The flag: True patriotism or just another fad?

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tommy C. Clark
  • Headquarters Air Combat Command Safety
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  I'm a proud member of the United States military. My family's military lineage dates back at least as far as my grandfather's service during World War II. My father and several uncles faithfully served during the Vietnam War. I have continued that tradition by proudly serving in Operation Desert Storm and other recent contingencies.

What encouraged three generations of us to join? Once that decision was made, what made us all want to stay? Two words: Old Glory.

It is the same Old Glory, our United States flag, that became popular after the terrorist acts of Sept. 11. I am pleased to see the outpouring of patriotism and unity across our nation. Everywhere you go today, there she is, Old Glory. I hope and pray this isn't a short-term fad, but I will be grateful no matter how long it lasts.

Military members are the keepers and defenders of our flag. That comes with a great responsibility: to ensure others show our flag the proper respect and to ensure it is not used carelessly as part of a fad. As people have reacquainted themselves with Old Glory over the last several weeks, they are doing so by improperly displaying her, wearing her as apparel or getting a bigger flag to keep up with the Joneses.

My mother told me about one of her neighbors -- a military retiree who should know better -- who has draped a flag in a tree. She asked, "Do you ever look at something and you're not sure, but it just doesn't look right?" A good rule of thumb to follow in a situation like this is: When something doesn't look right, it probably isn't.

If you need to refresh your memory on the proper display of Old Glory, look up Public Law 94-344 on the World Wide Web. Or contact a local Boy or Girl Scout organization. The local police or fire department should also be aware of the appropriate procedures.

Our future depends on patriotism and unity becoming a permanent part of our American culture -- not just a short-term fad. We can start that process by respectfully displaying Old Glory. God bless America. (Courtesy Air Combat Command News Service)