless violations of the US flag code. I realize that most people are unaware of the code and not aware that - even though they are trying to show support for the US - they are actually disrespecting the flag and being unpatriotic.

Here is a link to the US flag code: US flag code (http://www.legion.org/national/americanflag/flagcode)

Example:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2581883115_6d9bcc7c91.jpg?v=0

§ 8. Respect for flag
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.

I see this all the time, especially people wearing the flag like a cape or draped over their shoulders like a scarf.

See the guy in the background wearing a flag draped over his ass like a sarong? That is just wrong.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2581898485_d12a2c685d.jpg?v=0

If you know any of these people please make them aware of the flag code.

In photos and on the television broadcast I saw the flag worn as a doo rag (don't), head band, worn bandido style over the mouth and nose, etc. If you're wearing it as a cape, that means you're probably sitting on it and it probably frequently touches the ground. No flags should be worn anywhere on the body, so don't do it please!

(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

In front of section 138 at the Home Depot Center, someone draped a large flag that was touching the ground.

(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

Even event organizers aren't aware of this, as we often see large flags displayed flat on the field for the national anthem. This is the one violation of the flag code that probably merits the most discussion. Personally, I like seeing the BAF in the Sam's Army section, and I wasn't even aware this was a violation until I checked the code recently.

Please respect the flag. Please pass the word around to the various supporters groups. I know that none of you mean any disrespect, but it can reflect badly upon us supporters when people who know the flag code see us violating it.

If you see someone disrespecting the flag, please point it out to them in a polite manner since they probably aren't aware of the flag code (recently many politicians have signed autographs on flags - that's a violation of 8 (g): The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature). There are plenty of other ways to show our support without disrespecting the flag.

Thanks for your help getting the word out there!

[TheDallasPerspective]

While I don't think the flag code is a JOKE, I do remember reading that a distinction is made between items with stars and stripes on them and "American flags." For example, the little flags you see in cupcakes ...

http://www.bakingshop.com/bc/img/F-6.jpg

... and on small sticks that are sometimes given out for free are not considered "American flags" but "representations of the flag." Bandanas with stars and stripes on them fall under the same exception. Although admittedly I can't find a reference on-the-quick.

You might have a point on real flags worn as sarongs or capes. But for whatever reason, I don't have a problem with that ... but I do hate to see the flag touch the ground. So to me, wear a sarong or a cape, but don't let it hit the ground. Go figure.

Anyway, the code is official and gives a great guideline in what "respect" looks like. But I wouldn't go as far as saying failure to anally obey it = unpatriotic. I would take a closer look at what appears to be someone's thinking behind doing what they're doing with the flag. And IMHO, wearing it as a cape at a national soccer team game is not "unpatriotic."

[Chupacabra]

While I don't think the flag code is a JOKE, I do remember reading that a distinction is made between items with stars and stripes on them and "American flags." For example, the little flags you see in cupcakes ...

http://www.bakingshop.com/bc/img/F-6.jpg

... and on small sticks that are sometimes given out for free are not considered "American flags" but "representations of the flag." Bandanas with stars and stripes on them fall under the same exception. Although admittedly I can't find a reference on-the-quick.


8 (i) 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 napkin 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.

[Galaxian]

my lord, there is always one of these threads once a year it seems like .

I love my country and I love the flag, but if i want to wear a flag as a cape while im supporting my country, i'm going to do it.

That might be my flag you are referring to that touched the ground, and I apologize if it was, because i dont like it when they do either. But I taped it up so it wouldnt touch the ground, but maybe the tape gave way.

Get over it. People are going to wear flag apparel.

[JeremyEritrea]

After watching the US/Barbados match I finally decided that USMNT fans need to be made aware of the US flag code. Every time I go to a US match I see countless violations of the US flag code. I realize that most people are unaware of the code and not aware that - even though they are trying to show support for the US - they are actually disrespecting the flag and being unpatriotic.

Here is a link to the US flag code: US flag code (http://www.legion.org/national/americanflag/flagcode)

Example:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2581883115_6d9bcc7c91.jpg?v=0

§ 8. Respect for flag
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.

I see this all the time, especially people wearing the flag like a cape or draped over their shoulders like a scarf.

