In front of our home we fly the American flag and the Marine Corps flag. The American flag is worn and a bit tattered. We have plenty of new ones.
Weary Wife wants to change it. Thinks current condition is disrespectful.
Old Marine says no. It's a battle flag. We're at war. Asks if Weary Wife ever saw the flag at Ft McHenry.
What do you say?
I do a special lesson on the “Star Spangled Banner” in my 8th grade US history class when we study the War of 1812. About 3/4 of my students are Mexican (legal and illegal) and the remainder are a variety of nationalities and races including Vietnamese, Turks, Indian Indians and American Indians, African Africans and African Americans. It is always a difficult lesson to teach for me because I find it very emotional. I often get choked up when I’m teaching it, but I don’t try to hide it. I want them to feel it, too. I want those kids to know that the flag MEANS something. When we say the pledge, they better stand for it. They are often more respectful of it after that lesson.
Wishing you all Happy Independence Day, patriots!
How lovely. You are truly an inspiration
While he makes an excellent point, she is correct.
He’s got a point! Until the new republic is announced - i’m with him. Sorry!
I agree with you, ol Marine.
Compromise, hanga new one too, two flags is better then one!
I say you are correct. It is a battle flag. I pulled my pristine new flag after the election. I have always changed out my flags when they start looking ratty. I have All of my old tattered flags, folded and stored. Would it be disrespectful to the flag to find my most tattered one and re fly it as a battle flag? It does honestly bother me to not have a flag flying but I can't do it upside-down or do one of the black ones. If I feel it is disrespectful to our flag and all the people it represents, I prefer to have an empty flagpole.
Upside down flag is not a disrespect, it is a distress signal.
Seems would follow similar logic to flying a battle flag.
(Correct me if wrong)
Hmm, great question...
Also a Marine here, and personally I fly the nicest one possible. USMC flag too.
We might be at war, but theres no need to look ragtag.
Also cool that your wife wants it to look shipshape and squared away!
Wife here - Thank you.
Statute requirement is only For .gov agencies.
There is something to be said about flying a battered and torn flag.
I am sure, when the morning broke, and the first light revealed a out of wack flying battered and torn flag, the writer of the star spangled Banner did not only not think evil of it, but it was the essence of the National Hymn:
Does the flag still fly over the land of the free and the home of the brave?
It does! It emphatically does!
Compromise. Fly the battle flag one day and the pristine flag the next. Problem solved.
Follow your Flag Law, Marine.