What are your thoughts on protection of the U.S. Flag?

SSgt Charles Edwards — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 23:31:06 -0400

By now, many of you are familiar with the chaos that has taken place in Baltimore, Maryland. Aside from another protest taking place regarding police brutality against a minority, the other big issue that came into play was the desecration of the United States flag. Now, this wasn't your typical, run-of-the-mill type protest where the people in attendance brought their own flag to destroy as they saw fit. No, this group had the audacity to take down the flag flying at Baltimore's city hall and proceed to burn it.

I've been asking myself over and over how I would respond to such an event if it took place before my very eyes. Would I risk my own personal well-being to protect the very symbol that has defined this great country for over two centuries? Would I risk imprisonment for something I feel is the right thing to do? Not that long ago, a USAF veteran interfered with a protest after the crowd began walking/stomping on the flag. After passively resisting both the flag and herself to the custody of the police, she was detained, but not charged.

I'd like to think that I would be that guy too. But, in the events that took place in Baltimore, would the risk be worth it?

This is purely hypothetical and something that I feel is best gagged by the military community as opposed to the wide assortment of friends and family on my Facebook page. Thoughts?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 5:49 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 05:49:14 -0400

I'd step-in. Could care less if I got arrested and charges pressed against. See the following article depicting similar events at Valdosta, GA, campus not too long ago and tell me you wouldn't intervene as well:

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/georgia-university-shuts-down-ahead-flag-protest-n347586

American Flag Protest Shuts Down Georgia College

A Georgia university shut down on Friday for a demonstration after a video of protesters trampling an American flag went viral.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 7:52 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 07:52:16 -0400

Hi, Staff Sergeant Edwards.

I've lost too many friends in service of our country. Each of them followed that flag. It would absolutely be worth the consequence.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 27 at 2015 9:29 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 09:29:02 -0400

The flag is a symbol. It is not the Constitution.

Protection of the symbol such that it that flies in the face of the principles of the Constitution is a clear example to the world that we do not live by our own principles.

Someone who dies for a flag has a misplaced set of priorities.

Someone that removes and destroys someone else's property is guilty of trespass and property damage and can be charged by both criminal and civil statues.

If you fly off on something like this then they win.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 10:46 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 10:46:07 -0400

Well, theres 2 laws that say it should be protected and not desecrated, so my thoughts say, "Don't mess with it"

Response by LTC Dom Dionne made Apr 27 at 2015 1:31 PM

LTC Dom Dionne — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 13:31:34 -0400

I would bring my own flag and friends to counter protest peacefully across the street from them. They have the right to assemble, protest, and destroy our flag if they see fit.

However, they do not have the right to threaten others and destroy public and private property. Keep an eye on them and take pictures of them so they can go to jail for any crimes they commit while protesting.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 27 at 2015 1:34 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 13:34:32 -0400

I have always been torn by the rights of the individual to protest by burning/trampling the American Flag and my personal belief that it should be protected as it is sacred to me as the symbol of our great nation. I am not sure how I would personally react if the flag was desecrated in my presence, pretty sure someone would end up having to spend money to bail me out of jail if it did occur.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made Apr 27 at 2015 1:40 PM

PO2 Kevin LaCroix — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 13:40:10 -0400

I do not believe is desacrating any nations flag. I do not agree with the Supreme court that it is free speech. I feel it is on the same level as yelling Fire or Bomb in a crowded building.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 5:52 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 17:52:57 -0400

It sickens me to see things like this happen. But, that said our supreme court has ruled desecration of the flag to be free speech. Therefore it is protected by the constitution we are sworn to protect.

Stealing a flag to burn however, is theft NOT free speech.

Still not sure if it is worth my life to step in. And I really believe one who would have in thos instance would have been risking his/her life.

Tough call. Not sure what I would have done if I had been there. But wait, I think I am smart enough to have not placed myself there.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 27 at 2015 6:53 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 18:53:50 -0400

I am adamant that certain things are sacred like our flag and funerals.