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Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,517
Registered: ‎06-17-2015

Re: "I spy with my little eye....American Flag Still Lowered"

[ Edited ]

@Kachina624 wrote:

@Cakers3 and @italia8140. Some of us revere the Amarican Flag and want it treated with the utmost respect and its traditional protocols.  If you two are Americans, it's sad that you don't also feel that way.  That kind of attitude is what's wrong with our country.

 

i am a former officer in the USAF and remember being at a base movie theater where they always play the National Anthem before the show.  A half dozen airmen had the audacity to remain seated.  I've never forgotten that either. Very sad.


Your response to me is so rude, so out of touch, and quite frankly irresponsible since you have absolutely no idea what I'm thinking. 

But unlike some others around here I won't report your post. 

 

And btw:  My son is a 100% disabled vet.

You have yourself a wonderful day, now.

 

 

"" Compassion is a verb."-Thich Nhat Hanh
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,763
Registered: ‎05-08-2010

Re: "I spy with my little eye....American Flag Still Lowered"

 


@Kachina624 wrote:

@Cakers3 and @italia8140. Some of us revere the Amarican Flag and want it treated with the utmost respect and its traditional protocols.  If you two are Americans, it's sad that you don't also feel that way.  That kind of attitude is what's wrong with our country.

 

i am a former officer in the USAF and remember being at a base movie theater where they always play the National Anthem before the show.  A half dozen airmen had the audacity to remain seated.  I've never forgotten that either. Very sad.


I would never forget such an outright display of disrespect either, especially from fellow AirForce personal.  However, I don't see comparing that act with someone flying the flag half mast for fallen military men.  Perhaps you see both acts as not following "protocol".  I am just trying to understand, not be snarky.  IMHO it is comparing apples and oranges.  One is obviously trying to be rude//disrespectful the other just may not know. 

 

Regardless, thank you for your service to our country.  My husband was also in the AirForce.

Fear not Brothers and Sisters! I have read THE BOOK..........we win!!!
Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,420
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: "I spy with my little eye....American Flag Still Lowered"

Many of us do not know the protocol for lowering the flag.  When I was teaching, a much loved and respected colleague was tragically killed.  The janitor in charge of raising the flag, only raised it half way out of respect from the school community.  All hell broke out when a local veteran saw it and came to school ranting about the janitor's action.  Protocol was researched and the flag was raised.  Sadly the incident did not end there, the veteran wrote a scathing letter to the local paper about the ignorant people educating the teenagers of the community.

 

A completely innocent and loving act turned into an ugly incident.  I must admit, I did not know the proper protocol.  It was never taught in history class and no flag comes with a set of instructions.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,038
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: "I spy with my little eye....American Flag Still Lowered"


@lulu2 wrote:

Many of us do not know the protocol for lowering the flag.  When I was teaching, a much loved and respected colleague was tragically killed.  The janitor in charge of raising the flag, only raised it half way out of respect from the school community.  All hell broke out when a local veteran saw it and came to school ranting about the janitor's action.  Protocol was researched and the flag was raised.  Sadly the incident did not end there, the veteran wrote a scathing letter to the local paper about the ignorant people educating the teenagers of the community.

 

A completely innocent and loving act turned into an ugly incident.  I must admit, I did not know the proper protocol.  It was never taught in history class and no flag comes with a set of instructions.


I don't know it either.  I also believe that a lot of people don't fly flags because they don't know the numerous protocols and don't want to get pounced on if they mess it up.  Some people can be a little over the top when it comes to the flag.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,415
Registered: ‎11-25-2011

Re: "I spy with my little eye....American Flag Still Lowered"

[ Edited ]

@AngusandBuddhasMom wrote:

Maybe the flag is still lowered for servicemen who were killed in general.


Then why was it up a month ago?  

Are the only honoring the "popular" deaths?

 

They purposefully lowered it....they obviously got the memo.

They need to purposefully raise it back up...per our Commander in Chief.

 

 "...little over the top". To a loyal, true, patriotic American, that flag means everything in the World.  When you have a loved one deployed for months/years...sometimes looking at that flag is a reminder of why they are not by your side.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,426
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: "I spy with my little eye....American Flag Still Lowered"

I understand sids my DD late Dad was a Marine.  Maybe the store in question does not know the protocol. As others have said some don't know. But for the CIC to be adamant about raising when they were so late in lowering as if to wipe away the memory of this Stateside tragedy is a bit curious. JMO.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 33,580
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: "I spy with my little eye....American Flag Still Lowered"

IMO everyone should know proper protocol with the flag.

 

However, yes I see flags still lowered here and some were never lowered.  I would never call that business or walk into that business and make a stink about it.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,415
Registered: ‎11-25-2011

Re: "I spy with my little eye....American Flag Still Lowered"


@Lipstickdiva wrote:

IMO everyone should know proper protocol with the flag.

 

However, yes I see flags still lowered here and some were never lowered.  I would never call that business or walk into that business and make a stink about it.


 

I agree...everyone lowering should know how to raise an American flag.  Just put it on your calendar when to raise back up.  It's not rocket science. 

 

I worked 30 hrs in executive customer service for a national bank..we had close to 700 banks in the north TX region.  Whenever there was a flag lower/raise, there was that one rouge banking center that would forget....and believe me, I would get calls....just ripping ME and the bank apart...so maybe that's another reason why I'm hyper-sensitive to the issue.

 

My regional managers would factor things like this when auditing 700 centers...it could cost a banking center manger incentive if the flag was not return to full staff.  It was just..and IS...laziness, pure & simple. 

 

Makes me me sad to hear when they are still down...so much that it's 'common'.  Sad, indeed. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,415
Registered: ‎11-25-2011

Re: "I spy with my little eye....American Flag Still Lowered"

Just for Giggles & Grins, I got on Compass Bank Twitter & sent them a notification.   Less than 3 hrs later, the flags were flying high & proud.  Such a classic case of ignorance/laziness on their part.

 

Ahhhh....the power of social media!  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,658
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: "I spy with my little eye....American Flag Still Lowered"

From USAFlag.org:

 

Flag Etiquette
STANDARDS of RESPECT

The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:

  • The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
  • The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
  • 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 or halyard
  • 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.
  • The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
  • The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.

When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Note: Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.

Displaying the Flag Outdoors

When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.

When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.

When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.

When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right.
..The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.
..No other flag ever should be placed above it.
..The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.

When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.

Raising and Lowering the Flag

The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.
The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.

Displaying the Flag Indoors

When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.

The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.

When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.

When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.

Parading and Saluting the Flag

When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

The Salute

To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem

The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.

The Flag in Mourning

To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.

The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.

When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.

 

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.