American flags ordered removed from fire trucks

[dale blanker]

What some consider brainwashing, others consider instilling values and principles.

Your progressive buddies have pretty much ruined the country through moral and fiscal irresponsibility. . It's just that many are in denial. The federal debt is just the tip of the iceberg. The attack on pride and patriotism is just one more step in the destruction.

The kids can get patriotism from history and social studies class and, hopefully, from reinforcement at home. They have plenty of incentive to be patriotic without the need to chant something on command like they do in North Korea. Ask some kid what the pledge means to them...

It's awfully hard to use common sense and not go off on tangents or get personal, isn't it?

[TexasTornado]

What some consider brainwashing, others consider instilling values and principles.

Your progressive buddies have pretty much ruined the country through moral and fiscal irresponsibility. . It's just that many are in denial. The federal debt is just the tip of the iceberg. The attack on pride and patriotism is just one more step in the destruction.

The kids can get patriotism from history and social studies class and, hopefully, from reinforcement at home. They have plenty of incentive to be patriotic without the need to chant something on command like they do in North Korea. Ask some kid what the pledge means to them...

It's awfully hard to use common sense and not go off on tangents or get personal, isn't it?

I'm going to have to disagree with you again. Nobody is forced to "chant something on command." If the pledge isn't important to you then by all means don't say it, but for those of us to whom it does have profound meaning, please don't belittle our sentiment with comparisons to North Korea's indoctrination.

[mojo84]

I did not get personal. Nor, did I go off on a tangent. Is being a "progressive" offensive? I just call it like I see it.

Yeah, running up $20,000,000,000,000 in debt, "free" college, "free" healthcare for everyone, no flags on fire trucks, no public displays of patriotism are all definitely common sense. Get real.

Speaking of North Korea, Hillary looks the part in her North Korea pant suits that look like she borrowed them from Kim Jong-Il. It's the progressives that are driving us closer to being like North Korea.

[G26ster]

The kids can get patriotism from history and social studies class and, hopefully, from reinforcement at home. They have plenty of incentive to be patriotic without the need to chant something on command like they do in North Korea. Ask some kid what the pledge means to them...

It's awfully hard to use common sense and not go off on tangents or get personal, isn't it?

The following is the oath taken by those about to become naturalized citizens of the United States. One time, sure, but what is wrong with asking those native born Americans who might have never taken an oath of allegiance to so state, and those that have, to reaffirm, with the Pledge of Allegiance?

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

[Pawpaw]

I have always had a love for this country. It was instilled in me by my parents, with the help of my aunts and uncles, and reinforced by what I learned in school. How many of us remember when public schools taught such lessons?

I enlisted in the military for the same selfish reasons most 19-year-olds do. As that first hitch turned into two and finally a career, I learned the real significance of this country and my love deepened tremendously.

The flag is a symbol. A visual representation of the country that has given me so much.

The anthem's words tell of the time when our original patriots spilled their blood to establish our freedom. It speaks to my heart.

When I recite the pledge, it is MY reaffirmation of MY allegiance to MY country. It belongs to ME alone and you can't have it. Get your own.

I will continue to stand, salute, sing, and pledge at every opportunity. I give not one single care what anyone else thinks about it.

Edit to add: My use of the word "you" above does not mean I'm speaking to anyone in particular. I am speaking to everyone, in general.

[FastCarry]

I have always had a love for this country. It was instilled in me by my parents, with the help of my aunts and uncles, and reinforced by what I learned in school. How many of us remember when public schools taught such lessons?

I enlisted in the military for the same selfish reasons most 19-year-olds do. As that first hitch turned into two and finally a career, I learned the real significance of this country and my love deepened tremendously.

The flag is a symbol. A visual representation of the country that has given me so much.

The anthem's words tell of the time when our original patriots spilled their blood to establish our freedom. It speaks to my heart.

When I recite the pledge, it is MY reaffirmation of MY allegiance to MY country. It belongs to ME alone and you can't have it. Get your own.

I will continue to stand, salute, sing, and pledge at every opportunity. I give not one single care what anyone else thinks about it.

Edit to add: My use of the word "you" above does not mean I'm speaking to anyone in particular. I am speaking to everyone, in general.

My question to someone like you, is it offensive that the flag is flown on the back of a fire truck, or a personal pick up truck?

[rotor]

Flag Etiquette
http://www.military.com/flag-day/flag-e ... donts.html

It does not offend me if someone flies a flag and doesn't necessarily know the decorum that is usual. It does bother me when they fly tattered flags. I don't know that flying a flag from the back of a firetruck or pickup meets my idea of patriotism or decorum but if properly displayed by standard rules I have no objection. I don't know though that this is an appropriate way to show our respect.

[LucasMcCain]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZBTyTWOZCM

Red Skelton on the pledge. I think he had the right idea.

