I stand corrected on Flag Etiquette...

This crap has really been pissing me off!  Everybody knows that you salute the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance and simply face the flag during the National Anthem.  I learned that in 1st grade!!!

And, I'm sorry, but a lapel pin does not a patriot make!

So last night, I decided to look it up,  and, damn, I was shocked to see that, according to the U.S. Flag Code, one is supposed to salute the flag when it is displayed during the national anthem, or the music if it is not.

I had Mrs. Beggs in first grade, the most patriotic person I have ever known, and I know she taught us to salute during the pledge, but not during the national anthem.  We did it every morning!

I was a member of troop one of the Boy Scouts of America, and I know that I learned everything there was to know about the flag!  Of course, when in uniform, it is appropriate to salute the flag during the National Anthem!  If not in uniform, simply remove your hat out of respect.

I taught U.S. Civics and Government to 7th graders for five years, and I never saw anything about saluting during the national anthem, nor did anyone ever salute at a football, basketball or baseball game in any of the little towns in rural upstate NY where my kids played.

But, last night, I looked it up.  So now I know.  We learn something new everyday!

A few more helpful hints from the U.S. Flag Code...

September 11, 2006, President Bush and first lady Laura Bush stand on a carpet of the American flag at Ground Zero in Manhattan, the site of the September 11, 2001 attack. Section 8b of the Flag Code reads, " The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground..." Photo credit: Reuters/Jason Reed

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free

In July 2003 President Bush autographed a small flag. This picture was circulated across the Internet noting its violation of the Flag Code: "The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature." Photo credit: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.

The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

I consider myself to be quite patriotic.  My first love is American History.  I am a direct descendent of the Mayflower, on both sides.

I have never saluted during the National Anthem, because that is what I was taught.  I don't wear a lapel pin.  But, I sure as hell know better than to desecrate my flag, out of patriotism, respect, and love for the ideal of the United States of America.  I wish all of our leaders knew better!

The U.S. Flag Code