See the guy in the background wearing a flag draped over his ass like a sarong? That is just wrong.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2581898485_d12a2c685d.jpg?v=0

If you know any of these people please make them aware of the flag code.

In photos and on the television broadcast I saw the flag worn as a doo rag (don't), head band, worn bandido style over the mouth and nose, etc. If you're wearing it as a cape, that means you're probably sitting on it and it probably frequently touches the ground. No flags should be worn anywhere on the body, so don't do it please!

(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

In front of section 138 at the Home Depot Center, someone draped a large flag that was touching the ground.

(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

Even event organizers aren't aware of this, as we often see large flags displayed flat on the field for the national anthem. This is the one violation of the flag code that probably merits the most discussion. Personally, I like seeing the BAF in the Sam's Army section, and I wasn't even aware this was a violation until I checked the code recently.

Please respect the flag. Please pass the word around to the various supporters groups. I know that none of you mean any disrespect, but it can reflect badly upon us supporters when people who know the flag code see us violating it.

If you see someone disrespecting the flag, please point it out to them in a polite manner since they probably aren't aware of the flag code (recently many politicians have signed autographs on flags - that's a violation of 8 (g): The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature). There are plenty of other ways to show our support without disrespecting the flag.

Thanks for your help getting the word out there!

I guess you've never been to a Fourth of July parade.

Good luck with your quest

http://www.depts.drew.edu/engl/events/marathon/PicassoDonQuixoteSancho.jpg

[GOOOOAL!!]

So under the strict enforcement of the Flag Code, all of the politicians who are wearing flag lapel pins are then the unpatriotic ones.

Since the flag is worn to symbolize being a true patriot by our Commander and Chief, then I think I'll keep hanging my flag over my shoulder and allowing it to flow freely in the wind. I like to think of my body as the flag pole since most stadiums don't allow me to bring in poles. I make every effort to keep the flag off of the ground and teach my daughter (5) to do the same. She has a smaller version and displays it proudly.

I'll keep showing my patriotism, thank you.

[FCDallasAddie]

Im aware of the flag code and can only offer this. I believe its up to the individual to uphold the code as best as possible. As for me, this country is the reason I travelled from Dallas to attend this match. I think you forget that its taking place at a soccer game and not some indoors convention! Its quite difficult to have all your belongings gathered and out of harms way in this type of atmosphere. If wearing my colors around my face or down my back seems disrespectful to people then I apologize but it makes me feel damn good and proud! With that, I normally wear it as so and will continue to.

[EdTheRed]

8 (i) 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 napkin 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.

So when are you sending the cease and desist letter to Ralph Lauren? :rolleyes:

[jott]

Really?! This again? Why do so many Americans get so worked up about the flag? It's a simple piece of clothe, which, in my view, has no intrinsic value. And so what if it touches the ground? During the anthems at the Euros each country's flag is lain out on the ground and I don't see Europeans losing their minds.

[NJgotlove]

Really?! This again? Why do so many Americans get so worked up about the flag? It's a simple piece of clothe, which, in my view, has no intrinsic value. And so what if it touches the ground? During the anthems at the Euros each country's flag is lain out on the ground and I don't see Europeans losing their minds.

although i agree with you....europeans dont have the same value towards their flags as we do..the flag is like the "symbol/head" of our nation...where as the queen is the symbol/head of England...different things...we treat our flag like a fragile 232 year old ruler...but i dont mind flags being adorned as capes and what not,maybe touching the ground is the only problem I really have

[JeremyEritrea]

So when are you sending the cease and desist letter to Ralph Lauren? :rolleyes:

And Tommy Hilfiger, Old Navy, and, of course, Jessica Simpson

http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/famecrawler/2008/01/01-07/jessica-simpson-flag-bikini.jpg (http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/famecrawler/2008/01/01-07/jessica-simpson-flag-bikini.jpg)

[Chupacabra]

So much for making a polite suggestion. I'm an SAR from a family where every generation has served in the military, and an ex-Marine who fought in Operation Just Cause so I guess my views of the flag are a little different than most of yours. When I see the flag's red stripes, I see the blood of five of my family members who received purple hearts, one of whom wasn't alive to receive it.

