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The Rules On Using Discount US Flags

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.

However, this is so. But what people should realize is that the flag remains as important as it always is, despite its lower price. As a national symbol, the flag has a special significance which requires a traditional etiquette. This isn't something that everyone may be familiar with but the fact that the flag was cheap does not detract from this requirement.

The temptation is to handle the flag, or any flag, like just another piece of fabric. This is a mistaken attitude. It is not handled or stored like other fabric, and people should be aware of that. National pride is the guiding principle here, so those who handle the national flag should remember that and stick to the rules about its handling.

The flag must not allowed to touch the ground at any time. When hoisting the flag on the flagpole, or lowering it to pack it away at night, or even during transportation, it should not ever be allowed to touch the ground. This is seen as disrespectful to the nation and is careless on the part of those who allow it to happen.

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.

There are also regulations as to how to fly the flag, and when. Some people might suspect that the flag should never be flown at night. This is not entirely true. It may be flown after dark, but only if it's illuminated adequately where it's flown.

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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