Burning The American Flag - Is It Illegal to Light Up Red White and Blue

I have seen the videos and news reports, read the magazines and am enraged at the thought of someone burning the American Flag.

Is that all one can do to make a statement? Is that all they can do to get their point across? Disrespecting the one thing that this Country holds true?

The American Flag.

A symbolism of Freedom. A hope for a better tomorrow. A representation of the common cause. Old Glory represents the United States of America. Proud and True.

Americans put their right hand over their heart and Pledge allegiance to the flag. The National Anthem states;

"And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"

The American Flag is respected, honored and waved with pride. So then I must question why. Why do people of this great country think it is okay to burn the flag?

The First Amendment protects those who burn the flag.

I understand and respect the First Amendment, but hugely doubt that our fore-fathers expected citizens of this country doing such an act when writing the Constitution.

So is the answer to ban burning the Flag? In my opinion, yes. Now don't stop reading this because you don't like my stand on it. Continue reading to hear my point.

Most flag burnings are over a law, war or some other Government decision. In fact, the first flag burnings were reported in waves during the protests of the Vietnam War. I agree that we, as Americans, have the right to disagree. We even have the right to protest. But, the American Flag represents what America is, the way we are allowed to live and what we are fortunate enough to have, not what the Government decides to do or not to do.

The American Flag is used in ceremonies as a respectful tribute, and in some schools (that still allow it) to teach our children just how great our Country is. It is not based off Religion, although it does have a Christian relation. The flag is displayed proudly by families, churches, schools and of course, The White House. A flag is at half-mass when someone passes as a sign of loss to our country. Military personnel are laid to rest with a flag draped over their casket, folded with the highest respect and given to the spouse or family as a remembrance and symbol of the USA and what this soldier fought to keep great.  

Are you aware there is a Flag Code? I will list just some of the codes for you. But I want you to keep in mind what this article is about and I will follow-up with one important question afterwards.

(These Flag Codes are copied word for word from the USA Flag Site.To see all codes, follow link provided).

1. The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use.
2. The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
3. The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.

4. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

5. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

I'm sure you know what I am going to ask. Did you read #5? After the flag has been worn and served it's purpose representing this fine country, it can be destroyed properly by fire. With Dignity!

So I must ask, why go to the extreme of disrespecting this country and all it stands for by burning something so precious to us?

Martin Luther King Jr had a message and it was heard, without burning the cloth. Recently, Glen Beck held a rally in Washington DC to have his thoughts heard, no matches lit that day. All I see when I view another slap in the face flag burning? Just that. A slap in the face.

I see the soldiers at War hanging their heads in dismay at the lack of support for their fight.

I see the Veterans feeling enraged at the lack of respect for their contributions to keep you and your family well and safe.

I see the children caring a little less about who they are and where they come from.

I feel John Dickinson, Governor Morris, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Thomas Paine, Edmund Randolph, James Madison, Roger Sherman, James Wilson, and George Wythe turning over in their graves at the destruction of what they based this country to be.  

I could go into the politics of the First Amendment and how it protects people who do burn the flag, but why. It comes to this.

People need to appreciate the country they live in. Honor it. We, as people, may not always agree with the decisions of our Government (especially these days) but we must remember that there are better ways to change that decision. Make changes with your voice, with a peaceful protest or rally, better yet- Vote! By burning the flag you are throwing in the towel and unappreciating the coutry inwhich you live. If you are so ashamed of America, the best answer for you is to leave.

Burning the flag is disrespectful to your fellow man.

America opens it arms to you- don't respond with a slap in the face.

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.