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Aside from the university in California that hates America, on Facebook there seems to be an uproar about done guy taking a pic in uniform with his baby cradled in an American flag. While I can appreciate the thought, it makes me cringe. I saw many service members defending it. I will copy/paste my comment and I'd like to hear your thoughts RP.
I assure you with 13 years and counting of military service, I love this country, and I love the flag that represents it. As another individual mentioned, there is a code of customs and courtesies associated with the flag to dictate how it is handled with dignity and respect. Having the privilege to have performed military honors at funerals, I can assure you everything about handling the flag is very specific. They way it's folded, how it should appear after folding, how it it rotated to be passed to the grieving etc. Everything about how the flag is handled with dignity and respect is specific. Those practices should always be preserved to maintain that sacred presence and reverence for the flag and what it stands for. It shouldn't be used as decor or a wrap for a photo. It also shouldn't be made into clothing (bikinis, boxers, jackets, etc.). Images of the flag upon clothing are deemed appropriate, but when the flag becomes the clothing itself, or a wrap, we are not observing those customs which are intended to show respect for the flag and love of country. I can greatly appreciate the sentiment and good hearted intention behind the photo, but it over looks the practice of actually holding the flag by a high and honorable standard. I don't think it's anything worth getting worked up about as some people seem to be. At least it attempts to be a very positive image, but it does make me cringe in the same way it makes me cringe to see flag bikinis, or stroller awnings, and so on. I hope you can appreciate my reasonable approach without it feeling like an attack. Most people don't even know that flag clothing is counter to code, and wear it with the mindset that it displays pride. Again, I can appreciate the sentiment, but I appreciate the code and adherence by it so much more, because it takes greater care and effort to observe it. Have a fantastic God-blessed American day!
I assure you with 13 years and counting of military service, I love this country, and I love the flag that represents it. As another individual mentioned, there is a code of customs and courtesies associated with the flag to dictate how it is handled with dignity and respect. Having the privilege to have performed military honors at funerals, I can assure you everything about handling the flag is very specific. They way it's folded, how it should appear after folding, how it it rotated to be passed to the grieving etc. Everything about how the flag is handled with dignity and respect is specific. Those practices should always be preserved to maintain that sacred presence and reverence for the flag and what it stands for. It shouldn't be used as decor or a wrap for a photo. It also shouldn't be made into clothing (bikinis, boxers, jackets, etc.). Images of the flag upon clothing are deemed appropriate, but when the flag becomes the clothing itself, or a wrap, we are not observing those customs which are intended to show respect for the flag and love of country. I can greatly appreciate the sentiment and good hearted intention behind the photo, but it over looks the practice of actually holding the flag by a high and honorable standard. I don't think it's anything worth getting worked up about as some people seem to be. At least it attempts to be a very positive image, but it does make me cringe in the same way it makes me cringe to see flag bikinis, or stroller awnings, and so on. I hope you can appreciate my reasonable approach without it feeling like an attack. Most people don't even know that flag clothing is counter to code, and wear it with the mindset that it displays pride. Again, I can appreciate the sentiment, but I appreciate the code and adherence by it so much more, because it takes greater care and effort to observe it. Have a fantastic God-blessed American day!
Customs and Courtesies
Pride
Patriotism
Flags and Vexillology
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 93
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I think this picture is very powerful. Besides we let Americans burn the flag without repercussions.
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I may or may not agree with what you do with this simple piece of cloth. I, as well as the rest of you, did swear an oath to defend your right to do what you will with it. Whether burning it or cradling your newborn in it.
The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that burning our flag is "protected speech" under the 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. There is no reason to believe that this would be looked at any differently. The purpose of the Code is to guide us in handling our National Ensign with dignity and respect. However, when there is a conflict between the code and the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the United States MUST take precedence.
The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that burning our flag is "protected speech" under the 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. There is no reason to believe that this would be looked at any differently. The purpose of the Code is to guide us in handling our National Ensign with dignity and respect. However, when there is a conflict between the code and the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the United States MUST take precedence.
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Images like this are marketed to us all the time. No one cares about all the other advertisements and such, I don't understand why this image is the one everyone flips their gourds about.
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CW3 (Join to see)
I make the distinction that a servicemember did it. Just because "everyone else is doing it" doesn't make for good justification.
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Sgt Jennifer Mohler
Well, the lemmings I would say circumstance. For humans that can be debated on the basis of evolution/physiology/sociology et cet until we are blue in the face and the cows come home. I will hazard to say that our behaviors are our choice, though every human is conditioned from birth to become what our caretakers believe to be the best adult possible. *insert angry debate here on what that means* lol
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