Show American Flag Proper Respect

Until the terrorism attacks, patriotism had gone out of style. Most Americans were actually embarrassed to admit they loved and supported their country. All that changed when we were attacked, and Americans died on American soil.

Over night, waving the American flag and singing "God Bless America" became the "in" thing to do to show our unity, to show our belief in what America stands for, and to show a whole new wave of patriotic pride.

Today American flags fly on any number of houses, from cars and trucks, and from flag poles around the nation. But all those years that we didn't care enough to fly the American flag took their toll.

Very few, including government officials, seem to understand, know or care about American flag etiquette. How and where we fly the American flag, and how we treat it, indicates not just if we know the rules of care, but also our pride in our country. If our flag symbolizes America, how we treat it reveals something about what we think of our country.

Yet many American flags are flown that are torn and/or faded. These flags should be taken down and either cared for or permanently retired. At other buildings, including government buildings, American flags fly day and night without illumination. This is contrary to American flag etiquette and respect.

If we really want to show our patriotism, let's take the time to show respect for our country by showing proper respect for the symbol of America, the symbol of our freedom-the American flag.

Here are of few of the American flag etiquette rules.

* The American flag should not be dipped or bowed toward any person or thing.

* The American flag should not be used to cover a speaker's desk, to drape a platform, or for decoration.

* The American flag should never be used for the purpose of advertising, and should not be used on anything to be discarded after temporary use.

* The American flag should not be part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that an American flag patch may be used on certain uniforms.

* No part of a lowered American flag should touch the ground or any other object, and it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

* The American flag should be cleaned and mended whenever necessary.

* When an American flag becomes worn, it should be burned in a dignified way.

* An American flag should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset, unless it is illuminated.

* When the American flag is displayed against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's stars should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the left of the observer.

Respecting the American flag is a step toward respecting our nation and ourselves. Let's not just fly the American flag, let's take care to display it with due respect and care.