What Do You Stand For When You Fly a Flag

Why You Should Have a Flag Pole

Citizens of the United States of America have, for a few hundred years now, proudly flown the national flag. In our darkest times and proudest hours, the flag has been displayed and preserved for all to see. Some of the most famous moments for our flag have been immortalized in several forms. When Francis Scott Key wrote his poem that became our national anthem, he was inspired by the flag that was raised in victory over Fort McHenry in 1814. In 1945, the American flag was famously planted on the top of Mount Suribachi during the events of Iwo Jima. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planted the flag on the surface of the moon in 1969. After the destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001, the flag was planted at ground zero to help unify the country and mourn for those who were lost.

The American flag is more than just a piece of cloth. It is a symbol of our country. It is a symbol of unity. It is a symbol of loyalty. It is a symbol of patriotism and love. It stands to reason why ordinary people want to display the Star-Spangled Banner; to show support for the greatest country in the world. 

Proper flag etiquette is described and protected by the United States Flag Code. By federal law, citizens cannot be prohibited from displaying the flag on private properties. It is a national right. Therefore, the manner in which to properly display the flag is also described in the code. As stated in the code, “When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak.” What this means is that the US flag should always fly proudly at the top of a flag pole. 

True Patriots spectacularly exhibit loyalty by showing their respect for the country in which they live. It is a shame that flying the American Flag is not an obligation to each and every citizen.