respecting the U.S. flag

[bumbershoot]

One teenager even mocked saluting the flagged and then laughed and walked away. What's wrong with people?

What does mocking a salute look like? Are you 100% sure that your take on what he did is correct?

 

[sonnyjane]

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'm sure this thread is going to get moved).

I learned how to fold the flag somewhere but I'm not sure where. I don't think it was in school though. I only recall saying the pledge until 2nd grade, then I changed schools and can't remember doing it after that. I swam competitively throughout elementary school, high school, and college, so I knew that you put your hand on your heart when you're on the podium and they were playing the anthem, but I didn't know you were supposed to salute the flag as it was lowered.

 

[mikethern]

What does mocking a salute look like? Are you 100% sure that your take on what he did is correct?

He was walking down Main Street with his girlfriend. As he was walking, he turned his body, put his hand on his heart in a mocking fashion, and then laughed with his girlfriend while continuing to walk while the anthem was playing.

 

[DizMe]

At a place like Disneyland, I see it as a wonderful display for those who wish to enjoy it, not a command performance. Patriotism isn't defined by participation in perfunctory rituals nor is it learned through force. It is something deeply felt within each individual and can be expressed in multiple ways. It's great to learn the pledge and the history of the flag etc, but to me, it is my right to participate or not as I wish because that's what the flag is supposed to stand for. I don't like it when people are openly disrespectful as that is rude to those who find comfort and happiness in demonstrating their dedication through flag ceremonies, pledge of allegiance, etc. However, I also dislike the idea of forced participation in such things as that, to me, becomes animatronic patriotism. I know you are not suggesting, OP, that people be forced to engage in the flag ceremony if they're walking by, but it does seem like you are harshly judging those who ignore the rite ("what is wrong with people?").

 

[Disnee]

As others have said, while DL may be on American soil it's not populated with Americans exclusively. As a Canadian, I don't stop as it's not my flag and not my place to be patriotic. It's got nothing to do with a lack of respect, or anything being "wrong" with me - when you travel in other countries, do you honor their flags, or respond to the call to prayer, or...??

 

[twinslovedisney]

At a place like Disneyland, I see it as a wonderful display for those who wish to enjoy it, not a command performance. Patriotism isn't defined by participation in perfunctory rituals nor is it learned through force. It is something deeply felt within each individual and can be expressed in multiple ways. It's great to learn the pledge and the history of the flag etc, but to me, it is my right to participate or not as I wish because that's what the flag is supposed to stand for. I don't like it when people are openly disrespectful as that is rude to those who find comfort and happiness in demonstrating their dedication through flag ceremonies, pledge of allegiance, etc. However, I also dislike the idea of forced participation in such things as that, to me, becomes animatronic patriotism. I know you are not suggesting, OP, that people be forced to engage in the flag ceremony if they're walking by, but it does seem like you are harshly judging those who ignore the rite ("what is wrong with people?").

I totally agree with this.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I'm going to go ahead and move this over to the DL Community Board, since the topic isn't really about planning a trip to Disneyland.

 

[mikethern]

I know you are not suggesting, OP, that people be forced to engage in the flag ceremony if they're walking by, but it does seem like you are harshly judging those who ignore the rite ("what is wrong with people?").

Of course people should not be forced to respect the flag, just as people should not be forced to say "thank you" or "you're welcome". No one should be forced to have manners, but don't be surprised if others are offended by lack of manners.

By saluting the flag, you are showing respect and gratitude to the millions of young troops who gave their lives so you could have the wonderful lifestyle that you have. Without them, Disneyland would not exist.

As others have said, while DL may be on American soil it's not populated with Americans exclusively. As a Canadian, I don't stop as it's not my flag and not my place to be patriotic. It's got nothing to do with a lack of respect, or anything being "wrong" with me - when you travel in other countries, do you honor their flags, or respond to the call to prayer, or...??

I do not expect foreigners to salute the U.S. flag. And I doubt that most Disneyland visitors are foreigners.

 

[DizMe]

Of course people should not be forced to respect the flag, just as people should not be forced to say "thank you" or "you're welcome". No one should be forced to have manners, but don't be surprised if others are offended by lack of manners.

I just don't agree with you that people at Disneyland who happen to be walking by the flag ceremony and choose not to participate are disrespectful and employing a lack of manners.

By saluting the flag, you are showing respect and gratitude to the millions of young troops who gave their lives so you could have the wonderful lifestyle that you have. Without them, Disneyland would not exist.

No, that is simply YOUR method. There are actually many more ways of showing respect and gratitude. I also don't solely equate the freedoms the flag represents with troops. There are many who have given so that I can have the "wonderful lifestyle" I enjoy who have never served in the military. I respect all of them, troops included. If I must prove that by saluting every time I pass a flag then I have reduced and distorted what they fought so hard to achieve.

I do not expect foreigners to salute the U.S. flag. And I doubt that most Disneyland visitors are foreigners.

How can you tell the foreigners from those with bad manners? I think you might be surprised at how many visitors are not American.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Seems to me that this thread has a potential for spiraling down. So, I'm just going to go ahead & lock it.