Pueblo chieftain., 1921-07-04
RESPECT THE FLAG

, by white and then red, SO as to follow
strictly the rules of heraldry as they
are shown In our shield The shield
| you may remember. has blue field
at the top, and below that the white
and red stripes. AS there is dis
| agreement over this. and as bunting,
after all. is not the flag, this is not
so important as some other points OF
| flag etiquette.
1t is more important. for instance, to
J remember that a flag worn on the coat
| lapel should always be worn on the
left side. 1t should be small and there
! should never be any button or other
| decoration worn above 1t.
| 1t is also important to know that
| when the flag passes, "A civilian should
| lift his hat and hold 1t in his right
hand across his left shoulder. This
movement, II properly executed, is in
tended to bring the hat over the heart.
Any one Is expected to stand when the
nag passes or is raised or lowered on
a staff
Sdow Your Respect
There Is a significance back of all
the various observancas. Persons stand
to show respect, and the flag is en-
titled to this respect because IL is the
symbol of the nation. AS the symbol
of the United States. the Stars and
Stripes snould always be treated with
Veneration. That is why a law pre-
vents the use of the flag or the ma
uonal shield as a trade mark 1t is
not thought fitting that our national
banner should be common reminder
of knives hats, or other articles.
There is strong sentiment against
the use of the flag as a costume or
part of a costume. 1t is also consid-
cred improper to Nse the flag as a
background for pictures, of any kind,
ne enFs t,vN1z he. 81 he.
President and Vice President, or
George Washington. or the National
Capitol.
In time of war. we became used 20
seeing the nag flying a, night, as this
was permitted by War department.
ruling. But now even tho this coua-
try has never formally concluded its
peace negotiations, there is no reason
for the flag to be left flying in bad
weather or after sunset
People have accepted tho idea that
the flag is to he handled carefully and
respectfully at all times. But personal
Judgment as TO what is respectful
treatment cannot always he relied up
on. One person viii hang out an old
tattered nag on patriotic days. feel
ing that It's dinginess suggests long
service.
Never Use Torn Flag
ne SpNltl4sss lpOklnE AT lNt
matter from another angle. say that
n torn flag should never be hoisted un-
I'll IL has been neatly repaired, a tat
tered flag is more inspiring than n
fresh one only when the old flag was
worn out in battle or other distinr-
uIshed service. And even such old,
historic standards are now carefully
mcnded to preserve them. and also
because not to do so suggests neglect
and the always-to- be- avoided disre-
spect.
Because people do differ as to what
might be proper In handling the ma
tional emblem. rules OF guidance have
been laid down for practically every
emergency. Those given here cover
the most usual situations. They are
not Official rules. backed by law. But
they have almost gained the force OF
law by the eternal vigilance OF the
nag protcctionists.
There are n few laws guarding tho
nag. such ms tho trade mark statute,
the federal law in the District OF Col
umhia, providing penalty for its
dissertations. mutilation. and improper
use The majority OF the states also
have Jaws making II misdemoanor
TO place any pictur> or inscription upon
the flag. And in the Army and Navy
strict regulations insure vcneratiou
for tho Stars and Stripes.