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The Proper Standard
No flags on clothing, please
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.
Flag Code Section 8’s concept of “respect” for the flag of the United States of America can, at first glance, seem patent and trivial. There are certainly those who would imagine that any and all demonstrative uses of our national emblem are invariably “patriotic,” simply in their own right. We are of the view, though, that idle exhibitions of patriotism are little more than a tribute to the exhibitor, a self-pat on one’s back as it were, whereas “respect” speaks in terms of the flag itself. American Heritage (4th) defines “respect” as “to feel or show deferential regard for; esteem.” This is to say, one does not automatically “respect” the flag by its use; to the contrary, we suggest that one shows the opposite by its misuse.
Except for patches on certain uniforms (which we address in a separate column), please do not wear clothing of any kind embossed with the American flag. Please. “The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. Section 8(d). “It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.” Section 8(i).
No flags or flag designs as clothing? This may, at first blush, appear Draconian. But reiterating, one mustn’t confuse pretence with reverence. The first is of no moment within the body of flag etiquette, whereas the latter is at its very heart.
From prior posts, one knows that “[n]o disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.” Flag Code, Section 8. When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Flag Code, Section 8(k). The Flag Code’s lesson: thinking the image of the flag is any less deserving of respect than the flag itself is to miss the mark entirely. To think the emblem of our country might be relegated merely to an idle “design” akin to any beer company or tourist destination, to be thoughtlessly soiled and trivialized as any other article of clothing, shoved in the hamper, unceremoniously laundered, outgrown and over-worn and eventually, summarily relegated to the landfill when its use exhausted or fashions otherwise change—that is, to say the least, distressing.
Now you know. Still, you should also know that we do not look askance at those who do not follow our example, for it is that freedom itself that provokes the esteem we afford the United States, which the flag represents. If one chooses to wear clothing bearing flag prints and reproductions, one is free to do so, proving to all who care that he or she is patriotic; congratulations. In permitting personal choice to supplant the Flag Code, however, there should be no confusion that that is not respectful whatsoever of the flag of the United States of America.
Question: Look, for years I have bought the annual “flag shirt” sold in advance of Independence Day by a national retailer, and I am proud of the fact that I have eight different versions of it. Wearing this shirt is a proper display of the flag, right?
Answer: With all due respect, absolutely not. A shirt, even if arguably imbued with intangible value akin to a “trading card,” is designed for temporary use and discard, and hence it may not be printed with the image of a flag. Section 8(i). It is difficult to imagine any of us treating a shirt as the Flag Code requires we treat the flag of the United States of America, so this is as it should be. But we wish to be clear about another unfortunate issue raised by the “flag shirt” campaign. Your question amply illustrates that the effect of this sales strategy is to raise the value of the shirts (to induce their purchase) over the emblem itself which adorns them. Apart from diminishing the significance of the flag’s image, we are also of the opinion that promotion and sale of this “series” of garments is a regrettable, misguided marketing ploy, and “[t]he flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.” Section 8(i).
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About the Blogger
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.
Previous Posts
The Proper Standard: Does your athletic team wear the flag? It shouldn’t
| Thu, 18 Feb 2010 7:50 PMWhile 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. (…)
The Proper Standard: Flag patches on non-athletic uniforms
| Mon, 21 Dec 2009 7:33 PMI 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?
The Proper Standard: No flags on clothing, please
| Mon, 14 Sep 2009 8:19 AMWhile 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. (…)
The Proper Standard: Flag use and decorum in parades
| Sun, 23 Aug 2009 1:34 PMGiven 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?
The Proper Standard: Displaying the Flag: Half-Staff
| Sat, 30 May 2009 1:22 PMI 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?
The Proper Standard: Displaying the Flag: Typical outdoor use
| Sat, 30 May 2009 12:39 PMThe school in my neighborhood did not hoist the flag today. What up?
The Proper Standard: The Flag and the First Amendment
| Sat, 30 May 2009 12:31 PMI believe there should be a Constitutional Amendment against flag burning in protest. What is your view of that?
The Proper Standard: Retirement of the flag
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:33 PMQuestion: I live in a city, and cannot burn anything (much less a flag) consistent with the laws of my municipality. What do I do?
The Proper Standard: Respect for the flag
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:30 PMQuestion: It is disrespectful to the flag of the United States of America to dip it to any person or thing.
The Proper Standard: Authority and References
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:14 PMQuestion: May I display a United States Flag that doesn’t comply with the federal law, but is proper at the time of its manufacture?
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[...] for printing, embroidering or otherwise displaying on clothing as a general matter. (See No Flags on Clothing, Please.) We have also broadly construed Section 8(j) of the Flag Code which provides that “a flag patch [...]
I personally agree with the point about disrespecting the flag by wearing it and just disposing it like it was nothing, but i think that people should be able to wear the flag on shirts and other articles of clothing, as long as it isn’t in an inappropriate way. When people wear t-shirts with the American flag in it, it don’t think to myself “wow that person is really being rude to this country”. i think “wow that person must really appreciate that he is living in this wonderful country”, and thats why i think most people wear them, not to be disrespectful, but to honor our great country and be proud of it.
Thanks for your feedback and your patriotism, Brian. We empathize with your sentiment, yet sentiment is not where we’re going. You raise an excellent point, that there are First Amendment “free speech” issues in flag display, and toward that end, one can do with the flag largely as he or she will (wear it on a shirt, leave it in the rain, trash it, or even burn it in protest); a Constitutional point of sentimental preference with which we take no issue. Discussion of that basic, of course, would not be a very consuming nor terribly interesting blog. Rather, the Flag Code is the law of the United States of America, governs the propriety of our actions, and by virtue of our citizenship, we elect representatives who are empowered to change it if they will. Until they do, we submit that the rules are the rules.