What are your views on people flying the flag out of protocol?

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 09:59:22 -0400

I live in an area the is a bit heavy on flag display. I feel that this is a good thing in general, but I sometime feel people are doing this for the same reason they put "support the troops" stickers.

I have seen flags left in rain, hanging at night with no light, hanging in tatters and even inferior to a church flag.

What are your thought on the display of "Old Glory"?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 10:05 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 10:05:40 -0400

I see that all the time. Drives me nuts. My flag is up by 0600, down by 1800, unless it rains. The sun never sets on it. It never touches the ground. When it gets tattered, I'll retire it.

I bought a flag a few years ago for a neighbor whose flag was tattered. The next time I drove by his house, he had his college football team flag flying over it. I damned near drove into a ditch.

Response by SSgt Jim Rooth made Mar 28 at 2015 11:38 AM

SSgt Jim Rooth — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 11:38:50 -0400

I display my American flag (higher position) and a USMC flag on a thirty foot flagpole in my front yard 24/7. There is a light that shines on the flag with a light sensor that turns it on and off. I do NOT take it down during inclement weather as I feel it represents my love and respect for my country in good times and in bad times. I do wonder why the comment about a religious flag. I feel we are "one nation UNDER God" and have always been taught that the only flag that would take a superior rating to the American flag would be one representing God.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 1:34 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 13:34:13 -0400

I too find it frustrating when the flag is flown improperly, I feel that it is great to show pride and patriotism by displaying our National Colors but it should be done with proper etiquette and within the regulations for its proper display and those who choose to do so should be educated in its proper use

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Apr 1 at 2015 1:36 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 13:36:45 -0400

I don't have time to be a huge stickler on flag code (which is a set of suggestions more than requirements). HOWEVER, if the flag is falling apart, take the damn thing down, give it to some Boy Scouts for proper disposal and replace it already! A tattered flag just proves its there because you think you have to have it rather than any real desire to fly the colors.

Going all nuts over it just furthers the public perception that vets are all nut jobs a split second from snapping over something "trivial." (note the quotes around trivial!)

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 4:37 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 16:37:52 -0400

No vote because there is no option for considering that the disrespect is not done on purpose.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 5:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 17:30:07 -0400

There is no manual that comes with every flag that's bought so I would sweat improper displays. If anything, I'd inform them of the proper use as not everyone knows the rules, nor even know that they are being disrespectful.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 1 at 2015 5:30 PM

SGT John Wesley — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 17:30:43 -0400

I've let people know to contact their local Boy Scout Troop to dispose of their tattered flag. They seem to "Get it" and understand that flying the flag is a responsibility .

As for work, (Govt.) we fly a flag daily and it is replaced frequently and we only buy "Made in the U.S.A." Flags.