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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 really was shocked at the outrage. I thought it was tasteful and someone who was proud of their service and the flag.
This reminds me of Rocky's in Rocky 4 draping himself with the American flag. Is there anything wrong with this?
This reminds me of Rocky's in Rocky 4 draping himself with the American flag. Is there anything wrong with this?
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I feel she has earned the right do to this. She puts on that uniform to defend the flag that she has wrapped her baby in. So it is like she is saying she is defending her baby!
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Where was the outrage with obese (or anyone for that matter) women wrapped themselves up in the colors for a "photo shoot" under a tree or by a river. The baby in the colors with the father in uniform is a symbol of why I serve, to protect the ones who can't do it for themselves.
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CPT Ahmed Faried
Much ado about nothing. We can't/ shouldn't be so ridiculously anal retentive about this. I see nothing wrong with this and find it rather patriotic.
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Funeral detail Marine here. I'm going with "No." for the same reason that I hate it when various models use the flag as a cover, or some idiot wears the colors as a cape. The flag is not a prop. Using it as such is disrespectful to the colors, and the men and women I've laid to rest under those colors. Constantly having the need to slap the flag on everything, or wear the colors in the form of bikinis, head wraps and what the fuck ever else there is out there strikes me as wal-mart patriotism.
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LCpl (Join to see)
That's how my Grandpappy came over with my Great Grandpappy from Ireland. Clothes on their back and scant else. They both served in the Corps and I think both of them would be pretty disappointed in the current trend of commercializing the ensign.
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LCpl (Join to see)
1LT L S Because they're seeking the false equivalency of flag patterned consumer goods with the use of the actual colors as in the photo above as a retort to the flag code oriented folks who dislike the photo.
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LTC Dallas Powell I believe summed it up nicely. It is the spirit of law we find it beautiful. I also dont believe I have ever heard anyone get upset when they use the flag on napkins and plates on patrotiv holidays. We accept this in the spirit as well. IMO it was well done.
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Flag code (while not a legally binding law) seems to be observed very selectively. Want to burn the flag as a protest? Well that's un-American. Want to wear the flag on your swim suit? That's just patriotic bro! Want to kneel for the anthem? Get out of our country! Want to sell beer wrapped in the flag? Budweisers American as fu*k! Its not a buffet where you can pick and chose what you want to put on your plate and leave behind. I revert to the 1A when it comes to flags/displays of patriotism, as long as its not done in a seditious way or during armed revolt Ill fight for your right to do whatever you want to the flag even though I may hope you burn in hell for doing it.
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I think the context is appropriate. The baby born in a cradle of freedom. Perhaps the flag code should be modified to give some flexibility (ie not shown in a disrespectful context)
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des·e·crate (ˈdesəˌkrāt/) - verb
treat (a sacred place or thing) with violent disrespect; violate.
I would easily say in this photo no... Now, if it was used as a diaper, then yes... There's no violent disrespect shown, rather someone trying to represent their holding Country and Family as one.
treat (a sacred place or thing) with violent disrespect; violate.
I would easily say in this photo no... Now, if it was used as a diaper, then yes... There's no violent disrespect shown, rather someone trying to represent their holding Country and Family as one.
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...unless that flag is unfolded and laid flat I can't tell the authenticity. Perhaps it is a partial flag. But then again, I like to gaze at my naval.
I hope my point here is clear.
I hope my point here is clear.
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