Saturday, April 25, 2015

The Rules On Using Discount US Flags

By Toni Vang


Everyone recognizes the national flag, even little kids. Other people in other countries know what the unique red, white and blue pattern is too. It doesn't sound entirely right to talk about discount US flags, but nevertheless the flags are sold on that basis sometimes. What you should be aware of, however, is that the same rules of flag use apply to any national flag, regardless of what you paid for it.

However, this is so. But what people should realize is that the flag remains as important as it always is, despite its lower price. As a national symbol, the flag has a special significance which requires a traditional etiquette. This isn't something that everyone may be familiar with but the fact that the flag was cheap does not detract from this requirement.

A national flag should never be handled like other pieces of cloth, even though it is one. The rules for its usage apply to its handling and storage as well, and should be followed without exception. The motivation for these rules is national pride, so those who handle the flag should realize the significance of what they are handling and obey the rules as a matter of course.

It isn't acceptable for the national flag to touch the ground, at any time, for any reason. During hoisting onto the flagpost, or lowering in the evening, transporting it, or other handling, the flag must always be raised off the ground. Contact with the ground, at any time, is an insult to the country and shows an incorrect attitude on the part of those who are culpable of this issue.

The flag should also be folded correctly. A flag is not folded like other cloth. It should not be folded so that it has creases afterwards. This is achieved by lightly folding it into a narrow strip and then rolling it into a neat roll. It should not be folded square and flat like a sheet.

There are also regulations as to how to fly the flag, and when. Some people might suspect that the flag should never be flown at night. This is not entirely true. It may be flown after dark, but only if it's illuminated adequately where it's flown.

Sometimes, it needs to be flown along with another flag. However, at such times two posts must be used, one for each flag. If only a single post is available, then the national flag is always hoisted first, above the other flag, never in the reverse order. It always takes the top position on the post.

These are not merely rules of thumb. They are officially legislated in the American Flag Code but their violation does not constitute a crime. People are permitted their freedom of expression in their use of the flag. However, they should also consider that the national emblem is a matter of importance to the nation and that its misuse, for whatever reason, can potentially damage the image of the country. Those who use the flag should study the Code to understand how to do so and what the principles are behind its provisions.




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