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Share the spirit
By Connie Beard
Published November 9, 2009
The flag of the United States — a symbol of liberty and freedom; born of strife, when the forefathers of the United States faced and overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles — flies today and even more noticeably on Wednesday at numerous area events in celebration of Veterans Day.
In preparation for Wednesday’s events, David Dean, Boy Scout executive in Paris, points out the importance of proper flag etiquette.
“The flag is something to rally around and is a point of pride,” Dean said.
Scouts are taught how to handle the flag according to the U.S. Flag etiquette code, which includes how to properly display a flag.
“Thousands and thousands have died for this country, and the flag is what that means,” Dean said. “Displaying the flag properly is part of being a citizen. This is serious business. We teach these Scouts the importance of it, the reverence and respect for the flag comes from that.”
Dean said most people just don’t realize there is a problem with how their flag is displayed. He said most generally, veterans — those who have put their lives on the line for the flag — will let him know if something isn’t quite right.
“It’s a matter of someone pointing it out. Even here in this office, sometimes you walk in and it doesn’t catch your eye. A lot of what people do — it’s a matter of educating the public,” Dean said.
The United States Code spells out the rules and regulations on how to display the American flag. Flying “Old Glory” correctly, signifies the respect and reverence for those who have fought — and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Flag Code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which citizens may show their respect to the flag.
“The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing,” according to Section 8j of the Flag Code.
The National Flag Code was adopted at the National Flag Conference on Flag Day, June 14, 1923, and Congress passed a joint resolution on June 22, 1942, amended Dec. 22, 1942, to become Public Law 829; Chapter 806, 77th Congress, 2nd session, according to www.usflag.org.
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