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.
A copy of a national flag is never less important because its price was lower. It remains the official symbol of the country and so its special status requires that it's used according to a special regimen of rules. People may not be aware of all of these rules but the fact that they got their flag at a discount does not negate them at all.
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.
They should not, at any time, allow the flag to touch the ground. This is strictly prohibited. When raising the flag onto its pole, or lowering it to store at night, or when carrying it, it must not have any contact with the ground. This is a mark of disrespect to the country and is extremely reckless conduct by those who are guilty of it.
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.
The rules also determine how the flag is flown and at what times. There is a theory that the national flag is not permitted to fly at night. This is not completely correct. It may be flown at night, but only if there is proper lighting to show it to people.
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 rules are not hearsay or unwritten lore. They are official Public Law, legislated under the title of the Flag Code. However, disobeying them is not a crime, officially. The constitution allows for people to practise freedom of expression using the national flag. Even so, those who use it should always remember how important it is to the people of America, and that its abuse can negatively affect the country's reputation. Before you use the flag, read the Code and then apply its rules and principles.
A copy of a national flag is never less important because its price was lower. It remains the official symbol of the country and so its special status requires that it's used according to a special regimen of rules. People may not be aware of all of these rules but the fact that they got their flag at a discount does not negate them at all.
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.
They should not, at any time, allow the flag to touch the ground. This is strictly prohibited. When raising the flag onto its pole, or lowering it to store at night, or when carrying it, it must not have any contact with the ground. This is a mark of disrespect to the country and is extremely reckless conduct by those who are guilty of it.
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.
The rules also determine how the flag is flown and at what times. There is a theory that the national flag is not permitted to fly at night. This is not completely correct. It may be flown at night, but only if there is proper lighting to show it to people.
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 rules are not hearsay or unwritten lore. They are official Public Law, legislated under the title of the Flag Code. However, disobeying them is not a crime, officially. The constitution allows for people to practise freedom of expression using the national flag. Even so, those who use it should always remember how important it is to the people of America, and that its abuse can negatively affect the country's reputation. Before you use the flag, read the Code and then apply its rules and principles.
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