What’s the Deal with Proper American Flag Etiquette?

Many individuals have vivid memories of learning about the proper handling of the American flag, whether it be from a Scout leader, a military veteran, or a patriotic family member. These lessons taught the importance of respecting the flag through rules on how to display, store, and dispose of it properly. However, in today’s society, it seems that these rules are often overlooked or ignored.

Back in the first Bush administration, there was a strong emphasis on reverence for the flag, particularly among Republicans. This sentiment led to a movement for a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning following the Supreme Court’s decision in the 1990 case, United States v. Eichman. Despite this push, the court ruled that desecrating the flag was protected under free speech.

While it may seem that the cultural attitude towards the flag has shifted since then, with products like American flag toilet paper being sold on Amazon and flag-themed clothing being worn casually, the U.S. Flag Code is still in effect. Originally established in 1923 by the National Americanism Commission and later written into law in 1942, the code outlines guidelines for the respectful treatment of the flag.

Certain regulations, such as not using the flag in advertisements, not turning it into clothing, and not displaying it at night without proper illumination, remain unchanged since 1923. The code also emphasizes the proper disposal of the flag through respectful burning when it becomes too worn or damaged to serve as a symbol of the United States.

Despite the existence of the Flag Code, it is important to note that it is not legally enforceable. The code serves as a set of guidelines for those who wish to uphold traditional customs and social norms related to flag etiquette. However, in today’s society, where adherence to such formalities is waning, the responsibility for honoring the flag often falls on individuals themselves.

In conclusion, while the Flag Code continues to outline proper flag etiquette, its significance in contemporary culture has diminished. The lack of enforcement mechanisms means that the flag’s treatment is largely left up to personal interpretation. As we navigate a society where customs and traditions are evolving, it is essential to reflect on the symbolic importance of the flag and consider how we can continue to honor it in a meaningful way.