So, someone sprayed my American Flag

[Kildars]

Today, I go outside to go to class and I see that my American flag that hangs proudly from my wall mount on my house that has flown there for years. Someone sprayed black paint all over the white stars effectively covering them up. They also spray painted the other side with the words "**** USA" and on the other side it says "DOWN WITH" I'm assuming he meant down with the USA.

So, with sadness and anger I took down my flag and drove it to the local dry cleaner and he told me would try to wash them out manually and treat it with care. I hope the paint washes out but if it does not, I was wondering what the proper and respectful form to dispose of my flag was. I've heard some people say to burn it, some people say bury it.

What do you guys think?

[Phantom Blooper]

Federal Flag Code


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</CENTER><HR width="100%">The Federal Flag Code prescribes the proper display of and respect for the United States Flag. Each state has its own flag law. Here is the code in its entirety (PUBLIC LAW 94 - 344):
JOINT RESOLUTION
To amend the joint resolution entitled "Joint resolution to codify and emphasize existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the United States of America".
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the joint resolution entitled "Joint resolution to codify and emphasize existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the United States of America", as amended (36 U.S.C. 171-178), is amended --
SEC. I That the following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the United States of America be, and is hereby, established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the Government of the United States. The flag of the United States for the purpose of this chapter shall be defined according to title 4, United States Code, Chapter I, section I and section 2 and Executive Order 10834 issued pursuant thereto.
SEC. 2
(a) It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
(b) The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
(c) The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed.
(d) The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln's Birthday, February- 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother's Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; The birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.
(e) The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution.
(f) The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days.
(g) The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.
SEC. 3 That the flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
(a) The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (j).
(b) The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motor car, the staff should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
(c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. (See Public Law 107, page 4)
(d) The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
(e) The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
(f) When flags of states, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States Flag's right.
(g) When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
(h) When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.
(i) When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
(j) When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
(k) When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.
(l) The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument, but it should never be used as the covering for the statue or monument.
(m) The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. The flag shall be flown at half-staff thirty days from the death of the President or a former President; ten days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. As used in this subsection -
(1) the term 'half-staff' means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
(2) the term 'executive or military department' means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and
(3) the term Member of Congress' means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
(n) When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the° head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
(o) When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer's left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east.
SEC. 4 That no disrespect should be shown to the flag the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
(a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water,
(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
(f) The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
(g) The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
(h) The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying or delivering anything.
(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
(j) 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 represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
(k) The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
SEC. 5 During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.
SEC. 6 During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.
SEC. 7 The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag and render the military salute.
SEC. 8 Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the United States of America, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, whenever he deems it to be appropriate or desirable; and any such alteration or additional rule shall be set forth in proclamation.

[davecerami275]

from www.usflag.org (http://www.usflag.org)


" When a flag is no longer fit to be served as a symbol of our country it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner."

"Most American Legion Posts conduct a dignified burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout, Boy Scout Troops or Girl Scout Troops retire flags reguarly as well. Contact your local American Legion or Sxcout troop to inquire about the availability of this service."

[devildoghopeful]

Once you've properly and respectfully disposed of the flag (if it's ruined), your next mission is to find the disgusting f****er who did it...

[MacAngus]

I would say when you're done with disposing the flag put up a bigger flag. It's probobly some **** head teenager who just read a book about che guverra they will either get tired of doing that or will be caught in the act. Don't give up though keep putting that flag out there show that you will win and won't give up.

[YLDNDN6]

Something that the regs didn't mention, that I have seen done at the VFW in the past is to cut one of the stars from the flag before burning it, so that it is no longer the flag of our nation. Antbody else seen this done???

[Marine84]

Something that the regs didn't mention, that I have seen done at the VFW in the past is to cut one of the stars from the flag before burning it, so that it is no longer the flag of our nation. Antbody else seen this done???

that's different...................haven't ever heard tell of THAT one

[Kildars]

Well the damage to my flag is unfortunately permanent, I have it here folded up properly. I just want to let you know that on the way back from the dry cleaners I stopped at the store and bought a bigger flag, I almost bought another mount so I could mount two but I was short on cash. My new flag is flying now and I just have to decide what to do with this damaged one.

