I like rules. Don’t you know, “rules help control the fun?” Yup, I’m that girl. But I also love me some rule breaking. That’s what rules are there for, right?
So I have a love-hate relationship with the American flag etiquette rules. On the one hand, I have the utmost respect for a flag that symbolizes all the things my husband is fighting for – a flag that so many have died to protect. Want me to turn on the water works? Sing the National Anthem, salute the flag and watch me bawl like a baby. I want to follow guidelines that support those feelings.
But traditional respect for the flag comes with some very strict rules and regulations – everything from how it is touched, handled and carried to the prohibition against wearing it on clothing or stamping it on almost anything else. And that last one – not displaying it on clothing – is kind of a kill joy. (BTW — the rules do allow it as a patch on uniforms, so no worries there).
According to USFlag.org, flag etiquette includes this sticky point:
It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use.
But there is something weirdly respectful about going the untraditional flag-love route, ignoring the “don’t wear it” rule and tying on your stars and stripes bikini anyway. You aren’t wearing it because it’s cute – you wearing it because you want to proclaim through your actions “Woohoo! Yeah! The flag!” And what’s more American than that?
However, unless you plan to keep that bikini forever and ever and, when done with it, burn it in a ceremonial manner, you’re breaking a flag respect rule by wearing it. And your flag print beach towel, flag tote and my flag t-shirts are also big no-nos.
So what’s a rule loving girl to do? Follow flag rules and scowl deeply at those who don’t, or get those warm, fuzzy patriotic feelings by stamping it on every piece of clothing available?
Perhaps there is a line that makes Old Navy flag tshirts OK, but pulling a Katy Perry by wearing it as a dress uncool. But how do you find the line between respect and “Hellz yeah, America!” …? Is it time for a modern day flag etiquette update?
About Amy Bushatz
Comments
Don't wear it. It is a flag, not a piece of clothing. It shouldn't be used as a fashion piece. Just like uniform inspired bags and purses. That uniform was not designed so you can show everyone you are a military spouse or you love the military. It is not made to be copied, or worse, cut up and made into a fashion piece. It's disrespectful. Period. Keep the flag in your front yard, not on your shirt!! Keep the uniform on the soldier, not your hand bag!!
Sarah I agree with you completely … but then again, I do have the Old Navy tshirt …
to each their own I guess. The Old Navy t shirt is much less offensive to me than this ridiculous Katy Perry outift. The article from last year also mentioned flip flops and literally "stepping on" the flag. It's not right. I am also completely aware I changed the subject with the uniform comments but that makes me just as angry!!
No worries im with you on the purse business – completely
Interesting. If you completely agree, then why did you write the article? The flag is to be respected, not flaunted.
Also, this is taken from this website from Fourth of July weekend last year. As a reminder:
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.
The flag presents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.
The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery (Editor’s note: yes, this means the flag bikinis and towels!). It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.
The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed upon articles such as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes or anything to be discarded after temporary use.
Our flag means more than all that stuff. It shouldn't be a cheap decoration. It is a symbol of our nation and freedom. Save the cheap decorations for drunk parties.
Anytime I think of this, I think of the folded flag that's been handed to a family that has made the ultimate sacrifice. I absolutely cannot imagine what they've been through, though I know that it's a possibility that my family will have to do the same. If I had one of those flags on my mantel, would I want to see anyone parading around breaking the rules toward it?
Absolutely not.
They may feel the same way. It would break my heart to know that I had offended someone in their shoes, though they may not approach me to tell me so. That's who I think of when I choose to respect the rules that have been assigned to the flag.
I didn't realize there was a rule against not having it on towels, shirts, ect. I've definately broken the rules because we do have beach towels & tshirts with a picture of the flag on them. I had no idea. This makes me sad because I wouldn't have bought them if I knew it was against flag etiquette.
You may be glad to know that wal mart and target both carry "accessories" such as towels, bags and plates in red, white and blue patterns that RESEMBLE that flag, but are not the flag. This is a nice route to go to be safe :)
Thanks Sarah!
wearing of the flag is a privilege that is earned not simply by being a U.S. citizen. you want to wear it? join the military, and deploy overseas, or get a civilian job that has the flag as part of its uniform. bottom line, you have to earn it to wear it!
This may be a stretch, but Patriot, you say "You have to earn it to wear it". What about those of us that have Honorably served this country and have fought for the freedoms? We have earned it……so should it be acceptable to wear it upon Honorable discharge or retirement?