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Can the American flag be changed?
No. There has been no revision of the Flag Code and there has been no Presidential Proclamation changing the guidelines for respectful display of the flag at night. Section 6a: “when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.”
What does the Constitution say about altering the flag?
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. 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.
What does the flag have to do with the military?
The military and the flag are not synonymous. The flag is a symbolic representation of the nation as an entirety, which includes everyone who is a citizen of the United States of America. You do not have to be a member of the military to be represented by the flag. The military does not protect a flag.
How does the flag become symbolic?
The stripes represent the original 13 Colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
Why burning the flag is disrespectful?
It may be a protest against nationalism or a deliberate and symbolic insult to the people of the country represented by the flag. It may also be a protest at the very laws prohibiting the act of desecrating a flag. Burning or defacing a flag is a crime in some countries.
Why the flag is important?
The American flag is a symbol known worldwide. The flag has been used to display our nationalism, as well as our rebellion, and everything else in between. The flag is so important that its history tells the story of America itself. It represents the freedom, dignity, and true meaning of being an American.
What code governs the treatment and uses of the flag?
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.