"No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America."
That simple, yet eloquent, statement is from the U.S. Flag Code.
The point is a person may disagree with policy without disrespecting principle. We may criticize an elected official's position, but maintain respect for the office.
Disagreement, indeed, requires respect. A challenge requires too much time, energy and action to be directed at something that has no value.
Today is Flag Day, observed annually on June 14. It is a time to fly, celebrate and respect our flag as a symbol of our nation's principles.
It also is an opportune time to revisit proper etiquette. According to USA Flag Site, the flag should:
• Be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
• Be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
• Never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
• Not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
• Never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
• Not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
• Never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.
• Never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
• Never touch the ground or any other object when lowered; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
• Be cleaned and mended when necessary.
• Be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner when it no longer is fit to serve as a symbol of our country.
Fly and celebrate the flag today. Respect our flag and what it represents every day.