Comments on: Touch the Ground—Burn the Flag? http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2007/01/10/touch-the-ground-burn-the-flag/ Your online source for flag news and information! Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:38:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Deborah Hendrick http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2007/01/10/touch-the-ground-burn-the-flag/comment-page-1/#comment-18123 Deborah Hendrick Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:53:17 +0000 http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2007/01/10/touch-the-ground-burn-the-flag/#comment-18123 Ms. Jay---you have essentially answered your own question. It is precisely out of respect, honor, love and affection---it may be a different combination for some people---that we choose to treat the flag with great care. Things that are important to us, things that can be ruined or destroyed, we try to keep from touching the ground. Those who want to insult, discourage, or somehow defeat another country, will generally attack that country's national emblem as part of their first actions. There have been some exceptions. I have seen a photograph in the National Archives that was taken during WWII. A forward American company on an island was being shelled by American ships offshore. They staked out the largest American flag they had on the hillside, in hopes that the artillery spotters would see it though their spotting scopes, and direct the fire elsewhere. It worked! Thank you for writing. Best Wishes, Deborah Ms. Jay—you have essentially answered your own question. It is precisely out of respect, honor, love and affection—it may be a different combination for some people—that we choose to treat the flag with great care. Things that are important to us, things that can be ruined or destroyed, we try to keep from touching the ground. Those who want to insult, discourage, or somehow defeat another country, will generally attack that country’s national emblem as part of their first actions.

There have been some exceptions. I have seen a photograph in the National Archives that was taken during WWII. A forward American company on an island was being shelled by American ships offshore. They staked out the largest American flag they had on the hillside, in hopes that the artillery spotters would see it though their spotting scopes, and direct the fire elsewhere. It worked!

Thank you for writing. Best Wishes, Deborah

]]> By: Ms.Jay D. http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2007/01/10/touch-the-ground-burn-the-flag/comment-page-1/#comment-18122 Ms.Jay D. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:10:42 +0000 http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2007/01/10/touch-the-ground-burn-the-flag/#comment-18122 I keep reading that the American flag should never touch the ground but I can not find the reasoning behind that statement. Can you please tell me why the American flag should not touch the ground other than out of respect for our American flag? I have heard that it is a sign of defeat, a sign of disrespect for America, etc.... Thanks, Jay I keep reading that the American flag should never touch the ground but I can not find the reasoning behind that statement. Can you please tell me why the American flag should not touch the ground other than out of respect for our American flag? I have heard that it is a sign of defeat, a sign of disrespect for America, etc….
Thanks,
Jay

]]> By: Larry Hendrick http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2007/01/10/touch-the-ground-burn-the-flag/comment-page-1/#comment-9 Larry Hendrick Mon, 22 Jan 2007 20:40:42 +0000 http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2007/01/10/touch-the-ground-burn-the-flag/#comment-9 John, Thanks for the comment. It is appreciated. Yes. We have several local VFW and Scout troops we want to approach with that proposition. One of our ideas it to offer flag disposal for our customers. The details have to be worked out, but in conjunction with these local groups, it would allow tired flags to be retired with honor. We held several such ceremonies while I was a Scoutmaster, and it is really a special event to participate in. We'll write an article when we get the details worked out. John, Thanks for the comment. It is appreciated.

Yes. We have several local VFW and Scout troops we want to approach with that proposition.

One of our ideas it to offer flag disposal for our customers. The details have to be worked out, but in conjunction with these local groups, it would allow tired flags to be retired with honor.

We held several such ceremonies while I was a Scoutmaster, and it is really a special event to participate in.

We’ll write an article when we get the details worked out.

]]> By: John Flanagan http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2007/01/10/touch-the-ground-burn-the-flag/comment-page-1/#comment-8 John Flanagan Mon, 22 Jan 2007 19:25:49 +0000 http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/2007/01/10/touch-the-ground-burn-the-flag/#comment-8 Most VFW and American Legion Posts conduct flag retirement ceremonies where the flags are burned in a respecful manner and the ashes placed in a seperate area of the Post. You do not have to wait for the special days, you can drop off your old / unuseable flags at the Posts at anytime during the year and they will hold them for the ceremony. I have heard that Boy Scout Troops also conduct a ceremony for flag retirements. Though I think it is easier to find a VFW than a Boy Scout Troop. BTW This is a great looking site and the flags are very reasonable. Thanks. Most VFW and American Legion Posts conduct flag retirement ceremonies where the flags are burned in a respecful manner and the ashes placed in a seperate area of the Post. You do not have to wait for the special days, you can drop off your old / unuseable flags at the Posts at anytime during the year and they will hold them for the ceremony.

I have heard that Boy Scout Troops also conduct a ceremony for flag retirements. Though I think it is easier to find a VFW than a Boy Scout Troop.

BTW This is a great looking site and the flags are very reasonable. Thanks.

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