Does anyone honor our flag anymore?

[tasha99]

I'm with those who say they would not expect this at Disneyland. I do hold my hand over my heart for the flag (if I notice) and during the Star Spangled Banner, but if I didn't notice or was busy for some other reason at DL, I wouldn't let it be a big deal. I certainly wouldn't concern myself with what others were doing. I think putting too much importance on that sort of ritual stuff isn't all that meaningful. FWIW, I'm an army veteran and was a military wife for 14 years, so it's not like I don't love and respect my country.

 

[suzanna1066@comcast.]

The moment we make saluting the flag compulsory is the moment it loses its meaning. I never want to live in a place where not "honoring" a flag is a crime.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

I have not read this all however. I can say in other country's I would take notice of what others are doing and I would try to at least show respect to the flag they are honoring. It is respectful in any country. I am so sick that our flag no longer gets the respect it deserves even from way to many Americans who could care less. I how ever have taught my son how to show respect to the flag and on each trip to DL my son and hubby and sometimes me (in less waiting 6 hours for fireworks oi) went to the flag retreat. As a home schooling mother I take much of our morning to talk about history and say the Pledge. I wish more taught the respect but many kids these days are not being taught what we were once taught in school. Nor do their parents care to pass the respect on. I am with the OP on this one.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I've never ever heard that you are supposed to put your hand on your heart when someone marches by with the American flag. Never in my 38 years have I ever heard that. When the national anthem is played, you stand up, take off your hat, etc. If someone is just marching by with a flag... no. Never would occur to me.

I've been to dozens of band competition concerts in the past 8 years. Schools have honor guards. Nobody stands when a band's honor guard goes by. Ever.

 

[Grammy4Lizzy]

I have to say that I know that you put your hand over your heart, remove your hat and stop talking during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem because I watch Nascar. I also know the words to Oh Canada as my grandparents came to the US from Canada.
I have been to Disneyland multiples of times, but I don't recall ever watching the flag retreat or the raising of the flag. Next time I am there I will make the time to do this.

 

[Lord Fantasius]

I've never ever heard that you are supposed to put your hand on your heart when someone marches by with the American flag. Never in my 38 years have I ever heard that. When the national anthem is played, you stand up, take off your hat, etc. If someone is just marching by with a flag... no. Never would occur to me.

I've been to dozens of band competition concerts in the past 8 years. Schools have honor guards. Nobody stands when a band's honor guard goes by. Ever.

Must be different school systems...or era. Up until the 90's, respect would have been drilled into you constantly...starting from your parents!

I have been to dozens of band concerts, marching band competitions, school ensemblies, etc., and every school I have been in, if the Colors have been posted and the honor guard is on parade, 99% of the people have stood when the flag passes. The only difference is you can tell the veterans, children of veterans, and the older generation from the rest of the crowd as they are the ones either saluting (veterans) or hands over their hearts. If they are just assembling, not in formation, or not on parade, then no, usually don't see much sign of respect except from those of the "Greatest Generation," but even outside during parades, pretty much everyone around has gotten up and stood when the flag goes by in front of the local marching band.

 

[castle1]

A lot of people have died over the years defending that flag and your right to not to be bothered by it. Maybe you could just take a moment to think about the sacrifice they made and all of the children who grew up without fathers or the parents who forever lost their children in defense of that flag.

You have the right to turn your nose up to and look down upon those who support the Flag because of the men who died fighting for the United States. It wouldn't kill you or anybody else to show a moment of respect to those who died.

Just remember you get to choose whether or not you pay your respects because others died in service to this country.

Totally agree!

 

[markinmt]

Here is Malta, Mont., we say the Pledge before city council and school board meeting -- hands over hearts. I was taken aback the first time I saw this, but I have no problem with it. I choose to pay respects to the flag of my country, but I couldn't care less what others do as long as not overtly offensive.