Everyone recognizes the national flag, even little kids. Other people in other countries know what the unique red, white and blue pattern is too. It doesn't sound entirely right to talk about discount US flags, but nevertheless the flags are sold on that basis sometimes. What you should be aware of, however, is that the same rules of flag use apply to any national flag, regardless of what you paid for it.
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.
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.
There are also regulations as to how to fly the flag, and when. Some people might suspect that the flag should never be flown at night. This is not entirely true. It may be flown after dark, but only if it's illuminated adequately where it's flown.
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 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.
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.
There are also regulations as to how to fly the flag, and when. Some people might suspect that the flag should never be flown at night. This is not entirely true. It may be flown after dark, but only if it's illuminated adequately where it's flown.
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 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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