Monday, April 27, 2015

How To Use Your Discount US Flags

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By Toni Vang


The national flag is an instantly recognizable item. Even small kids know what it is and where it is used. As the national emblem of the USA, it is also recognized throughout the world. The characteristic red, white and blue is known everywhere on the planet. So, it might sound strange that discount US flags are sold at a lower price than others, since the design remains the same.

A national flag does not lose importance because you paid less for it. It's still the official national emblem. This means that there are specific rules and principles that govern its use. Not everyone may know all of these rules, but even if you paid next to nothing for it, you still have to observe them in how you use it.

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.

It isn't acceptable for the national flag to touch the ground, at any time, for any reason. During hoisting onto the flagpost, or lowering in the evening, transporting it, or other handling, the flag must always be raised off the ground. Contact with the ground, at any time, is an insult to the country and shows an incorrect attitude on the part of those who are culpable of this issue.

Also, the flag should be folded as a flag should be, and not into the usual square flat shape like bed linen is. The proper way to fold a flag is to fold it gently into a narrow piece and then slowly roll it up into a tidy roll of fabric. The purpose of this is that it should not show creases when it's flown on the post.

When hoisting the flag, there are further rules that should be obeyed. One such rule is as to whether the flag may be flown at night. There might be those who believe that the flag is not allowed to be flown 24 hours a day, which is incorrect. It is permissible, as long as the flag is lit up.

Another rule is as to the use of two flags simultaneously. The national flag is not permitted to be hoisted below another on the same pole. Where two flags need to be flown at the same time, they are required to be on separate poles. Otherwise, the national flag must be flown at the top.

These rules might sound like mere tradition or custom, but they are not. They have been officially promulgated in the American Flag Code, a Public Law. This does not make their violation an offense, since the First Amendment permits freedom of expression concerning the national flag. But those who use the flag should always try to remember that it is important to the people of the nation. Disrespecting the flag can harm the country's image. If you want to use the national flag, you should first acquaint yourself with the provisions of the Code, and try to understand the principles that it embodies.




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