In honor of Flag Day, I will present one fact regarding our Star Spangled Banner: Millions of Americans break the U.S. Flag Code every day. While that may not come as a shock, the clause we violate the most often will. And even more surprising, we break it in efforts to be patriotic and show off our love for 'Merica.

While not many people have read or even know about the U.S. Flag Code, many break one of its clauses every Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, and every other patriotic holiday. The U.S. Flag Code outlines the display and handling guidelines for citizens of the United States regarding the stars and stripes. While many are aware of the obvious ones: in order to display the flag at night it must be illuminated, the flag cannot touch the ground, the flag must be folded according to procedure, etc., few know that it is in fact against the U.S. Flag Code to wear apparel featuring the stars and stripes! That is right, all of our American flag T -shirts, hats, and even drink koozies are in fact in direct violation of the U.S. Flag Code.

The American flag also cannot be used for advertisements or in athletic uniforms or costumes. Even good ole Uncle Sam breaks the Flag Code, too. Our disposable American flag paper plates and napkins are also on the list of items in violation. So while we do these things out of patriotism, our actions actually violate our regulations regarding our flag. However because we do wear these things out of patriotism and love for our country, I do not believe this violation offends or desecrates our flag.

Nonetheless, our Flag Code is not a legally binding code. While it does outline the correct behavior for handling our flag, no punishments for mishandling the flag are guaranteed by the code. According to the U.S. Flag Code, flag laws vary based on each state’s laws. In fact, the nation has seen, in recent years, the judicial branch ruling in favor of First Amendment rights in cases regarding mishandling or even desecration of the United States flag. For example, in 1989 the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of the defendant charged with flag desecration in Texas v Johnson. Protesting the policies of then President, Ronald Reagan, the defendant burned an American flag outside of the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas. Texas’ own state law prohibited this act, however the Supreme Court ruled in favor of symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment.

Ultimately, the American flag is a living symbol of our country. Millions have died for it and many wish they could live under its liberties. So this Flag Day please treat our flag with respect, and if you do choose to be clad in the stars and stripes please make sure you keep it clean! http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html