respecting the U.S. flag

[mikethern]

Saw the flag being lowered on Disneyland Main Street yesterday. About 10 people including myself faced the flag and put their hands on their hearts. Hundreds of other people just ignored the flag while the national anthem played. One teenager even mocked saluting the flagged and then laughed and walked away. What's wrong with people?

 

[Disney Dreams]

I love watching the flag ceremony at Disneyland. I have noticed many people just walk right by. I don't think they view it as a time to honor the flag so much as another show -- and zoom on by. It bothers me as well.

Of course, a percentage of those people are most likely not from America or American so I don't think it's right to be bothered by them --- it's not their country's flag.

- Dreams

 

[DizNee Luver]

It's probably because doing the Pledge of Allegiance, which was a daily thing at school growing up at, isn't always done anymore. We just moved to a new town & they do the pledge every morning.....but the school we moved away from didn't. You can't say the pledge because you mention God.......

I don't think kids are taught the importance, history & sacrifices that are being made daily by our servicemen to give us that wonderful flag & the freedoms we enjoy. Kinda sad to see.........

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

It's probably because doing the Pledge of Allegiance, which was a daily thing at school growing up at, isn't always done anymore. We just moved to a new town & they do the pledge every morning.....but the school we moved away from didn't. You can't say the pledge because you mention God.......

I don't think kids are taught the importance, history & sacrifices that are being made daily by our servicemen to give us that wonderful flag & the freedoms we enjoy. Kinda sad to see.........

I totally agree. I think it's important to honor our flag, and thereby our country during this ceremony.

 

[furb & dez]

While I don't mind saluting the flag, I have a real problem with the "pledge of allegiance".

Although it seems appropriate that such a materialistic country would mindlessly drone a chant written specifically by a flag-maker to sell flags...

 

[albertagirl]

While I would stop and watch (as I have never seen it) I would not put my hand to heart as I am not American. I am not sure that I would stop more than once to see it either.

 

[mikethern]

Although it seems appropriate that such a materialistic country would mindlessly drone a chant written specifically by a flag-maker to sell flags...

Disney is a corporation. I love Disney. You love Disney. By loving Disney, you and I love materialism. And I am not a mindless drone.

 

[6Smiles]

While I don't mind saluting the flag, I have a real problem with the "pledge of allegiance".

Although it seems appropriate that such a materialistic country would mindlessly drone a chant written specifically by a flag-maker to sell flags...

The pledge was not created by a flag maker but rather by Francis Bellamy Chairman of the superintendent of schools in 1892. The Superintendents wanted a special way to commemorate the 400th Columbus day of our country.

They wanted to celebrate this great day and teach the children to take pride in their flag and country. His original creation of the pledge is as follows:
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

 

[sonnyjane]

I have to say that I hope the OP doesn't take this too personally. Obviously it seems disrespectful to him, but I have to defend my age group and those younger than me (I'm 28) by saying that I really don't think we've ever been taught to honor the flag that way? I actually had to Google "flag etiquette" because I hadn't heard that you were supposed to put your hand on your heart when a flag was lowered. My husband is in the military and I know that during "Colors" if you're on base, you're supposed to remove your hat and stand still, but I thought that was just a military thing. I didn't realize there was national flag etiquette (other than not letting it touch the ground, I did know that one).

In other words, with the exception of the teenager that was mentioned openly mocking the salute, I wouldn't judge those in the area too harshly. I'd venture to guess most just don't know what you're supposed to do during a flag retreat.

 

[Pearl_Mirror]

I agree with Sonnyjane and Disney Dreams.

Alot are not from Amercia so the are not really disrespecting its not theirs. Plus many probably know what to do if hety are not from Amercia either.

Many people actually do not know the ettiquite, I only do by the military but I do not put my hand over my heart. I will face the flag or a flag if the one being lowered is not in sight and stay still and silent.

Now the kid who saluted and ran off was disrespectful but still doesnt mean he understands what to do. Its not beat into people headds now a days, like it used to. Plus "People are People" Thats whats wrong, it is their nature we are all different.

