Anyone in America immediately recognizes the national flag. Even young kids in kindergarten know exactly what the design is and how it is used in society. The rest of the world, too, recognizes its design, with its distinctive red, white and blue. It is somehow dissonant to hear the term discount and flag used in the same sentence, but people should remember that the usual rules of use apply to discount US flags too.
However, this is so. But what people should realize is that the flag remains as important as it always is, despite its lower price. As a national symbol, the flag has a special significance which requires a traditional etiquette. This isn't something that everyone may be familiar with but the fact that the flag was cheap does not detract from this requirement.
To start with, a national flag must not be handled like an ordinary piece of linen. There are rules in its handling that those who handle it should observe at all times. This is a matter of national pride and as such those who handle the flag should be aware of the importance of what they are doing and how to observe these rules.
The flag must not allowed to touch the ground at any time. When hoisting the flag on the flagpole, or lowering it to pack it away at night, or even during transportation, it should not ever be allowed to touch the ground. This is seen as disrespectful to the nation and is careless on the part of those who allow it to happen.
Also, the flag should be folded as a flag should be, and not into the usual square flat shape like bed linen is. The proper way to fold a flag is to fold it gently into a narrow piece and then slowly roll it up into a tidy roll of fabric. The purpose of this is that it should not show creases when it's flown on the post.
The rules also determine how the flag is flown and at what times. There is a theory that the national flag is not permitted to fly at night. This is not completely correct. It may be flown at night, but only if there is proper lighting to show it to people.
If it is necessary to fly two flags in conjunction, and one of them is the national flag, the latter always goes on top. Officially, two posts are supposed to be used, but where only one is available, the national flag always has the superior position at the top of the post.
These are not merely rules of thumb. They are officially legislated in the American Flag Code but their violation does not constitute a crime. People are permitted their freedom of expression in their use of the flag. However, they should also consider that the national emblem is a matter of importance to the nation and that its misuse, for whatever reason, can potentially damage the image of the country. Those who use the flag should study the Code to understand how to do so and what the principles are behind its provisions.
However, this is so. But what people should realize is that the flag remains as important as it always is, despite its lower price. As a national symbol, the flag has a special significance which requires a traditional etiquette. This isn't something that everyone may be familiar with but the fact that the flag was cheap does not detract from this requirement.
To start with, a national flag must not be handled like an ordinary piece of linen. There are rules in its handling that those who handle it should observe at all times. This is a matter of national pride and as such those who handle the flag should be aware of the importance of what they are doing and how to observe these rules.
The flag must not allowed to touch the ground at any time. When hoisting the flag on the flagpole, or lowering it to pack it away at night, or even during transportation, it should not ever be allowed to touch the ground. This is seen as disrespectful to the nation and is careless on the part of those who allow it to happen.
Also, the flag should be folded as a flag should be, and not into the usual square flat shape like bed linen is. The proper way to fold a flag is to fold it gently into a narrow piece and then slowly roll it up into a tidy roll of fabric. The purpose of this is that it should not show creases when it's flown on the post.
The rules also determine how the flag is flown and at what times. There is a theory that the national flag is not permitted to fly at night. This is not completely correct. It may be flown at night, but only if there is proper lighting to show it to people.
If it is necessary to fly two flags in conjunction, and one of them is the national flag, the latter always goes on top. Officially, two posts are supposed to be used, but where only one is available, the national flag always has the superior position at the top of the post.
These are not merely rules of thumb. They are officially legislated in the American Flag Code but their violation does not constitute a crime. People are permitted their freedom of expression in their use of the flag. However, they should also consider that the national emblem is a matter of importance to the nation and that its misuse, for whatever reason, can potentially damage the image of the country. Those who use the flag should study the Code to understand how to do so and what the principles are behind its provisions.
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