Respecting the flag... Stand or Kneel?

According to Title 36 (section 171) of the United States Code, “all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.” However, there is no legal penalty for not standing or choosing to kneel.

There is no legal penalty for not standing or choosing to kneel. It says "should stand". So if you don't, is it disrespectful?

The U.S. flag code’s “Respect for Flag” section (Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8) lists the dos and don’ts for respecting the American flag. You may notice that neither kneeling nor standing during the "national anthem" is included under the section. It is, however, considered a conduct violation. But what’s included on the list of flag "no-no’s" may surprise you.

Here are seven ways people can and do disrespect the flag, according to U.S. flag code:

1. Wearing the flag.
“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.”

2. Carrying the flag flat or horizontally.
“The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.”

3. Using the flag as a marketing tool.
“The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.”

4. Embroidering the flag on cushions.
“It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like.”

5. Printing the flag on paper products or anything made to be discarded after using (like paper plates).
It should not be “...printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.”

6. Letting the flag touch anything under it.
“The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.”

7. Using the flag to decoratively (or not) cover the ceiling.
“The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.”

Note that there are no provisions in the code for enforcement nor penalties. Instead, the code acts as a guide.You cannot be forced to stand for the national anthem nor can you go to jail for any of the aforementioned modes of disrespect. (Courts are likely to uphold such conduct is protected by the First Amendment.)

Before casting judgement on others, how are YOU respecting the "Starts and Stripes"? It may be insulting. 🧐