My husband is a patriot. He has served his country at home and abroad. He loves his country. We love our country. We are patriotic individuals and celebrate as a family. We realize that living in America is a blessing. If you have traveled outside these United States, you know this first hand. We know that are so blessed to be living in this free country. Many times, based on things I see, it appears that many forget the importance of our freedoms. Many forget that each day there are men and women on the battlefield away from their families defending this place we call home.
This week several videos have been posted of people stomping on the American Flag. Gasp! These people live in the Untied States but are disrespecting America’s symbol of freedom. This is scary and heartbreaking to see. They are not only breaking America’s flag etiquette but outwardly displacing anger towards our country. Where do we draw the line in our freedom? Should this be allowed or even tolerated?
Last week I began looking for patriotic wear for my family as we approach patriotic holidays and all in the same time frame I witnessed people being disrespectful to our flag. Because we have our yearly Keys vacation planned and it falls on Memorial Day weekend, I want to honor the occasion with traditional USA wear. Shopping online these days is much easier with a nineteen month old and so I begin there with my hunt for the traditional red, white and blue clothing for our family of three. It saves me a lot as I have a little-doodle with ants in his pants who wants to touch everything or point with the sound “uh” “uh”. So, when he goes down for a nap, I shop online. As I shopped and thought about honoring our flag, I was flabbergasted by others seeking ways to denigrate our wonderful symbol of honor. This led me to reading about our flag and how to care for it. Here are some things I learned:
- The flag should 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.
- The flag should 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.
Finding out this information yesterday, I questioned ever learning this in school or elsewhere. I feel as if I see so much misuse of our American Flag. I see that each of us should all know these things and keep the standard high.” If we do not live for something we will die for anything”, isn’t that the saying? ( or something like it!)
Thinking long and hard about my use of the America flag I vow to hold the standard high. I want to have an American flag flying in my yard and while we are patriotic, I have a desire to display my feelings of Old Glory more in our home. What about you?
Katie Girl
