Intentional desecration of the United States Flag
Today I was in the Walmart store at 561 Yopp Road, Jacksonville, NC and walked past this display. I was dumbfounded.
I spotted store manager “Dave” walking by and asked him if he was aware of this display, and if he knew that it was disrespectful of the United States Flag. He looked at it, commented that he sure wouldn’t buy a pair of these, and after a few more comments regarding the “flag code” (by me), he departed saying something along the lines of “I’m going to see what I can do about that”. He seemed very well intentioned, and I hope he is/was successful in getting this display removed from the store.
I just finished sending this feedback via walmart.com
“I saw this item on display in the store at 561 Yopp Road, Jacksonville, NC today. This is a disgustingly disrespectful use of a representation of the United States Flag. While I was able to speak with a manager at that store (who hopefully was able to remove the display and items) I am sure this is not the only store you’re selling these in. Given that stepping on the flag is a blatant demonstration of spite towards the United States used by domestic protesters and terrorist sympathizers the world over, I simply can’t believe WalMart would put this item in their stores. Please remove it immediately!
I have posted this information, and a picture of the display at the URL below.
http://jonathanmurray.com/wp2/2010/06/05/disrespecting_the_flag_walmart_style/”
I am undecided on whether or not I should send this to other websites and/or the media.
U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8
“No disrespect should be shown to the flag of 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, or merchandise.
(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.”
*Emphasis mine.
I saw this item on display in the store at 561 Yopp Road, Jacksonville, NC today. This is a disgustingly disrespectful use of a representation of the United States Flag. While I was able to speak with a manager at that store (who hopefully was able to remove the display and items) I am sure this is not the only store you’re selling these in. Given that stepping on the flag is a blatant demonstration of spite towards the United States used by domestic protesters and terrorist sympathizers the world over, I simply can’t believe WalMart would put this item in their stores. Please remove it immediately!
I have posted this information, and a picture of the display at the URL below.
http://wp.me/p4tbd-nU
