It looks like a lot of people took the time to comment about the N.Y. Times article.
That's a good thing, but I noticed one very important instance in the slides portion of the piece.
Did any one see Slide #12,the same one as on the front page? It shows the Flag of the United States of America Lying on the GROUND. That is a horrible way to display "OLD GLORY".
This behavior shows gross disrespect for the Flag and the U.S.A.
The correct way to display and handle "OLD GLORY" can be found at
http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#176
Scroll to #176 Respect for the Flag Sec.b
I think it is great that we teach about The Founders and our Heritage, but maybe we should start teaching about respect for the Flag and our Country in the present also.
I find it very disturbing that not too many folks know about U.S. Flag etiquette.
Thanks, Richie Taylor
IIT Virginia
Just FYI, I remember the Shoot Boss for this event saying that is a beach towel with an American Flag design on it.
Still disrespectful in my book, but it is not as bad as that picture looks (and every NYT reader probably thinks).
That looked like an intentionally staged picture to me and as such, I didn't give it a second thought. There are all types of things like that "set up" to make a nice photo for some folks. While that may be what the NYT likes to see....
.... what I see at numerous AS events is people saying the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time in 20 years. People learning about the forerunners to our current flag and folks being reunited with their heritage so they start to think about stuff like respect for our flag once again.
I see a lot more flag waving than flag disrespecting! Keep in mind, this wasn't "our" picture, and keep on teaching people about our flag and our heritage.
On a related note: Everyone should keep in mind, that 'Betsy Ross' Flag that comes in the set, is indeed an official U.S. Flag and should be treated as such under the Flag Code.
I was the SB at the Carmi event, I can assure you that was not a Flag laying on the ground, it was a Flag pattern beach towel. We are getting a lot of soccer moms and patriots at shoots around here. We see all kinds of Flag pattern stuff from chairs, towels, coolers, shirts, even rifle stocks. I really think this is a good thing myself (not necessarily the picture) I like patriotism just like everyone else. I believe it makes better looking pictures than guys dressed up in BDUs. I think it says more what we are about than someone out there in their hunting cammo. It is a trend we are seeing here and if it gets the women and families to come out to a shoot then who am I to say you cannot bring your beach towel here to lay on.
I understand you concern for Flag etiquette I fly my Flag 24 7 here at home and yes I have a light on it. I am the one at work who climbs the 180' plant to replace the Flag when it is worn and tattered and replace the light bulb when it goes out. I even drop the retired Flag off at the VFW to be properly destroyed.
I am a patriotic individual. I had a tie with the American Flag on it. I'm proud to be An American. Then 9/11 happened. As a New Yorker living on Long Island, the pain anyone experienced was terrible. It was at this moment I learned about our flag and the respect of the flag. I did not realized what I was doing with a tie. But this kind old gentleman told me that I need to educate myself. And I did. Read the links this guy included. It will surprise you. It did me. It is a sad the manufacturers have abused this symbol of the United States.
I ask that you open yourself to learning something you were not aware of. This person is asking for everyone to learn about respect of our flag. Isn't that what Appleseed is about, learning and planting seeds. Each event I attend, I've learned something new. Not only learning shooting and about the individuals who built this country but something new. And yes, do your homework, do your own research.
Too many people do not know about the American Flag. So what is wrong with someone whispering in someones ear and educating them about something they are not aware. Or just demonstrating the care of the flag. Some people get so uptight about getting constructive feedback or having to be right all the time or whatever. As for the people who was at this event, no one is saying you did something wrong.
Relax......life is an learning experience!
It looks like I started some controversy with my post, that's good. I joined the Appleseed Project because I think it is a good way to get the people and "wake the country up". I became an instructor for that same reason. Now let's get all that junk out of the way about who I am, and what I read. First, I don't read the NYT. I read the article online because Fred sent me an e-mail about it.
Second, I am a 72 year old male living in Va. I believe in the Constitution and feel humbled when I think about what the Founders had to give up just so we can bicker on this forum.
That being said let's start by all of us taking our heads out of our butts and start anew. I admit when I saw the pic.my temples started to pound and I was pissed. If it looked like I was trying to single someone out that is not the case.I was trying to do what Appleseed does-educate.
I once saw something about bringing a teachable attitude and leaving ego at home. That sounds like a good rule for these forums. All I'm asking you folks is go on the links below and see if there is anything you could learn from them.
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html
http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#USFC
Thanks, n2oguy
Thanks for the links Richie. I really appreciate them.
I hope to see you soon to shoot or instruct.
Mike
Hi Mike
Good to here from you. I'll be working Buckingham in Oct. Hope I see you there.
Thanks for your support, Rich :wb:
First let me agree with you about respect for the flag.... but when I look at the picture I don't see it laying on the ground... it is laying on a mat... not the ground... that would be no different than the flag laying on a table with the rifle over it.... from a image standpoint it really doesn't matter to me if it is a 'true' flag or not.
Please check the links
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html
http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#USFC
n2oguy :wb:
There are flags. There are also flag designs, stickers, pictures, patterns, etc. Don't confuse the flag with something that is not a flag.