CFR 4 U.S. Code § 8 - Respect for flag?

2018-09-20T19:36:41-04:00

CFR 4 U.S. Code § 8 - Respect for flag

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped.

(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.

The question is based on CFR 4 U.S. Code 8, does the flag below, violate Code 8? If so, how? If not why?

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Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Sep 20 at 2018 7:38 PM

2018-09-20T19:38:32-04:00

Great flag etiquette share.

Response by Alan K. made Sep 20 at 2018 8:00 PM

2018-09-20T20:00:33-04:00

Seems pretty clear to me....Well meant but, inappropriate....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2018 8:05 PM

2018-09-20T20:05:58-04:00

This is not a US flag. This is a black and white representation of something similar to a US flag. A US flag has a blue field and red stripes.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Sep 20 at 2018 9:16 PM

2018-09-20T21:16:36-04:00

That is not a US flag. The US flag has a blue field with white stars with 13 alternating red and white stripes. What is depicted here is something resembling a US flag. Given the "Thin Blue Line", "Thin Red Line", "Thin White Line", et al are meant to honor specific public servants, I personally don't have an issue with them.

It goes to the tradition of "intent of the law". No apparent dishonor has occurred, therefore no violation of the code exists. IMO opinion, this is much different than some other recent activities that are quite clearly in my mind meant as blatant disrespect to the flag and what it stands for.

It's a great thought provoking question Sgt Jay Jones and I thank you for posting it.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Sep 21 at 2018 8:24 AM

2018-09-21T08:24:30-04:00

This is a topic I've thought on and discussed with others many times and from what I've considered, I seem to be in agreement with others on here as well. That (and similar) items are not U.S. flags; they just look similar - the colors are different just as the flags of Italy and France aren't the same flag. They look similar, but the colors are different.

Now, if someone takes a flag that began its life as a U.S. flag and alters it *then* it's a disrespect issue.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 21 at 2018 10:17 AM

2018-09-21T10:17:30-04:00

And, freedom of speech overrides most of the disrespect aspect anyways... so the Supremes tell us. For the most part, an unenforceable regulation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2018 1:51 PM

2018-09-21T13:51:02-04:00

All of the references in US Code say "The Flag". Meaning an actual flag that is intended to be run up a flag pole or displayed in another outlined manner. "The flag should never have placed upon it.." Meaning if you go to Home Depot, buy yourself a manufactured American Flag, and then proceed to sew things on to it, paint it, or in some other manner, deface it, then you are in violation.

And before the picture is attached to my comment as well, we don't wear a flag, we wear a representation in the form of a patch. It's along the same lines as wearing someone's face on your shirt. It's not that person that you're wearing, its a visual representation of them.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 2:50 AM

2019-09-12T02:50:19-04:00

Good response here. I for one understand what the Code of Federal Regulations Part 4, United States Code 8 is referring to and why. The Flag, The National Ensign, the Colors, Our Nations Flag. All have the same meaning but a different message being conveyed here. I have a simple question, does any Police Officers have any problem with this flag being draped over their coffin when the die?
I see this flag flying on staffs on homes within my community. But also I see our National Flag being displayed on vehicles, motorcycles and homes. Everyone of us have earned the privilege and rights to defend our Nations Flag. Let’s not demeaned it. My professional opinion only.