Do you think it's OK for photos to be taken with adults or children using the flag as decoration on the ground? Why or why not?

SPC Jessica Stewart — Thu, 29 May 2014 22:09:34 -0400

I just saw this on my FB and thought it would be interesting to get the perspective of those who serve/served.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2014 10:26 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 May 2014 22:26:16 -0400

Can you post a link or picture for us to all get upset about?

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made May 29 at 2014 10:46 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Thu, 29 May 2014 22:46:07 -0400

Seriously? No. It is not ok. Definitely not. And I have to agree with MSG Stewart-do you have a link or pic? Get everyone fired up.

Response by SPC Jessica Stewart made May 29 at 2014 11:30 PM

SPC Jessica Stewart — Thu, 29 May 2014 23:30:56 -0400

For example, like this, the way they use in "professional shoots" as a decorative item but it is laid on the floor or touching the floor in some manner.

Response by SPC Jessica Stewart made May 29 at 2014 11:31 PM

SPC Jessica Stewart — Thu, 29 May 2014 23:31:02 -0400

I posted an example photo to the original post.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2014 12:00 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 May 2014 00:00:56 -0400

Originally, I was going to jump on the 'NO! KILL THEM ALL!' band wagon....but then I read SFC Smith's response about it being our job to protect people's rights....

So....while I do find it irritating and disrespectful to our flag, it is still my responsibility and duty to protect the rights of the individuals who look at the flag as a piece of cloth.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2014 8:58 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 May 2014 08:58:13 -0400

If the flag is on the ground, no. If people are sitting on it as well, no. If it is mostly draped over something, then I am alright with that. If aforementioned flag is also being stood on, then no. But everyone has there stance on how they are/can be patriotic and how they feel about the flag.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Jul 15 at 2014 5:21 PM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 17:21:25 -0400

SPC Stewart:

American Flag Etiquette

Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law dealing with American Flag etiquette is generally referred to as the Flag Code. Some general guidelines from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:

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.

The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.

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.

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.

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.

The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.

The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.

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.

Read a more comprehensive set of flag etiquette rules for display of the American Flag.

American Flag Protocol — Rules for Display of the American Flag

Display Outdoors

Over the Middle of the Street
It should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

Flown at Half-staff
To set a flag at half-staff or half-mast, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. When lowering the flag for the day, it should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered and removed. "Half-staff" or "half-mast" means lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. In a case where the flag is fixed to a horizontal or angled pole (often in residential situations) and cannot be flown at half staff, it is proper to attach two black ribbons to the end of the pole (not the flag) to show respect. Crepe streamers may be affixed to spear heads or flagstaffs in a parade only by order of the President of the United States.

Flown on the Same Halyard with Non-Nation Flags
The American Flag should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the right of the flag of the United States.

Suspended Over a Sidewalk
The flag may be suspended from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.

From a Staff Projecting Horizontally or at an Angle
The flag may be projected from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, with the union of the flag placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.

In a Parade with Other Flags
The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag, or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

With Non-National Flags
The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.

With Other National Flags
When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

With Another Flag Against a Wall from Crossed Staffs
Should be on the right, the flag's own right which is the viewer's left, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 5:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 17:22:12 -0400

No, no and no. If I saw it I would most likely go up to them introduce myself and tell them that I find it offensive and ask that they stop. After that walk away...I can't control others actions but I can let them know (respectfully) how it makes me feel.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Jul 15 at 2014 5:28 PM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 17:28:36 -0400

SPC Stewart:

Please have an understanding the oath that you took to support and defend the constitution of the United States of America. The American flag is sacred, the POW MIA, flag is sacred.

I would be interested in showing this to your CSM and having him or her provide you with instruction on serving in the United States Army. What does that mean?