Friday, 1 May 2015

Rules About The Use Of Your Discount US Flags

By Toni Vang


The national flag is an instantly recognizable item. Even small kids know what it is and where it is used. As the national emblem of the USA, it is also recognized throughout the world. The characteristic red, white and blue is known everywhere on the planet. So, it might sound strange that discount US flags are sold at a lower price than others, since the design remains the same.

A national flag does not lose importance because you paid less for it. It's still the official national emblem. This means that there are specific rules and principles that govern its use. Not everyone may know all of these rules, but even if you paid next to nothing for it, you still have to observe them in how you use it.

The temptation is to handle the flag, or any flag, like just another piece of fabric. This is a mistaken attitude. It is not handled or stored like other fabric, and people should be aware of that. National pride is the guiding principle here, so those who handle the national flag should remember that and stick to the rules about its handling.

The flag must not allowed to touch the ground at any time. When hoisting the flag on the flagpole, or lowering it to pack it away at night, or even during transportation, it should not ever be allowed to touch the ground. This is seen as disrespectful to the nation and is careless on the part of those who allow it to happen.

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.

When hoisting the flag, there are further rules that should be obeyed. One such rule is as to whether the flag may be flown at night. There might be those who believe that the flag is not allowed to be flown 24 hours a day, which is incorrect. It is permissible, as long as the flag is lit up.

Another rule is as to the use of two flags simultaneously. The national flag is not permitted to be hoisted below another on the same pole. Where two flags need to be flown at the same time, they are required to be on separate poles. Otherwise, the national flag must be flown at the top.

These rules might sound like mere tradition or custom, but they are not. They have been officially promulgated in the American Flag Code, a Public Law. This does not make their violation an offense, since the First Amendment permits freedom of expression concerning the national flag. But those who use the flag should always try to remember that it is important to the people of the nation. Disrespecting the flag can harm the country's image. If you want to use the national flag, you should first acquaint yourself with the provisions of the Code, and try to understand the principles that it embodies.




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