The Biden-led Department of Defense issued a memo earlier this month reminding servicemembers that while it may seem patriotic, they are not allowed to jump out of a plane with a parachute and an American flag in tow.
The DOD sent the memo to the public affairs offices of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard on Feb. 10, providing clarification on a policy requiring all uniformed service members to show proper respect to the U.S. flag during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at community events, according to Fox News.
The memo included the unfurling of a giant American flag to be held horizontally on the field of play before sporting events.
“While many, including military members, view these displays as inspiring and patriotic, uniformed service members may not participate directly in the unfurling, holding and/or carrying of giant, horizontal U.S. flags that are displayed during community outreach events,” read the memo signed by Chris Meagher, assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.
“Similarly, DoD jump teams may not incorporate the U.S. flag in their public demonstrations if the flag cannot be caught reliably and handled respectfully by ground personnel during landings,” the memo continued.
“While many, including military members, view these displays as inspiring and patriotic, uniformed service members may not participate directly in the unfurling, holding and/or carrying of giant, horizontal U.S. flags that are displayed during community outreach events.” pic.twitter.com/C2ELUbxP0J
— Rachel S. Cohen (@rachelkaras) February 23, 2023
“I encourage public affairs offices to work with sponsors of community events to develop other ways to showcase the patriotism and capabilities of our military that comply with DoD policy,” Meagher wrote.
The DoD requires that service members “must consistently show proper respect to the US flag and uphold … the Flag Code.”
“The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free,” the code states.
“No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations,” the Flag Code adds. “The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.”
The story prompted some interesting replies online… here’s a quick sampling of the responses from Twitter:
So no more free tickets to football games for holding the giant flag???
— John McIntyre (@JMcInDopey) February 24, 2023
Weird hill to take a stand on.
— @[email protected] (@JuliaGoolia9) February 24, 2023
This is actually good news, if legit.
— James (@nominal_yield) February 24, 2023
I don’t have a problem with this. We’ve been picking and choosing which parts of the US Flag code to follow since 2001 in the name of patriotism.
— Kirstyn ️⚧️ (@TX_Hawkeye4077) February 24, 2023
Years ago, I had the opportunity to help hold the giant American flag at a couple Buffalo Bills football games while teaching ROTC in that region. My cadets loved that experience and would constantly talk about that with the prospects. Strange this is an issue now… https://t.co/moLzQ7C0ze
— Erik the RedLeg (@Erik_the_Redleg) February 24, 2023
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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