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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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No, it's not desecration. And those who issued death threats to the photographer need to suck start a shotgun.
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I did a websearch on the Philippine KKK flag and found that the Sons of Confederate Veterans have been "fighting" against the KKK for use of the Confederate flag and that the KKK have been flying the American flag for decades.
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Only if the baby poops in it...
jk
Personally, I LOVE the symbolism this picture conveys. There is nothing wrong, IMHO, with this what this sailor did.
jk
Personally, I LOVE the symbolism this picture conveys. There is nothing wrong, IMHO, with this what this sailor did.
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This is my personal opinion only.
At no point is he disrespecting the flag. The baby is properly swaddled, so it will not get the flag dirty. And, as I learned from my days in the BSA, if a flag gets dirty, you ARE allowed to clean it (AKA the "touch the ground = retire the flag" concept is bogus), so none of what could happen would desecrate the flag. This is an attempt by a man to show respect, at least in my mind. Respect for the nation, for the flag, and for his child. When I first saw the picture, I thought "Cool." and went on about my day. Honest truth, that's still my thought. Nothing more, nothing less.
At no point is he disrespecting the flag. The baby is properly swaddled, so it will not get the flag dirty. And, as I learned from my days in the BSA, if a flag gets dirty, you ARE allowed to clean it (AKA the "touch the ground = retire the flag" concept is bogus), so none of what could happen would desecrate the flag. This is an attempt by a man to show respect, at least in my mind. Respect for the nation, for the flag, and for his child. When I first saw the picture, I thought "Cool." and went on about my day. Honest truth, that's still my thought. Nothing more, nothing less.
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Chief, you should redo this as a poll with an option for comments. I'm pretty sure they results are predictable. I'm in agreement with the vast majority of people who see nothmng wrong with it.
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People are outraged about this!? That's nonsense. You can find pictures of models (male or female) who are actually nude using the United States flag to cover themselves while doing sexy poses
The photographer is getting heat for this and she served in the military. Swadling a baby in the flag isn't disrespectful.
The photographer is getting heat for this and she served in the military. Swadling a baby in the flag isn't disrespectful.
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PO1 Michael Phipps
SPC, I don't condone your first examples, either. For the same Flag Code violations.
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