 

[mikethern]

I didn't realize there was national flag etiquette

Now that you know, will you salute it at Disneyland?

 

[sonnyjane]

Now that you know, will you salute it at Disneyland?

I've never been there during the retreat, but if I ever am, then yes, now I know what you're supposed to do

 

[Tommy_B]

What's wrong with people?

Where would you like me to start?

 

[skiingfast]

I don't usually go to the lowering of the flag when I'm in DL, though I have been going by and stopped a number of times. There is no pledge said.

They play the National Anthem when the flags are lowered.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I stop for a moment and salute the flag, mentally say something to Walt and then off ....to enjoy what was his dream.

Jack

 

[Tommy_B]

I have to say that I hope the OP doesn't take this too personally. Obviously it seems disrespectful to him, but I have to defend my age group and those younger than me (I'm 28) by saying that I really don't think we've ever been taught to honor the flag that way? I actually had to Google "flag etiquette" because I hadn't heard that you were supposed to put your hand on your heart when a flag was lowered. My husband is in the military and I know that during "Colors" if you're on base, you're supposed to remove your hat and stand still, but I thought that was just a military thing. I didn't realize there was national flag etiquette (other than not letting it touch the ground, I did know that one).

And here is the heart of the problem, it is not taught in the schools and it is not taught at home. It should be taught every year in school since we get so many foreign students in our CA schools every year and it should be reinforced by parents as the situation arises. Like not sitting down at a football or basketball game until the colors have retired, or standing as the colors pass.

 

[taylor3297]

The pledge was not created by a flag maker but rather by Francis Bellamy Chairman of the superintendent of schools in 1892. The Superintendents wanted a special way to commemorate the 400th Columbus day of our country.

They wanted to celebrate this great day and teach the children to take pride in their flag and country. His original creation of the pledge is as follows:
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

 

[Malcon10t]

I don't usually go to the lowering of the flag when I'm in DL, though I have been going by and stopped a number of times. There is no pledge said.

They play the National Anthem when the flags are lowered.

Right, but I don't think the OP said it was recited, I think it was commented that the younger generation may not understand ettiquette because not all schools do the pledge. I know they do in our area. I taught my kids proper flag ettiquette growing up. I felt it was my job. They know to remove their hats during the anthem. They know to place their hand over their heart, unless my older son is in uniform, then he salutes. And they know to remain still, not talk, and to treat the flag with honor. Kids follow their parents lead. If I stop and honor the flag, they will also.

 

[deejdigsdis]

I don't usually go to the lowering of the flag when I'm in DL, though I have been going by and stopped a number of times. There is no pledge said.

They play the National Anthem when the flags are lowered.

The Flag Retreat isn't the same each time. I have been there when The Dapper Dans have led the audience in saying the Pledge of Allegiance before the flag was lowered. Very cool experience.

 

[cmwade77]

I have to say that I hope the OP doesn't take this too personally. Obviously it seems disrespectful to him, but I have to defend my age group and those younger than me (I'm 28) by saying that I really don't think we've ever been taught to honor the flag that way? I actually had to Google "flag etiquette" because I hadn't heard that you were supposed to put your hand on your heart when a flag was lowered. My husband is in the military and I know that during "Colors" if you're on base, you're supposed to remove your hat and stand still, but I thought that was just a military thing. I didn't realize there was national flag etiquette (other than not letting it touch the ground, I did know that one).

In other words, with the exception of the teenager that was mentioned openly mocking the salute, I wouldn't judge those in the area too harshly. I'd venture to guess most just don't know what you're supposed to do during a flag retreat.

Wow, I am shocked, saluting the flag was definitely taught when I was in school and I am 33. We were also taught how to properly fold a flag.

Now, there is a lot more to flag etiquette than that though, I just googled it myself and found out a lot.

I do understand those that are not from our country not knowing, but really anyone from here should know.

As for the schools that don't do the pledge, I would go to them and insist that they do, it has been a tradition and is something that we need to continue, so that we don't ever forget what it took for us to have the freedoms that we do. If we forget, we may be doomed to loose them.