What are your overall opinions and observations about the respect exhibited by the general public towards our nation's flag?

2016-02-11T16:58:45-05:00

As a Life Member of the American Legion, the VFW, and many other organizations that participate in civic parades each year, I have witnessed a disturbing decline in the lack of proper respect shown towards our flag. People don't stand when the Stars & Bars pass by, they do not remove their hats or put their hands over their hearts, or quit drinking their beers or eating their hot dogs. What gives?

Response by SGT Benjamin Lindsey made Feb 11 at 2016 5:14 PM

2016-02-11T17:14:14-05:00

I have noticed the same thing. It really ruffles my feathers. The liberties afforded to everyone by this Great Nation and those who fought and died protecting their liberties, the least they could do is show respect for our nation's flag.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Feb 11 at 2016 5:17 PM

2016-02-11T17:17:42-05:00

I don't think that many of them have ever been taught proper respect for the flag. I am also sure that many more have no respect for the flag or for our country. However at least they are not flipping "the bird" at the flag like I saw on several occassions in the sixties.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 11 at 2016 5:20 PM

2016-02-11T17:20:41-05:00

The Flag is a living representation of the Nation itself. Many people do not show it respect because they do not respect the Nation it represents.

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Feb 11 at 2016 5:29 PM

2016-02-11T17:29:26-05:00

Many are ignorant. I stand tall at attention and place my right hand with hat over my heart. I love the National Ensign and will show proper respect. If anyone were to ask me why I do, which has never happened, I would explain proper respect of the flag. I guess too many people have not been instructed about proper flag etiquette.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Feb 11 at 2016 6:03 PM

2016-02-11T18:03:23-05:00

It depends on the venue. Everyone who attends a 4th of July parade is respectful. Unfortunately, the opposite is true of public school events. Last year I attended two different High School graduations one in Minnesota and one in Iowa. An embarrassingly large portion of the immigrant family members attending both ceremonies were downright rude during the posting of the colors and singing of the National Anthem. In both cases I had to ask folks sitting near me to be respectful and remain quiet.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Feb 11 at 2016 6:23 PM

2016-02-11T18:23:40-05:00

Beside a fire 4 ft high, this also burns my ass! Meaning the total lack of respect for Veterans, The country! Not taking your hat off during the Star Spangled Banner, Pledge of Allegiance and putting hand over your heart, and anything else I left out!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 9:28 PM

2016-02-11T21:28:53-05:00

My thoughts mirror most of the other posts; it bothers me, but I don't think most do it out of disrespect...I think most Americans are ignorant or lazy about respect and etiquette towards the flag.

The little amount of influence I have, I focus on my kids and their friends. At least my kids will do the right thing, and their friends will know what right is.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2016 11:26 AM

2016-02-12T11:26:18-05:00

” For those who have fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know." - Unknown

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Feb 12 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-02-12T21:09:57-05:00

Remind and teach!

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Feb 13 at 2016 5:21 AM

2016-02-13T05:21:13-05:00

Yes but i still show full respect as do my adult kids and i have corrected a few pepole at times