Fly and Respect Our Flag
Kathy Riggs June 13th, 2010
June 14 is a special day that deserves recognition although it often gets lost because we don’t close our offices and head to the beach as we do on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
Occurring always on June 14, Flag Day is the day Americans should pay particular attention to the Flag of the United States and the republic for which it stands.
Nicknamed “the Stars and Stripes” and “Old Glory”; the Flag evokes strong emotions from people of various political persuasions. There are those who tolerate no abuse, and there are those who think the First Amendment gives then the right to burn the flag as an expression of free speech. While legal arguments may fall favorably on those who think burning the flag is a protected right of expression, I prefer to align with the idea that the symbol of our country should be revered. If someone can only express himself or herself by burning the Flag, they certainly don’t have much to say.
Respecting the Flag is simple. Don’t let it touch the ground or floor, ever. When it passes by during a parade or the National Anthem is played at a sporting event, rise and place your right hand over your heart. Military personnel and veterans may give the military salute. If the flag is displayed against a wall the union should always be place in the upper left corner. If displayed at a meeting the Flag should be placed at the speaker’s right. With the upcoming Fourth of July, stores will be stocking paper products with patriotic themes. Replicating the Flan on paper plates and napkins is an inappropriate way to show your patriotism. The Flag was meant to endure, not to be discarded as trash. Stick with the red, white and blue colors.
It is appropriate to display the Flag at night with proper illumination. And if you are flying the Flag at home don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t, even if you live in a subdivision or planned community with restrictive covenants. The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 prohibits any condominium association, homeowners association or real estate management association from prohibiting the display of the American Flag.
While June 14 is designated to honor the Flag, let all of us practice proper flag etiquette every day of the year. By respecting the Flag we honor those who sacrificed for the country and the privilege of the idiots to claim their right to burn Old Glory is protected.
- Real Estate News
- Comments(0)