Or Does Flag Protocol Matter?

Knowing the rules is one thing, but it's inherently American to at least question and maybe even update or amend them....

So, must the American Flag be as exclusively, solemnly serious as the Flag Code requires? Or should we feel free to get creative with it?

Are the Flag Code's rules too archaic, too out-dated to be taken seriously today? Is the Flag Code unAmerican? After all, shouldn't we be appreciating and celebrating our 1st Amendment right to freely express ourselves about anything, including the United States itself and its flag? Shouldn't we feel free to paint U.S. flag patterns on fire hydrants? Can't we wrap ourselves in the flag via wearing an American Flag t-shirt? On he other side, aren't we supposed to be free to burn the flag in protest if we feel inspired to? After all, the American Flag is a symbol of a free country...

Joseph Ambrose (above), an 86-year-old World War I veteran, attends the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He is holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, who was killed in the Korean War."- Photo credit: U.S. Census Bureau

(Above), veteran Chester Tomczak prepares to lay a flag preserving the memory of American prisoners of war on the flames. Photo by Bob Walter for the Eatonville News, Eatonville WA)

Still, when I see aged U.S. veterans like those pictured above, handling our flag with all the reverence, care and protocol that the Flag Code requires, I care very deeply about how they feel, wanting to honor them and their service......which makes it even harder to see the Flag trivialized on things like napkins, toys, and party favors; the shameless merchandising of the American Flag, and the ever-increasing silliness, like the American Flag costume I saw on someone's chihuahua in a neighborhood Fourth of July parade, the colors inevitably dragging on the ground. 

Anyway, at this point I'm inclined to believe that, while U.S. military and all U.S. government entities should certainly adhere to the Flag Code (and to spread the word about it, setting an example of appropriate respect), ordinary civilians can and should express their feelings about their country and flag any way they care to, even if it contradicts the Code. 

Again, it's a free country, which is the greater point. 

And while I personally find the merchandising of the American flag to be utterly shameless, commercialism is a part of our society; we can always choose not to buy into it, literally and symbolically. 

Either way, I think it's worthwhile for citizens to be aware of the correct American Flag Protocol, even though the rules aren't enforceable and shouldn't be; the 1st Amendment trumps anybody's traditions.