Posted on Sep 20, 2018
Sgt Jay Jones
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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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Edited 6 y ago
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Responses: 8
MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P
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Edited 6 y ago
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.
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Cpl Software Engineer
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6 y
Outstanding synopsis!
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MAJ Corporate Buyer
MAJ (Join to see)
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Great comment but it brings another question to my mind. Would you not call this an American flag that's worn on our uniforms?
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MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P
MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P
6 y
MAJ (Join to see) - Great question sir! Technically, I would say we could argue it is not (see the reference to official colors). On the other hand, it is widely accepted as such by common usage. The need for reduced visibility in combat is the easiest justification for the modification It's gonna take someone way smarter than me to settle that argument.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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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.
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Sgt Jay Jones
Sgt Jay Jones
6 y
design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
SFC (Join to see)
6 y
It's not a design, picture or drawing of a US flag. A US flag has colors. There are dozens of national flags with the same design but different colors. The colors plus the design make it a flag.
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MAJ Corporate Buyer
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I posted this above as well. Would you call this an American flag? If not, we probably shouldn't wear it on our uniforms. If so, then I'd call the black and white one an American flag as well. I don't know the answer, just food for thought.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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It's a subdued patch that's representative of the US flag, which means it doesn't warrant protection under the flag code. But, it is definitely good food for thought.
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Alan K.
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Seems pretty clear to me....Well meant but, inappropriate....
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