July 4th flag etiquette

John Munford's picture

A few veterans bent my ear the other day about showing proper respect to the flag, particularly as it relates to Peachtree City's upcoming July 4 parade.

Apparently every time the flag passes by, including honor guards, etc., spectators are supposed to doff their cap, stand at attention and hold their hand over their heart.

The guys I chatted with said they weren't being critical but they realize its a matter of folks -- like myself -- not being educated on the matter.

So there you go. Now we know what to do in this year's parade and in future ones.

I plan on teaching my son right off the bat.

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Not everytime a flag passes by--
Submitted by silverfox20 on Fri, 06/29/2007 - 8:32pm.

John, your article is good but regarding the parade on the 4th and honoring the flag in general, citizens are not requested to salute any flag passing by. We specifically pointed out that people might be confused during the parade because so many units in the parade have US flags as part of their decorations,8 on my golf cart alone and they will be just as prevalent on many parade floats, cars and golf carts. They should honor the flags being carried by groups such as veterans groups, police color guards, fire, boy scouts etc.. Since I march and carry the colors for VFW Post 9949, I am not sure how many such units fitting this description pass by, but I would guess it would be between 3 and 8. silverfox20

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silverfox: flag
Submitted by dollaradayandfound on Fri, 06/29/2007 - 8:44pm.

Wrapping oneself in our flag can be detrimental to patriotism. Anything one MUST do all the time becomes dull to humans.
I must have saluted the flag ten thousand times while in the military, but that was my job then, and it was a well maintained flag.
Some of these stupid golf carts are covered with $1.98 cents worth of "Dollar" store junk that has been abused. Scores of stars and stripes wrapped all the way around, over the top, under the wheels, and dragging behind!
The sad part is that they are proud of their mess! See and be seen.

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dollaradayandfound-Flag
Submitted by silverfox20 on Fri, 06/29/2007 - 11:25pm.

Perhaps you have forgotten that the 4th is our Nations birthday and flag displays are the order of the day. I see nothing in any item in this train that says "Must". There are words like should or more properly that it is flag etiquette to respect every nations flag. Yes, we do demonstrate patriotism when we treat our flag with the respect it deserves. I also served my country during WWII and never felt over burdened saluting Old Glory nor would I say that was my job. I didn't come out and say showing proper respect for the Stars and Stripes was a burden. The US flags that we are suggesting should be saluted are well maintained as well- they are the colors maintained indoors by groups who respect the flag of their nation.. My point was that not every flag seen during the parade gets saluted as it appeared in John's original blog.

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Not just on the 4th . . .
chippie's picture
Submitted by chippie on Fri, 06/29/2007 - 12:41pm.

Please remember flag etiquette applies wherever you go - sporting events, graduation ceremonies, parades, etc. - when a flag is raised, presented, or in a procession, and the National Anthem is played, too.

It's very frustrating seeing so many young people not show respect, or to honor, the flag as it is raised. To me, there is no excuse for an adult not knowing to be quiet, put their hand over their heart, and to remove their hat. I sure wish we could teach this in schools - when I'm in them, the students just sit and talk throughout the Pledge of Allegiance, but they get quiet during the "moment of reflection" - go figure.


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Come to my class, chippie
Submitted by wildcat on Fri, 06/29/2007 - 1:04pm.

I can't force them to say the words, but I do make them stand and be quiet. One day, I'll probably get taken to court over it, you know..for infringing on someone's rights or something else equally absurd. But I don't care. There are some things that I am prepared to take to the end, even if it's my end, and that is one of them.

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wildcat
chippie's picture
Submitted by chippie on Sat, 07/07/2007 - 9:25am.

I just may have substituted in your class. Keep up the good work! Teaching (and subbing) sometimes should include combat pay.


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wildcat
hutch866's picture
Submitted by hutch866 on Fri, 06/29/2007 - 1:58pm.

Good for you, I can't tell you how many times at a ball game I have felt like kicking someone in the butt for the way they acted during the Anthem or Pledge. Keep on doing what you're doing with both my thanks and respect.

I yam what I yam...Popeye


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Thanks Hutch!
Submitted by wildcat on Fri, 06/29/2007 - 2:15pm.

I guess there's not much you can do about it in a public place, is there?

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