Everyone recognizes the national flag, even little kids. Other people in other countries know what the unique red, white and blue pattern is too. It doesn't sound entirely right to talk about discount US flags, but nevertheless the flags are sold on that basis sometimes. What you should be aware of, however, is that the same rules of flag use apply to any national flag, regardless of what you paid for it.
A copy of a national flag is never less important because its price was lower. It remains the official symbol of the country and so its special status requires that it's used according to a special regimen of rules. People may not be aware of all of these rules but the fact that they got their flag at a discount does not negate them at all.
A national flag should never be handled like other pieces of cloth, even though it is one. The rules for its usage apply to its handling and storage as well, and should be followed without exception. The motivation for these rules is national pride, so those who handle the flag should realize the significance of what they are handling and obey the rules as a matter of course.
It isn't acceptable for the national flag to touch the ground, at any time, for any reason. During hoisting onto the flagpost, or lowering in the evening, transporting it, or other handling, the flag must always be raised off the ground. Contact with the ground, at any time, is an insult to the country and shows an incorrect attitude on the part of those who are culpable of this issue.
Also, the flag should be folded as a flag should be, and not into the usual square flat shape like bed linen is. The proper way to fold a flag is to fold it gently into a narrow piece and then slowly roll it up into a tidy roll of fabric. The purpose of this is that it should not show creases when it's flown on the post.
When hoisting the flag, there are further rules that should be obeyed. One such rule is as to whether the flag may be flown at night. There might be those who believe that the flag is not allowed to be flown 24 hours a day, which is incorrect. It is permissible, as long as the flag is lit up.
Sometimes, it needs to be flown along with another flag. However, at such times two posts must be used, one for each flag. If only a single post is available, then the national flag is always hoisted first, above the other flag, never in the reverse order. It always takes the top position on the post.
These rules are not hearsay or unwritten lore. They are official Public Law, legislated under the title of the Flag Code. However, disobeying them is not a crime, officially. The constitution allows for people to practise freedom of expression using the national flag. Even so, those who use it should always remember how important it is to the people of America, and that its abuse can negatively affect the country's reputation. Before you use the flag, read the Code and then apply its rules and principles.
A copy of a national flag is never less important because its price was lower. It remains the official symbol of the country and so its special status requires that it's used according to a special regimen of rules. People may not be aware of all of these rules but the fact that they got their flag at a discount does not negate them at all.
A national flag should never be handled like other pieces of cloth, even though it is one. The rules for its usage apply to its handling and storage as well, and should be followed without exception. The motivation for these rules is national pride, so those who handle the flag should realize the significance of what they are handling and obey the rules as a matter of course.
It isn't acceptable for the national flag to touch the ground, at any time, for any reason. During hoisting onto the flagpost, or lowering in the evening, transporting it, or other handling, the flag must always be raised off the ground. Contact with the ground, at any time, is an insult to the country and shows an incorrect attitude on the part of those who are culpable of this issue.
Also, the flag should be folded as a flag should be, and not into the usual square flat shape like bed linen is. The proper way to fold a flag is to fold it gently into a narrow piece and then slowly roll it up into a tidy roll of fabric. The purpose of this is that it should not show creases when it's flown on the post.
When hoisting the flag, there are further rules that should be obeyed. One such rule is as to whether the flag may be flown at night. There might be those who believe that the flag is not allowed to be flown 24 hours a day, which is incorrect. It is permissible, as long as the flag is lit up.
Sometimes, it needs to be flown along with another flag. However, at such times two posts must be used, one for each flag. If only a single post is available, then the national flag is always hoisted first, above the other flag, never in the reverse order. It always takes the top position on the post.
These rules are not hearsay or unwritten lore. They are official Public Law, legislated under the title of the Flag Code. However, disobeying them is not a crime, officially. The constitution allows for people to practise freedom of expression using the national flag. Even so, those who use it should always remember how important it is to the people of America, and that its abuse can negatively affect the country's reputation. Before you use the flag, read the Code and then apply its rules and principles.