Disrespecting the American Flag

I'm a vet also, and i have to admit, I do not know all the flag ettiquette. I have no doubt this person meant no ill intent. People that mean that are trampling on it, burning it, and doing far worse things than this to it. This to me seems like a beautiful attempt at patriotism, even if misguided. 

Yeah, it looks like it was not intended to show disrespect.  To ban him would be a gross overreaction.

Speaking of flag etiquette, and changing times, when I was a kid (b 1964), I remember many local businesses would give away calendars to their customers.  A popular calendar was mounted on a large poster-sized back, and around the perimeter were illustrations explaining flag etiquette.  I think in some places, those were published with the cooperation of the American Legion and the VFW.  We learned it in the Boy Scouts, too.

   Stik, I feel your post here should put this to rest however I'm alittle miffed and can't hold my tounge.

    Iraqiwildman...I hope you get as worked up, and ride the offender as hard as you have rode this thread and forums when you see a jacked up redneck 4×4 trailing tattered flags, covered in desiel soot and road grime, shredded by the 75mhp constant wind.

     I thank you for your valued service to our country, I am a vet myself, I respect that you care enough to point out a mistake, truly that is all it was, A MISTAKE.  believe in your ppatriotism....however please lets move on.

HooYah Deep Sea

Well Stikpusher, If you think you know who the individual is, you might put 'feelers' out and then if it is him, reach out and educate the person, in a kind and respectful way. That way, no grudges are created and the modeler is a better, wiser person. Thus, he won't do that again.

 

I will talk with him next time I have a chance. And if it was his work, I will refer him to look at US Flag Code. Now, I will say that I went back and looked at US Flag Code. Being a retired lawman, it is critical to know the elements of any crime as defined by statute, even if US Flag Code is civil and not criminal. The code specifically states that the US flag has 50 stars. Presumably the code was written after our current configuration came into effect. There was no mention of previous versions with fewer stars in the code. There was mention of potential future stars being added, and that the current code would then apply to that future version. By that specificity, it could be debated that the 48 star flag is not covered by US Flag code. 

Well Stikpusher, If you think you know who the individual is, you might put 'feelers' out and then if it is him, reach out and educate the person, in a kind and respectful way. That way, no grudges are created and the modeler is a better, wiser person. Thus, he won't do that again.

Let me start by saying that I am a very liberal person.

When I was in college in the 60's I was in a rock and roll band. Our manager got us a job playing for a group of people. We had no idea who these people were. After we had set up our equipment on the stage of a small gym, we realized that the group of people that we were playing for was the Illinois Communist Party!!! There was an American Flag located at the corner of the stage. One of the members of the ICP walked over and threw The Flag on the floor. I picked up The Flag and its stand and set it up behind my drum set. I started doing a drum roll on my snare drum (Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr). The band turned around and said the Pledge of Allegience. We were immediately asked to leave, which we did. I took The Flag with me and returned it to the owner of the gym the next day. He thanked me for what I did.

The Flag should not be used as a table cloth!

"I would like to believe it is ignorance of flag etiquette, and no disrespect intended."

I think this is correct.

Looking at the winners/awards list over on the IPMS USA website, I think this was done by a guy I know. If it is his work, knowing him as I do, it is definitely not meant in disrespect, and is actually quite the opposite. Worst case is that it is a bit of over enthusiasm and lack of knowledge on US Flag Code. The man is a wealth of knowledge on naval history, and certainly not in the "America the Wicked" corner.

Tojo72

In a country where in some peoples mind displaying the flag is considered racist,white supremist,or just plain in your face,he was probably trying to show his patriotism with his display but just messed up.

Probably just needs to be corrected in firm but polite way.

I think this is one who deserves the benefit of the doubt.

  

Tojo72

I think this is one who deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Agreed. He was probably displaying it showing his pride in the American battle line, nothing more.

I'm a vet as well and display my flag properly and proudly but I understand the sentament however misguided. 

In a country where in some peoples mind displaying the flag is considered racist,white supremist,or just plain in your face,he was probably trying to show his patriotism with his display but just messed up.

Probably just needs to be corrected in firm but polite way.

I think this is one who deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Personally I would not call it an intentional disrespect, as more of an unenlightened misuse and violation of US flag code. The flag is used as a prop, but in an improper manner. Had the flag been on a wall behind the USN battleships, hung according to code, it would have been perfectly fine. 

   I agree with RickS and GM, I also think that educating the individual of their tresspasses would be a better way to handle the situation rather than throwing them out of the competition.

   Ignorance is no excuse however I for one do not have the whole story so bashing this individual serves no purpose.

Surprised that the organizers didn't tell him to change or go home.  Or a few give him some lessons on the flag later.

Not much flag etiquette taught today.  Sad to see

One seeks to remind everyone that it's, well, a free country.

I do agree with the sentiment and I suspect that person will wonder why there's a negative reaction.

Bill

Whoever setup that display should be expelled from the Nationals.

I would like to believe it is ignorance of flag etiquette, and no disrespect intended.