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.
To start with, a national flag must not be handled like an ordinary piece of linen. There are rules in its handling that those who handle it should observe at all times. This is a matter of national pride and as such those who handle the flag should be aware of the importance of what they are doing and how to observe these rules.
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.
Storing the flag is another important regulated activity. A flag is not folded up like other fabric items. It is not a sheet or a towel. A flag should not display creasing when it's flown, so folding it is different to other linen. Fold it lightly into a narrow rectangle, and then roll it carefully into a roll.
There are also regulations as to how to fly the flag, and when. Some people might suspect that the flag should never be flown at night. This is not entirely true. It may be flown after dark, but only if it's illuminated adequately where it's flown.
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.
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.
To start with, a national flag must not be handled like an ordinary piece of linen. There are rules in its handling that those who handle it should observe at all times. This is a matter of national pride and as such those who handle the flag should be aware of the importance of what they are doing and how to observe these rules.
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.
Storing the flag is another important regulated activity. A flag is not folded up like other fabric items. It is not a sheet or a towel. A flag should not display creasing when it's flown, so folding it is different to other linen. Fold it lightly into a narrow rectangle, and then roll it carefully into a roll.
There are also regulations as to how to fly the flag, and when. Some people might suspect that the flag should never be flown at night. This is not entirely true. It may be flown after dark, but only if it's illuminated adequately where it's flown.
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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