Patriotism in America
How to Display and Wear a Flag
Before the attack, houses displaying flags were few and far between. These days almost every block has at least one house flying an American flag.
Wearing Flags as an Article of Clothing
The flag is not limited to flag poles either. Jewelry with the flag is prominent, as are t-shirts and teddy bears. Flag pins are being worn by everyone, from presidents to Jay Leno. Red, white, and blue has always been a popular combination for clothing, especially in July, but these days it is even more so, and it’s not limited to summertime. Many stores are offering patriotic products. These days everyone is displaying his/her pride in the U.S.A.
It’s good to show patriotism, but there are rules to follow. Flag pins, for instance, should only be worn on the left side or lapel, close to the heart.
A flag itself should never be worn as an item of clothing. According to the US Code, it is unacceptable to wear the flag in any form, other than as a patch or a lapel pin. Some experts now advise us that having a flag in the design of the material is perfectly acceptable, just as long as the flag itself is not being made into an article of clothing. This is a change from the pre-terrorist attack days.
This is a different world now, and outwardly showing patriotism is becoming the thing to do. It is now acceptable to wear flag accessories. The only thing to remember is that the article must not denigrate the flag in any way. In all cases, the flag must be shown with respect. True, the code still frowns on images of the flag being part of apparel, but the times have changed. The code was written before the Supreme Court struck down a Flag Protection Act making it a criminal offense to destroy a flag. It was written long ago and was only intended as a guideline for showing respect to the flag.
How to Correctly Display a Flag
When hanging a flag vertically on a wall or out a window, as opposed to flying it on a pole, the stars should be on the viewers left side. The flag should not touch anything beneath it, including the floor. If other flags are displayed along with the American flag, the stars and stripes should be in the center of the group and higher than the others.
The spirit of American is alive and well. The country has survived a lot in its brief history, and every time something happens to shake it up, the people end up stronger and more unified. July 4, 2009 marks the start of the 234th year of the United States of America - the land of the free and the home of the brave.
How to Purchase a Special Flag
To purchase a flag that has been flown over the United States Capitol building, contact a Senator or Representative.
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