As we approach the Fourth of July, I'd like to suggest that we
all try to observe the basic rules of flag etiquette. These are the ones
that seem to be violated the most frequently:
- Display the flag only when the sun is shining; don't leave it out at
night or in the rain.
- Never let the flag touch the ground. Punching a row of little flags on
sticks into the ground at the front of your yard may seem patriotic, but
it's disrespectful if any parts of the flags themselves drag on the
ground and/or if they're abandoned there to slowly fade and
disintegrate.
- The flag is the flag, not a decorative item. Its image doesn't belong
on hats, shirts, swimsuits, towels, party napkins, or -- well, anything
(other than military/police uniform items, perhaps).
Jeff Carver
Alexandria