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 copy of a national flag is never less important because its price was lower. It remains the official symbol of the country and so its special status requires that it's used according to a special regimen of rules. People may not be aware of all of these rules but the fact that they got their flag at a discount does not negate them at all.
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.
It isn't acceptable for the national flag to touch the ground, at any time, for any reason. During hoisting onto the flagpost, or lowering in the evening, transporting it, or other handling, the flag must always be raised off the ground. Contact with the ground, at any time, is an insult to the country and shows an incorrect attitude on the part of those who are culpable of this issue.
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.
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.
Sometimes, it needs to be flown along with another flag. However, at such times two posts must be used, one for each flag. If only a single post is available, then the national flag is always hoisted first, above the other flag, never in the reverse order. It always takes the top position on the post.
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 copy of a national flag is never less important because its price was lower. It remains the official symbol of the country and so its special status requires that it's used according to a special regimen of rules. People may not be aware of all of these rules but the fact that they got their flag at a discount does not negate them at all.
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.
It isn't acceptable for the national flag to touch the ground, at any time, for any reason. During hoisting onto the flagpost, or lowering in the evening, transporting it, or other handling, the flag must always be raised off the ground. Contact with the ground, at any time, is an insult to the country and shows an incorrect attitude on the part of those who are culpable of this issue.
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.
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.
Sometimes, it needs to be flown along with another flag. However, at such times two posts must be used, one for each flag. If only a single post is available, then the national flag is always hoisted first, above the other flag, never in the reverse order. It always takes the top position on the post.
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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