Pearl Harbor was bombed when I was just seven-years-old so World War II was going on through most of my childhood years. I was too young, but several other members of my family honorably served in the military during those years.
Raleigh Mann
I was born and raised in Baltimore where our national anthem was written. Maybe that’s why I feel so strongly about respect for the American Flag.
It upsets me when others disrespect the flag or the national anthem. They think they’re being patriotic, but the opposite is true. Our annual celebration of Independence Day, our nation’s birthday, is a good time to remind ourselves of what’s acceptable and what isn’t where the flag is concerned.
It’s not OK to wear the stars and stripes on your head, chest, arms or fanny as an article of clothing. Even in Chapel Hill, which has a reputation of being liberal, you can see American flag neckties, shirts, hats, even hats and bikinis.
“Wait a minute,” you say, “I wear my stars and striped shirt with pride to show how patriotic I am.”
That might be your motivation, but you are better off showing your patriotism in other ways. The U.S. Flag Code specifically forbids it:
“The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. No part of the flag should ever be used as costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.”
I know. I know. Some conservative people angrily dispute all of this arguing that it isn’t the actual flag that you’re wearing, but a design that’s similar to the flag. OK, you can shape an argument to suit your own biases, but these are the rules. You have the right to disagree with them and I have the right to be offended when you ignore them and display my flag, and yours, on your body.
— Raleigh Mann
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