Why It's Time to Prioritize Your Patriotism

Patriotism: devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.

Recently I've begun flying the American flag at my home. I know it may not "be popular" with all that is happening in our country right now but hear me out. When we first moved here, most of my neighbors would fly the American flag but lately a few of them have replaced theirs to fly Trump 2020 flags instead.

Just like we've seen with the term Christian, the political and religious right have attempted to monopolize our flag and patriotism as though it represents only them. I decided it is time to prioritize patriotism because this is our American and our flag. Even through protests and riots, those stars represent US (pun intended) and our continued hope and grip for our united belief of Liberty, Freedom, and Justice for all. 

Hearing the Star Spangled Banner still fills me with emotion when sung but ultimately, the flag is only a symbol of what you hold it to be. For me, I want to stand out from my Trump supporting neighbors...or maybe just lead out with a better example. My desire is to honor those who serve our country...both military and civilian alike. 

If you do decide you'd like to raise a flag on your home or property, there is a flag code and etiquette for handling and display. Please know there are no imposed penalties for misuse of the American flag. Civilians are asked to do the best they can in following a respectful etiquette. If you ever decide to hoist the flag, below are some tips that helped me! 

• Where should I place the flag on my home? A place of prominence where it doesn't get tangled or mangled with anything. Flags are suggested to hang to the left of the front door when people face your house. Recently, you may have seen this photo of a person carrying the US flag upside down. Some turn the flag upside down in protest however the truest meaning of having the US flag upside down is that you are needing help and in distress. This is why I find the photo below so moving. #BlackLivesMatter
  
  
  
• Flag material? US flags are often brought inside during inclement weather unless they are an all weather flag, usually made of fade-resistant nylon. Mine is all-weather and embroidered so it's a bit heavier. You can buy printed flags and they wave more in the wind but won't last as long. I purchased a kit for about $30 from a hardware store and it had everything I needed.
• When do flags fly? Normally, the flag is raised "briskly at sunrise and lowered ceremonially at sunset." I wanted to keep mine up for a while and most encourage the purchase of a solar, dusk-to-dawn spot light so it can be illuminated after dark. Below is mine lit up at "the twilight's last gleaming." If you only want to put one out on special occasions that's great too! There are several lists online with appropriate dates or you can sign up for a text messages for reminders and updates (if suddenly there is a call to bring it to half-staff).
  
  
  
• Half-mast vs half-staff. Most people use these terms interchangeable, however half-mast usually refers to flags on ships or naval bases. But what do you do when you have a house flag that doesn't go to half-staff? The acceptable practice is to place a black ribbon on your flag. This is the one I purchased for mine. :)
  
  

To be honest, you could spend HOURS researching and reading about the flag etiquette. PBS has an interesting history on the flag that you can read as well: https://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/history/old-glory/