• All stories by Ross and Hunter Simmons

  • Does your athletic team wear the flag? It shouldn’t

    February 18, 2010

    While there is no greater symbol of freedom world-wide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette: Prohibited Flags on Athletic Uniforms. (…)

    Blogs > The Proper Standard

  • Flag patches on non-athletic uniforms

    December 21, 2009

    I passed a “motorcycle gang,” each member of which had a flag patch sewn on the shoulder of their leather jackets. Surely this can’t be OK?

    Blogs > The Proper Standard

  • No flags on clothing, please

    September 14, 2009

    While there is no greater symbol of freedom world-wide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette: No Flags on Clothing, Please. (…)

    Blogs > The Proper Standard

  • Flag use and decorum in parades

    August 23, 2009

    Given my United States citizenship, and my commitment and oath to this country, what tribute, if any, should I pay to the flag of foreign countries should they be displayed on this occasion?

    Blogs > The Proper Standard

  • Displaying the Flag: Half-Staff

    May 30, 2009

    I cannot fly my flag at half-staff. Is it appropriate for me to display the flag in this manner on days or on occasions where the flag should be at half-staff?

    Blogs > The Proper Standard

  • Displaying the Flag: Typical outdoor use

    The school in my neighborhood did not hoist the flag today. What up?

    Blogs > The Proper Standard

  • The Flag and the First Amendment

    I believe there should be a Constitutional Amendment against flag burning in protest. What is your view of that?

    Blogs > The Proper Standard

  • Retirement of the flag

    May 14, 2009

    Question: I live in a city, and cannot burn anything (much less a flag) consistent with the laws of my municipality. What do I do?

    Blogs > The Proper Standard

  • Respect for the flag

    Question: It is disrespectful to the flag of the United States of America to dip it to any person or thing.

    Blogs > The Proper Standard

  • Authority and References

    Question: May I display a United States Flag that doesn’t comply with the federal law, but is proper at the time of its manufacture?

    Blogs > The Proper Standard

• About the Author

  We all admire those who defend the American flag, and “the republic for which it stands.” Well, Ross Simmons and his son, Hunter, are dedicated to preserving that sentiment, through that emblem’s appropriate display in the Homeland. As life members of the National Eagle Scout Association, they regularly participate in Boy Scout-sanctioned flag retirement ceremonies, and have been researching flag etiquette and teaching it to the public for years. There are a slew of requirements about how to handle, display, and show respect for the flag (or more particularly, what should not be done with Old Glory) that you might not know about, and Ross and Hunter are eager to share them.

  Ross says: “It wasn’t long after 9/11 when Hunter and I would find ourselves routinely disappointed about people flying tattered flags, or leaving their flags out in the rain, etc. Granted, we knew it not prompted by disrespect, but we struggled to find a way to politely approach our neighbors, and ‘correct’ them by explaining that in showing their patriotism, they were actually doing the exact opposite by doing so inappropriately.” Ergo, “The Proper Standard.”

  Ross grew up in El Centro, and was the sole raiser and lowerer of the flag at De Anza Elementary School for three years as a student there. His son, Hunter, has spent seven years teaching flag etiquette to youth. Presently, Ross is a corporate law attorney practicing in Rancho Bernardo, where he lives with his wife, Marcie. Hunter is attending college at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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