What is the official procedure one should follow when an American Flag touches the ground?
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M$5 Answers
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M$
Touching the ground is prohibited, but there are no penalties contained in the "Flag Code". The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down two statutes that imposed penalties for desecration, one in 1989 and one in 1990. Individual states may have their own flag statutes.
The reference to burning comes in section 8 , ("The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.") and is prescribed as the proper way to dispose of a flag that is not fit for display. So, if the flag falls in the mud when it hits the ground, burning might be appropriate, but a flag that touches the ground accidentally does not need to be burned.
I am not a flag expert-- I learned all this while researching the Mahalo page on How to Hang a Flag
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/4/usc_sec_04_00000008----000-.html
http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html
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M$
The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground and, if flown at night, must be illuminated. If the edges become tattered through wear, the flag should be repaired or replaced. When a flag is so tattered that can no longer serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. The American Legion and other organizations regularly conduct dignified flag-burning ceremonies, often on Flag Day, June 14. It is a common myth that if a flag touches the ground or becomes soiled, it must be burned as well. While a flag that is currently touching the ground and a soiled flag are unfit for display, neither situation is permanent and thus the flag does not need to be burned if the unfit situation is remedied.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States#Flag_etiquette
I would think though that you should just never drop the flag especially in the presence of a veteran. I used to work at a VA hospital and they take that very, very seriously as we should. It is something to be honored and respected. But I'm glad to hear we don't actually burn them b/c that seems more disrespectful to me than anything.
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M$-Inside the USA, you should pick it up.
-In the middle east, you would proceed to jump up and down on it.
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lol
@grimtraveller Laughing at someone's expense is not the same as perpetuating hatred, whether intended or not. You obviously meant it as a joke but make no mistake, there will always be people who will see this joke online and, whether consciously or unconsciously, will use it to reinforce dangerous prejudices.
@viridicus. what point? You found the joke offensive. You also said it perpetuated hatred, then also called it bigoted - the implication being that I'm a bigot.
I asked what you found offensive... you never answered. So really, there was never any point at which you offered anything but an accusation and false outrage.
So I decided to amuse myself at your expense; as you said "Laughing at someone's expense is not the same as perpetuating hatred".
So I decided that I had your permission to laugh at your ridiculous, and false outrage.
fair enough?
You're attacking my character, which you know nothing about. That doesn't exactly refute my point.
But since your post and this back-and-forth obviously aren't being moderated, I believe I am done with this conversation.
@viridicus aha. I knew it. fully paid member of the PC brigade aren't you.
Do you think that anyone who cracks a joke that may involve a region of the world is bigoted?
That's mighty PC of you. What if the joke was about Canada? The USA? Sweden or Britain or Europe? Would I still be bigoted?
Are there any religions, countries, people, wars, food, clothes, or any customs that you deem acceptable to joke about?
Remember your self righteous attitude the next time you catch yourself laughing at a joke made on a prime time sitcom. It usually is at someone's expense. And if that person is white/black/asian/native/man/woman/child... then that would mean you are a bigot by your very own definition.
I can't be the only one who finds this offensive.
@viridicus It was not meant to be offensive. It was meant to be humorous. I find your lack of a sense of humor a little offensive.
viridicus@ "Laughing at someone's expense is not the same as perpetuating hatred..."
how exactly was my little joke "perpetuating hatred"? I think you're a little off your rocker, and think you are speaking for way more people than you actually are.
I have a few questions for you.
1) How many parties have you broken up simply by walking in the room?
2) What *haven't* you been offended by in this calendar year?
3) Do you look for the bad in everything? If not then give an example.
4) How high exactly is that horse you are perched upon? (You can give your answer in feet or in miles - which ever is easier to measure for you.)
Although burning is the preferred method, it is also legal to seal your old flag in a box or bag and bury it or put it in the trash. The most important factor is showing respect to the flag during its disposal.
*Note: Nylon flags create hazardous gases when they are burned. Many states have outlawed the burning of nylon for that reason. A good alternative to dispose of nylon flags (or any flag) is recycling. To recycle a flag, simply write "Recycle" on the header of the flag before handing it over to your local Post or scout troop. The nylon will be reused in making new American flags. If nylon flags are not recycled, it is customary to cut the union from the field and dispose of the flag with the proper ceremony.
To properly dispose of your worn or tattered flag by burning, please contact the local branch of the following organizations.
# The American Legion Locate a Post near you
# Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags
# Boy Scouts Locate a Council near you
# Girl Scouts Locate a Council near you
*If you are unable to find an organization in your area, you can send your flags to the Flag Disposal Service Program at FlagKeepers.org. The volunteers there will properly dispose of your worn flags at a patriotic flag retirement ceremony.
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M$