Thank you guys for the answers and support. My house is heavily armed, this guy is lucky I did not catch him in the act.

[jm4magic]

I feel like throwing up, that was uncalled for.
<o></o>I would go ape **** if someone even tried to do that with my flag.

[Kildars]

He did this very coward like. I just wish I could have caught him in the act.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

I hope you called the police. They probably won't ever catch someone, but there should be a report on file. If they catch someone doing it to another flag it is possible that more charges could be...

[Master Sephiroth]

I'm just apalled. Usually I'd say to pay no heed to the extremist vermin (be they right wing or left wing). But yeah, it is a shame you didn't catch this turd in the act

[Marine84]

Best thing to do is set up a camera - when they come back to do it again, take the tape to the police and tell them to get to work. Don't get yourself in any stupid $h!t because of some PUNK.

[paintballtroop]

Thats just sick who would do that?!

[JohnWayne]

I know he went after your property which makes him (or shim more likely) a douche bag but what's the big deal...? Just throw it out, and if you want to put up another flag I suggest flying it higher. I wouldn't pay for cleaning though, since flags are pretty cheap (I assume it's a normal size.) Don't let it ruin your day.

[Phantom Blooper]

what's the big deal...? Just throw it out, and if you want to put up another flag I suggest flying it higher. I wouldn't pay for cleaning though, since flags are pretty cheap (I assume it's a normal size.) Don't let it ruin your day.


Dry behind your ears pup!

That may be only a piece of cloth to you but that piece of cloth symbolizes over 200 illustrious years of flying our nations colors on the battlefields,it also is for the multitudes of gallons of blood shed! Most countries do not recognize another countries colors,however the WHOLE world knows what the United States national ensign looks like!

You are
OUT OF COUNTRY according to your profile. You are also 16. If you are serious about joining the United States Marine Corps I would suggest that you do a 360 degree attitude adjustment.


Just throw it out

Evidently your just typing your mouth off before engaging your brain, and eyes because if you read the Federal Flag Code you would not hopefully say something that you don't know about.:iwo:

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[bigdog43701]

this is to johnwayne...i see that you are from Canada, that might explain your response of "that's no big deal". to a patriotic American and especially a Marine it IS a big deal.

[FFSteve]

i agree, the american flag means something to everyone and when some dip **** does something like that he/she deserves to get f***ed for it :flag:

[Marine84]

How would you feel if someone told you YOUR flag wasn't a big deal? Or are you too young to really give a rat's a$$?

[rktect3j]

Something that the regs didn't mention, that I have seen done at the VFW in the past is to cut one of the stars from the flag before burning it, so that it is no longer the flag of our nation. Antbody else seen this done???
Wouldn't you be then defacing the flag by cutting out a star. I'd burn it the way it says to myself.

[rktect3j]

i agree, the american flag means something to everyone and when some dip **** does something like that he/she deserves to get f***ed for it :flag:
You mean American flag, right?

[rktect3j]

I know he went after your property which makes him (or shim more likely) a douche bag but what's the big deal...? Just throw it out, and if you want to put up another flag I suggest flying it higher. I wouldn't pay for cleaning though, since flags are pretty cheap (I assume it's a normal size.) Don't let it ruin your day.
Man, you've got a lot to learn. I think that attitude is a product of your surroundings though. I'd move.

[Kildars]

I know he went after your property which makes him (or shim more likely) a douche bag but what's the big deal...? Just throw it out, and if you want to put up another flag I suggest flying it higher. I wouldn't pay for cleaning though, since flags are pretty cheap (I assume it's a normal size.) Don't let it ruin your day.

This is just amazing to me how people think like this.

Anyways I folded the flag and burned it myself. My knew one is flying though, it's interesting. He did not touch the United States Marine Corps flag I have on the other side of the garage. Interesting. Anyways guys thanks for the support and advice it's much appreciated. :thumbup:

[Quinbo]

It wasn't Kildars flag that was ruined..... it was our flag.

