How do you handle flag etiquette?

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 15:37:52 -0500

Yesterday, I went to my daughter's honor roll assembly where she proceeded to sweep the awards for advanced reading, advanced math, "terrific kid", A honor roll and student of the year finalist. /end bragging

Before the assembly started they has they had a two kids from the boy scout (cub scout really) troop post the colors and lead the pledge. The problem. The posted the US and State flags ON THE WRONG SIDES. Part of me wanted to jump up and fix it on the spot, but I sat there and literally could not stop staring at the wrongness of it all for the hour and half of the assembly.

After it was over, I politely pulled the principal to the side, explained the error and had another service member that happen to be there help me move and properly dress the flags.

What would you have done?

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Jan 24 at 2015 3:41 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 15:41:22 -0500

I think you handled it exactly as you should have. I have done the same myself. It is amazing how often I see improper flag and military etiquette. We don't need to over react even though we know the personal sacrifice that our brothers have given for the cause. A side conversation with some polite education goes a lot further. Well done!

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Jan 24 at 2015 4:03 PM

CPL Rick Stasny — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 16:03:03 -0500

I think you handled it correctly, it's a shame that this over shadowed your daughter's ceremony. Congratulations to her on her accomplishments.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2015 4:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 16:37:21 -0500

You did the right thing MSgt. Sounds like you were watching a movie or TV show with the military in it and everything was wrong....ha ha