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Posted by Nick on Monday, May 25, 2009 at 23:42:58 :
In Reply to: More flag protocol posted by Clint Dixon on Monday, May 25, 2009 at 20:59:49 :
Clint,
I have always noticed the treatment of the Stars and Stripes, and it became a passion for me.
I was at one time the Director of our department's Honor Guard, CDF Firefighters Honor Guard. I was in this position for three years after spending five years coming up thru the ranks. And when I became the Director, I made serious changes in the way our Honor Guard handled and treated and showed respect for the flag.
All that I learned, and by no means do i know alot about it, I learned by studying and reading on my own. I saw the way others treated the flag and mishandled it.
The main reason for this is lack of education. So I made it my mission when I was the Director, to educate and inform everyone I noticed was doing something worg, in the proper way to display and treat the flag.
I consider it an honor to display the flag in front of my house on a pole, not just a short one hanging from the side of my house, but a 25' one prominately placed in my front yard.
The proper display techniques I use have created some interesting encounters with neighbors and passers by.
I take the time, every single time, that someone asks the reasoning for why Im doing what Im doing. I explain as much as I can while I have that person's attention.
Then when I finish, or sometimes during the conversations, I provide that person with a copy of the Falg Ettiquite phamplet that is provided with each and every flag purchased.
My Uncle was at one time the President of Annin Flag Company in New jersey, so I have quite a collection of flags, and a stack of the phamplets they include with each and every flag. The lack of concern by most is do to laziness of not reading the phamplet that come with them and they just want to be a part of the crowd and "show patriotism".
I understand the older generation not displaying the flag, and thats fine, but for those of us that didnt serve in the military, but still serve the country in another way, this is our way of showing the pride in country that those in the military do by serving.
I will always continue to strive for the proper treatment of our flag. This includes letters that I write to police departments, fire departments and anyone else I see in person, on tv, or in print wearing the stars and stripes on their uniforms improperly. I actually get quite a good response back from some that they were fully unaware of the flags being incorrect when worn as shoulder patches.
Its just my contibution to those who risked all for our country, and for those that protect us on the home front, treat what they fought for the proper way.
Nick