[USMC90]

this is to johnwayne...i see that you are from Canada, that might explain your response of "that's no big deal". to a patriotic American and especially a Marine it IS a big deal.

I myself am a Canadian but think what that fvcker did was wrong. Find 'em, Fix 'em.

[Kildars]

It wasn't Kildars flag that was ruined..... it was our flag.

:thumbup::thumbup: This is the truth.

[Barret]

I think you should follow MacAngus's advice and just put up a bigger one. Outside of sitting by the flag and watching for the guy that did this, or installing a surveillance system, there's not too much that you can do to find this guy that thinks he's gonna lead a revolt against the government, or some trash like that.

[TheBiggness]

If it was me and he did it again, chances are he would do it a 3rd time. I would be waiting for him in the bushes or something in a gilly suit with my paintball gun since I have nothing better to do. Catch him in the act and light his punk a$$ up with 50 some rounds. He would have nightmares for a month about a big shaggy grass monster unloading on him.:scared:


I actualy seen this guy do this to some holloweeners who kept egging his house. He jumped out of a brush pile and scared the hell out of those kids. I about pised myself from laughing so hard.

[JohnWayne]

Sorry if something I said offended you. Now I'd hate to be the one to break this to you... but alot of the world doesn't like America, which is fine when they do it in their own damn country. Personally I'm neutral leaning towards pro-American. I've never lived in the U.S. yet so to me it is just a piece of cloth, sorry. I don't know what it feels like to care about a flag, but I'm sure it's fine if Marines can.

[bigdog43701]

this is to john wayne again...so you think OUR flag is "just a piece of cloth". do you think the same about the canadian flag. out flag has a long and glorious history. the red stripes represent the blood that early Americans gave for this country. it (today) stands for ALL of the blood spilled by our veterans who have gone into harms way defending her. i personnaly wear an American flag over the left breast pocket (above my badge). a few years back the Ohio Sheriff's Association changed their patch and incorperated a red, white and blue field along with a Deputy Sheriff star. they said we were no longer allowed to wear the US flag on our uniforms. a couple of moths later my chief deputy came to me and told me i was out of uniform and told me to take the US flag off. my responce to him was, "if you want it off...you take it off, but be prepared." he went to the Sheriff and the Sheriff sided with me. that was just prior to 9/11. now almost everyone wears the US flag on their uniform.

[TheBiggness]

Sorry if something I said offended you. Now I'd hate to be the one to break this to you... but alot of the world doesn't like America, which is fine when they do it in their own damn country. Personally I'm neutral leaning towards pro-American. I've never lived in the U.S. yet so to me it is just a piece of cloth, sorry. I don't know what it feels like to care about a flag, but I'm sure it's fine if Marines can.

And here your wanted to join the United States Marine Corps! And your not "leaning towards pro-America"! Stay the **** out of my country!! DAMNIT STAY THE **** OUT OF MY COUNTRY!! No one wants to get their head blowed off in some far away land because you won't lay your ass on the line for our "peice of cloth"! You feel this away about our flag, which shows how you would feel about the brothers you would serve with if you ever got the privalege to serve in OUR Marine Corps.
:iwo: :flag:

[OLE SARG]

I think "johnwayne" (not a name as in "Duke") better be glad he is in canada. The John Wayne I knew and respected would NEVER have the attitude of this paper-******* spouting "it's just a piece of cloth"!!!!!! Disrespect that "piece of cloth" in my presense and you're in for an ass-kkkiiiccckkkiiinnnggg - AND if you are bigger than me I'll get an equalizer!!!!!
I feel sorry for your ass if you don't know that it's like to care about our flag - you are one sorry SOB!!!!!

SEMPER FI,

[Xebec]

Shoot em up with a paint ball gun, if you ever catch him, it's what I did to a guy trying to steal a radio from our camper. Probably not the BEST thing to do, but I felt better afterwards knowing I left a 'mark' on him.