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.
However, this is so. But what people should realize is that the flag remains as important as it always is, despite its lower price. As a national symbol, the flag has a special significance which requires a traditional etiquette. This isn't something that everyone may be familiar with but the fact that the flag was cheap does not detract from this requirement.
A national flag should never be handled like other pieces of cloth, even though it is one. The rules for its usage apply to its handling and storage as well, and should be followed without exception. The motivation for these rules is national pride, so those who handle the flag should realize the significance of what they are handling and obey the rules as a matter of course.
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.
Also, the flag should be folded as a flag should be, and not into the usual square flat shape like bed linen is. The proper way to fold a flag is to fold it gently into a narrow piece and then slowly roll it up into a tidy roll of fabric. The purpose of this is that it should not show creases when it's flown on the post.
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.
If it is necessary to fly two flags in conjunction, and one of them is the national flag, the latter always goes on top. Officially, two posts are supposed to be used, but where only one is available, the national flag always has the superior position at the top of 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.
However, this is so. But what people should realize is that the flag remains as important as it always is, despite its lower price. As a national symbol, the flag has a special significance which requires a traditional etiquette. This isn't something that everyone may be familiar with but the fact that the flag was cheap does not detract from this requirement.
A national flag should never be handled like other pieces of cloth, even though it is one. The rules for its usage apply to its handling and storage as well, and should be followed without exception. The motivation for these rules is national pride, so those who handle the flag should realize the significance of what they are handling and obey the rules as a matter of course.
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.
Also, the flag should be folded as a flag should be, and not into the usual square flat shape like bed linen is. The proper way to fold a flag is to fold it gently into a narrow piece and then slowly roll it up into a tidy roll of fabric. The purpose of this is that it should not show creases when it's flown on the post.
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.
If it is necessary to fly two flags in conjunction, and one of them is the national flag, the latter always goes on top. Officially, two posts are supposed to be used, but where only one is available, the national flag always has the superior position at the top of 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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