I'm fall somewhere way short of perfection in much of anything but I am also a little dismayed at the lack of proper flag etiquette and while I appreciate the patriotism connected with flying the flag represents on the part of my neighbors, I feel it would be wonderful if they would just go a step further and learn how to properly respect that which they would seem to revere so much.

I am not a rigid person nor a worshiper of any kind of symbol such as the flag, a cross, etc., but I do respect and sometimes worship the values that those symbols represent, and their rules, just as I try to respect my fellow man and not simply by leaving him alone when it is within our creed and our duty to help him, if needed. Am I a sap? You bet! Proper flag etiquette is not hard and the rules can even be "googled."

The basic rules are, it doesn't touch the ground, it doesn't get wet, it doesn't fly at night, it is never used in any advertisement as a promotional device, and has to be properly burned by a knowledgeable entity when it becomes soiled or tattered. Every Boy Scout has been taught these things and often local Boy Scout units can and will burn flags in accordance with proper etiquette.

We seem to have veered a long way from our responsibility to the flag and to ourselves, and seem to be increasingly doing so on a daily basis. I'm saddened by the lack of respect it represents and that lack of respect is increasingly rampant in all parts of our society, especially toward each other.

I'm fall somewhere way short of perfection in much of anything but I am also a little dismayed at the lack of proper flag etiquette and while I appreciate the patriotism connected with flying the flag represents on the part of my neighbors, I feel it would be wonderful if they would just go a step further and learn how to properly respect that which they would seem to revere so much.

I am not a rigid person nor a worshiper of any kind of symbol such as the flag, a cross, etc., but I do respect and sometimes worship the values that those symbols represent, and their rules, just as I try to respect my fellow man and not simply by leaving him alone when it is within our creed and our duty to help him, if needed. Am I a sap? You bet! Proper flag etiquette is not hard and the rules can even be "googled."

The basic rules are, it doesn't touch the ground, it doesn't get wet, it doesn't fly at night, it is never used in any advertisement as a promotional device, and has to be properly burned by a knowledgeable entity when it becomes soiled or tattered. Every Boy Scout has been taught these things and often local Boy Scout units can and will burn flags in accordance with proper etiquette.

We seem to have veered a long way from our responsibility to the flag and to ourselves, and seem to be increasingly doing so on a daily basis. I'm saddened by the lack of respect it represents and that lack of respect is increasingly rampant in all parts of our society, especially toward each other.

I was saddened to see that image of a very tattered flag on the first page of this thread. Flying that flag is a breach of 'Flag etiquette'; but probably none of us know the circumstances of whoever owns and flew it so we might cut a bit of slack I guess. Contrary to what some folk think it does not have to be given to your local American Legion Post or VFW post for disposal. It is permisible and entirely proper under the US Flag Code Title 4, Chapter 1,Section 8(k)for us to dispose of the flag ourselves when it is done in a respectful manner. This could be by burning or burying for instance.
Although I live in the USA I only have 'Permanent Resident' status; but out of huge respect for this nation I fly the flag at the entrance to my driveway.
At functions where the Pledge of Allegiance is said or there is a flag raising or lowering ceremony it would not be appropriate for me to salute or hold my hand to my heart
but I do stand to attention, cap removed, and yes I often have what we guys might call 'sweaty eyeballs' as patriotic hymns are sung about this country which I have grown to love. May God bless America!