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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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this paints a big picture it says a lot to me patriotism freedom and the cycle goes on father serving then son takes over and it looks cool
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I have seen some articles about this jumping around and its crazy. I don't see any issues on it, they're not disrespecting the flag at all. Shoot i thought it was a fun way to do a photo
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CW3 (Join to see)
Simple customs and courtesies. In our profession we observe many of those. Are you suggesting they're all useless? Should we have an aversion to these higher standards and practices because "who cares?", "it's fun", and "get with the times!" Or should we make it a point to hold those practices, even if not law or punishable, to heart, and with pride, as it distinguishes us from the the civilian work force?
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PV2 Alaina Norman
you think wrapping a small child in a flag and taking a beautiful photo of them is disrespecting the military. I care very much about our flag and how its treated but i dont feel that something that was not meant to be rude in any way on purpose should be slapped in the face. I do photograhy, something i have done all my life so i see and view it differently, you have your idea of ideal respect and i have mine. Now if i see some rapper in a video trying to stomp on the flag which has happend or wrapped themselves in it i would see it as disrespect. whether its putting a child in a beautiful flag, putting them in daddys or mommys shoes and out fit to make something more different and unique to cherish and show pride toward our culture and military life, i see it as something beautiful not a military protical. Yes i am very old school when it comes to certain things and traditions but this is a big world, when old and new can be mixed together
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If we bury our men and women in service under the flag, Shouldn't we be able to raise them in it? I see it as a hopeful and patriotic thing to do.
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I'd say it looks like a display of patriotism. Most people don't know the flag code and there are plenty of people that respect the flag and the country but don't agree with parts of the flag code.
If I can accept that people have a right to burn the flag as part of their freedom of speech, I can easily accept and even support an image like this.
I also wonder what kind of image it portrays when people rant and rave about an image like this, not those that politely disagree but the foaming-at-the-mouth-issuing-death-threats fanatics. When this child grows up, hopefully he/she can look back on that picture with pride. But I feel like a Google search might actually turn up a lot of hateful talk that might make that person instead dislike a country that takes itself so seriously that it demeans those to take pride in being a part of it.
If I can accept that people have a right to burn the flag as part of their freedom of speech, I can easily accept and even support an image like this.
I also wonder what kind of image it portrays when people rant and rave about an image like this, not those that politely disagree but the foaming-at-the-mouth-issuing-death-threats fanatics. When this child grows up, hopefully he/she can look back on that picture with pride. But I feel like a Google search might actually turn up a lot of hateful talk that might make that person instead dislike a country that takes itself so seriously that it demeans those to take pride in being a part of it.
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For those who are upset about the picture, why isn't there an uproar when olympic winners use the flag as a cap to run around the track after they have won. Someone shed some light on that. Inquiring minds want to know.
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Sgt (Join to see)
And yes I call it an uproar when the family has gotten ignorant posts from ignorant people.
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PO1 Michael Phipps
The family of the young sailor, Sgt? Since the picture also appeared in the hometown newspaper(Mansfield News Journal) of the young man, my response here on RallyPoint, on FB, and the hometown paper talked strictly about the violation of the Flag Code alone.
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A symbol of American freedom cradling and protecting its future, being held by one who swore to protect that freedom and future with his life. Whats the problem? If there is one, maybe we served for the wrong reasons.
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Just was asked to approve this on my fb page and could not. I too understand there is a code of ethics with the flag. I too understand the desire of those in the pictures to send a message of the American Soldier, Marine, Sailor etc.being the protector of the freedoms of the next generation. However the image of a naked child in the flag, I had a hard time. Personally my pride in my country and her colors keeps me feeling I'll at ease. Your response was well worded.
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In the code of conduct you talk about it says you "SHOULDNT" do this or that not don't. It says you shouldn't drape it off the side of a bus or train. Yet in parades it's done all the time. If your mounting it to a vehicle it should be mounted on the right side on the frame. There's a bunch of rules. But they aren't in stone. Just like making clothing that looks like a flag people do it. I see veteran females wrapped in the flag and nothing else in calendars that's disgraceful this has taste and is a nice sentiment and if daddy passed away when she is 2-6 years old this picture will be the greatest thing she can hold on to. I almost tear up anytime I hear the anthem played and or Bagpipes from a funeral. I've had to present my Grandmkther with the flag for my grandfathers funeral and it's means a lot to people. It's representing protection in this picture. Nothing more or less.
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I see no problem with this pic, this is not desecration of the Flag, this is what we all serve for. So our children can grow up under a banner that stands for Life, Liberty and Freedom. The symbolism in this one picture, is worth more than any words could be spoken about why we serve
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