I have no problem with any of you who want to display your patriotism. Personally I thought most of you weren't aware of the flag code - most people aren't, and the actions of those people don't offend me. However, I am offended by those of you who are aware yet choose to violate it anyway, but I'm not going to kick your ass over it. A long time ago I learned that part of fighting for freedom is knowing that you're defending the rights of people you disagree with as much as those you do agree with.

[KingsCountyFC]

This is exact ideal america is based on.
I know the flag code.
And I'll wear it around my neck every USMNT game i go to.
I love this country and this flag...and I'll show it any way i want to.

[JeremyEritrea]

I'm starting to think that Jessica Simpson should be forced to remove that US flag bikini.

:D

[Chupacabra]

I'm starting to think that Jessica Simpson should be forced to remove that US flag bikini.

:D

Maybe it's time for an amendment to the flag code:
Section 8 (m) The flag shall not be used to obscure every man's right to view a woman's tatas, especially if said tatas are juicy, delicious and undeniably bodacious. Flags displayed in such manner shall be subject to immediate confiscation.

[blazindw]

While I don't think the flag code is a JOKE, I do remember reading that a distinction is made between items with stars and stripes on them and "American flags." For example, the little flags you see in cupcakes ...

http://www.bakingshop.com/bc/img/F-6.jpg

... and on small sticks that are sometimes given out for free are not considered "American flags" but "representations of the flag." Bandanas with stars and stripes on them fall under the same exception. Although admittedly I can't find a reference on-the-quick.

You might have a point on real flags worn as sarongs or capes. But for whatever reason, I don't have a problem with that ... but I do hate to see the flag touch the ground. So to me, wear a sarong or a cape, but don't let it hit the ground. Go figure.

Anyway, the code is official and gives a great guideline in what "respect" looks like. But I wouldn't go as far as saying failure to anally obey it = unpatriotic. I would take a closer look at what appears to be someone's thinking behind doing what they're doing with the flag. And IMHO, wearing it as a cape at a national soccer team game is not "unpatriotic."

8 (i) 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 napkin 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.

As an attorney, I can say that while the Flag Code is indeed correct, it is rarely enforced and hardly enforceable. In a day and age where presidential candidates are borderline vilified for not wearing flag pins, for someone to be cited because of improper display of the flag or using the flag would be inconsistent and the person would have many grounds for dismissal. People from small tourist shop owners to MLB Baseball (for putting the flag patch on their jerseys and caps after 9/11) to the President himself would have to be cited. As you can see from these few examples, the enforceability of this Code is near impossible because of the numerous violations and the expanded area of these violations.

I know the Code from when I was in the Boy Scouts, and we definitely practiced proper handling and display of the flag. However, the average American doesn't know the Code, and I can guarantee you that the Code is so expansive and vast that 99% of us, myself included, have unintentionally violated one or more provisions of that Code. At events like a USMNT match or a 4th of July parade or on Flag Day (June 14), the display of the flag in any way possible to express patriotism and love of country will most likely outweigh the semantics of the actual laws in place regarding proper display of the American flag.

Keep in mind, we don't encourage stuff like what English fans do to their flags, which is put messages on them or write where they're from on it (Example below). Such desecration of the U.S. flag would definitely be frowned upon, in my opinion. While it looks cool, banners that state the locales that people come from should not be placed on U.S. flags, but on blank banners that may be red, white or blue.

http://www.365englandfans.com/gallery/sa_ef_englandFans2%20%282%29.jpg

[rksehga]

As an attorney, I can say that while the Flag Code is indeed correct, it is rarely enforced and hardly enforceable. In a day and age where presidential candidates are borderline vilified for not wearing flag pins, for someone to be cited because of improper display of the flag or using the flag would be inconsistent and the person would have many grounds for dismissal. People from small tourist shop owners to MLB Baseball (for putting the flag patch on their jerseys and caps after 9/11) to the President himself would have to be cited. As you can see from these few examples, the enforceability of this Code is near impossible because of the numerous violations and the expanded area of these violations.



As an attorney, you should know that it is never enforced because there is no mechanism for enforcing it.

[blazindw]

As an attorney, you should know that it is never enforced because there is no mechanism for enforcing it.

You can never say never since it is on the books and I'm sure somewhere in the depths of history there is a couple instances of someone attempting to enforce it. However, it is very rare because of the reasons both you and I have mentioned.

[GlryManUtd]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF2iX2VG6e4&feature=related

my view