[Pawpaw]

My question to someone like you, is it offensive that the flag is flown on the back of a fire truck, or a personal pick up truck?

Not at all. I have, at various times, flown a flag from my own vehicles. It used to be my habit to wear a red baseball cap with a flag sewn on it. I did that wile I was still on active duty and I did it on base with nary a word ever said. Occasionally, someone would ask me where I got it. I bought the first one. When it wore out, I bought a plain red cap & a flag patch and used my wife's sewing machine to put them together. This was long before 9/11. Before it was "cool" to wear such things.

It does not offend me if someone flies a flag and doesn't necessarily know the decorum that is usual. It does bother me when they fly tattered flags. I don't know that flying a flag from the back of a firetruck or pickup meets my idea of patriotism or decorum but if properly displayed by standard rules I have no objection. I don't know though that this is an appropriate way to show our respect.

A tattered flag does not, in an of itself, offend me if it is a sign of honorable service. There are procedures for the proper care and repair of a flag. There comes a time when the flag has become too worn and needs to be honorably retired.

My wife has a flag that was presented to her by the US ambassador to Greece. It was flown over the embassy in Athens for some period of time which I can't remember. She has a signed document that tells the date it was placed in service and date it was removed. I think it was something like 6 or 9 months. It had already been properly repaired before it was given to her. It's one of her prized possessions.

[FastCarry]

Thats rotor and PawPaw.

The reason I ask is because I've flown a flag on my truck and was approached by a vet who felt it was not appropriate.

Ill say that I do not fly a tattered flag, I do believe in that strongly. I do not fly it on my truck just because, or in weather. Ill fly it usually after an event where the flag can remind those who see it that we need to remain united, and that I have not forgotten thats country before me.

I was offended that someone would approach me to tell me that they thought I was offending the flag. But, I understand it and am wondering how other truly patriotic veterans felt about it.

[TexasTornado]

Thats rotor and PawPaw.

The reason I ask is because I've flown a flag on my truck and was approached by a vet who felt it was not appropriate.

Ill say that I do not fly a tattered flag, I do believe in that strongly. I do not fly it on my truck just because, or in weather. Ill fly it usually after an event where the flag can remind those who see it that we need to remain united, and that I have not forgotten thats country before me.

I was offended that someone would approach me to tell me that they thought I was offending the flag. But, I understand it and am wondering how other truly patriotic veterans felt about it.

It's another generation gap. I always try to keep in mind the era in which those around me served. For instance when my grandfather served it was considered disrespectful to display the American flag on clothing. Go into any Wal-Mart Old Navy etc near the 4th of July and you'll see this by far is no longer the case.

Personally, if someone is displaying a flag with the intention of respect and patriotism, or as a symbol of American unity, who am I to argue their method?

[Jusme]

For those who may not know, the Boy Scouts will retire a flag. We have had several retirement ceremonies, and if you were not a patriot before it began, you will be reduced to tears of patriotism when it's over.
The flag is reduced to it's individual parts, stars, stripes, and border. Each state is named as the stars are retired, and each color is listed as to it's meaning.
We have had parents have to be comforted when the ceremony is over, some had never understood, the significance of what the flag means.

If anyone has a flag that has become to tattered to fly, seek out your local Boy Scouts troop and donate it. If you get the opportunity, go to a flag retirement ceremony, it will bring you a whole new respect for the symbol of our country.

[mojo84]

As proven on here and in my daily lufe, every one has an opinion. Some of which are based on more sound reasoning and understanding than others.

I have also come to the conclusion too many people are just looking for opportunities to be offended.

The folks that feel entitled to be offended need to get over themselves. Being offended is just part of life.

[dale blanker]

[ ...what is wrong with asking those native born Americans who might have never taken an oath of allegiance to so state, and those that have, to reaffirm, with the Pledge of Allegiance

Because they shouldn't have to?

Taking an oath for citizenship or civil or military service is a whole different ballgame. Hopefully the one saying the oath understands the seriousness and will act accordingly.

Note that my main point on the Pledge has to do with the frequency of saying it, though I think it could be skipped entirely and the National Anthem used instead. It's not about patriotism, it's about doing something that has real meaning.

Congress says the Pledge daily when in session. How's that working for us? Just think how bad Congress would be if they didn't say the Pledge... Thanks to the Pledge, they probably focus a lot more on the well being of the country than their respective political parties, lobbyists, and donors. Really? Maybe "saying the pledge" and "taking the pledge" are two different things(?). How do you know which one a Senator or Congressman is doing?

[G26ster]

[ ...what is wrong with asking those native born Americans who might have never taken an oath of allegiance to so state, and those that have, to reaffirm, with the Pledge of Allegiance

Because they shouldn't have to?

Taking an oath for citizenship or civil or military service is a whole different ballgame.

Why is it different?