Changes in American Flag Codes

According to the American Legion (July 2008 edition) the Congress has made a few changes to procedures in use and displayment of the Stars and Stripes.

1)  It is no longer a requirement to destroy a flag that has touched the ground.  Soiled, but undamaged, flags may be washed or dry-cleaned now.

2)  The Stars and Stripes may now be displayed during in-climate weather, provided it is an all-weather flag such as nylon.  Most modern flags are made of all-weather materials so this should pretty much cover every citizen with a flag on his or her home.

3)  While bunting is not a US Flag, the code now covers such decorations and requires that the blue be in the center, then white then red.

4)  Veterans, even while not in uniform or in garb identifying them as veterans, are now permitted to salute the flag.  All other citizens should remove any headware, face the flag and place their right hand over their heart.

5)  It is now permissible to display memorial flags from fallen veterans.  Not only is it permissible, but I, personally, would say that you SHOULD display these flags.

The entire code can be seen at www.legion.org/national/americanflag/flagcode if you have any questions.

Just a note, you know how it APPEARS that the flag is reversed on the arms of United States Soldiers?  The reason that is correct is because the blue portion of the flag should always lead the soldier into battle, just as if the flag was flying on a mast as the army marched on.

I thought it was interesting at least.

I hope you all have a very happy Independence Day, even if you are not an American Citizen (and by American, I do not mean to slander those of Canadian or Mexican descent, we know that they are both a part of the North American continent and that you too are also “americans” I only use it in the tradition sense to refer to those citizens who are members of the United States of America.)

Yea, you can display the flag at night, provided it is illuminated.  So a street lamp across the street would give you the permission to fly the flag at night.

Used to be that they light had to be dedicated to lighting the flag.

BTW, I apologize, this topic COULD be classified as “political” since it is American Congressional codes and legislation we are talking about.  I hope the admins and mods forgive the political nature of the post due to it’s intent to inform the public, not to make a political statement.

Anyway, I’d ask everyone to take a moment to think about the veterans today and what our nation originally stood for on this remembrance of our Independence.

And as always, be safe!  (and if you get drunk, there are plenty of organizations out there that will bring you and your vehicle home for you, so please don’t drive drunk!)

@Motdc:

@Jermofoot:

This is the type of stuff they are working on?  Sheesh…talk about busybodies.

This might be political, but I agree with that statement…it sums up my POV.

“Law makers” (local/state/federal) should spend a year or two instead going through the law books and finding ones to get rid of, not inventing even more crap to justify their existance.

Amen.

There was a law written almost 4000 years ago that was summarized into 10 laws and those were the only laws.  Much easier for everyone to know the law and live by the law!

Granted, many find issue with the first three of those laws, the laws themselves are not the point, the brevity and proliferation of knowledge of the laws is admirable at the very least.

Honestly, if it is not in the first three articles of the Constitution nor is it in the Bill of Rights or other Amendments of said Constitution, then it should not be a law.  In my humble opinion.

But we do digress into politics and should cease.  The post was originally to raise awareness of new procedures put down by the 110th Congress in regards to Flag etiquette.  (About the only thing the 110th Congress has done right so far, in my opinion.  After all, they are to blame for the messes this nation faces, Congress is ALWAYS to blame for the messes!)