jerkface11
Member
I think it's disrespectful to tell people it's disrespectful to paint what they want on their own property.
Is it direspectful to put the U.S. Flag on gun grips?
- Thread starter bushmaster1313
- Start date
- Status
LibShooter
Member
IMHO, if your intentions are respectful, your action is respectful. Put the flag on the grips and enjoy.
Cosmoline
Member
There is actually such a thing as the flag code in US statutes. I'm always surprised how few people know about it.
4 USC § 8. Respect for flag
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.
http://www.suvcw.org/flag.htm
4 USC § 8. Respect for flag
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.
http://www.suvcw.org/flag.htm
Tim the student
Member
These are only my opinions - I am not trying to speak for anyone other than myself.
I'm a combat vet. I've helped bag men up. I was home on leave when a friend of mine (and platoon mate) got killed, and I escorted his body home to his mom and brothers. (You can read more about him here if you like.)
For me, I think this sort of thing generally depends on how it is done, and what the intent is behind it. I would be fine with you doing it, provided you kept it clean, not all raggedy looking, and kept the stars forward. Treat it with respect, and don't lay it in the dirt etc. FWIW, I'd guess that my friend would think it would be cool too - but of course I don't know.
I'm a combat vet. I've helped bag men up. I was home on leave when a friend of mine (and platoon mate) got killed, and I escorted his body home to his mom and brothers. (You can read more about him here if you like.)
For me, I think this sort of thing generally depends on how it is done, and what the intent is behind it. I would be fine with you doing it, provided you kept it clean, not all raggedy looking, and kept the stars forward. Treat it with respect, and don't lay it in the dirt etc. FWIW, I'd guess that my friend would think it would be cool too - but of course I don't know.
Guillermo
member
We do not usually put images on our grips of things that we do not like. Obviously you are patriotic and mean to extol the flag.
It is no more disrespectful to use the image of the flag in this fashion than it is for Project Appleseed to use it on the ad that is presently at the bottom of this page.
It is no more disrespectful to use the image of the flag in this fashion than it is for Project Appleseed to use it on the ad that is presently at the bottom of this page.
SharpsDressedMan
member
I found the flag-inspired logo that Obama used on the jet during the campaign more offensive than a flag on pistol grips.
I am offended by this disrespect.
henschman
Member
I am offended by your taking offense! 
But seriously, I think that the whole notion of a flag code being enacted into law is rather "Un-American." It is too collectivist for my taste. I believe that any traditions involving the respect for things like the flag should develop spontaneously and voluntarily with free people rather than be determined by the government. Also, somebody mentioned the Constitution... where exactly in the Constitution does the national government have the authority to make laws regarding the proper use of a flag? I know there aren't any penalties for violating the flag code (that would CLEARLY be unconstitutional), but still, the federal government needs to stay within it's constitutionally-defined role.
If you ask me, the meaning of an action depends on the intent with which it's done. If you want to show respect for the flag, I say do it however you wish to. I don't think you should worry about whether it violates some arbitrary rule in some rule-book about patriotism... it's the thought that counts. And if somebody else doesn't like it, well then tuff ****. This is America, where you can paint whatever you damn well please on your own property.
But seriously, I think that the whole notion of a flag code being enacted into law is rather "Un-American." It is too collectivist for my taste. I believe that any traditions involving the respect for things like the flag should develop spontaneously and voluntarily with free people rather than be determined by the government. Also, somebody mentioned the Constitution... where exactly in the Constitution does the national government have the authority to make laws regarding the proper use of a flag? I know there aren't any penalties for violating the flag code (that would CLEARLY be unconstitutional), but still, the federal government needs to stay within it's constitutionally-defined role.
If you ask me, the meaning of an action depends on the intent with which it's done. If you want to show respect for the flag, I say do it however you wish to. I don't think you should worry about whether it violates some arbitrary rule in some rule-book about patriotism... it's the thought that counts. And if somebody else doesn't like it, well then tuff ****. This is America, where you can paint whatever you damn well please on your own property.
mcdonl
Member
What about my Fire/EMS uniforms? I wear a flag on my left arm in honor of those who have died protecting Americans on our soil.
Quoheleth
Member
I'll go against the sentiment of most of the group and say, respectfully, that it doesn't need doing.
It might be within the letter of the law, per flag code, but personally I don't like it.
Q
It might be within the letter of the law, per flag code, but personally I don't like it.
Q
Last edited:
SharpsDressedMan
member
With the current state of our "union", we might be warranted to fly it upside down......
Irish Bird Dog
Member
FWIW....When my son was deployed to Iraq in 2003-2004 I put out an American Flag in his honor, flying from a pole on our house. It stayed there day and night for over 15 months until he came home and took it down. It was there for him and his fellow soldiers to HONOR their sacrifice for their Country. I repeated this again in 2005-2006 for another 12 months + ('round the clock) until he returned once again from Iraq to take it down himself. This was repeated again in 2009-2010 on his last deployment to Iraq, same scenerio, round the clock flying until he came home to take it down. I believed that as long as my son and his fellow soldiers were in harms way the American Flag would Fly in their HONOR.
I tell this story because this Flag must be HONORED for ALL those who have served under it, fighting for this Country........ this to say I feel it is OK for the fellow to have an American Flag symbol on his gun grips..it appears to me as a sign of his respect for the Flag and his Country.. ...as long he follows some of the advice previous about proper display, respect (which he obviously has since he asked the ? to begin with) and to never use that gun (or any other) to disrespect the Flag or his country. Let his Patriotism shine!
God Bless Our Troops and ALL you Veterans out there!
IBD
I tell this story because this Flag must be HONORED for ALL those who have served under it, fighting for this Country........ this to say I feel it is OK for the fellow to have an American Flag symbol on his gun grips..it appears to me as a sign of his respect for the Flag and his Country.. ...as long he follows some of the advice previous about proper display, respect (which he obviously has since he asked the ? to begin with) and to never use that gun (or any other) to disrespect the Flag or his country. Let his Patriotism shine!
God Bless Our Troops and ALL you Veterans out there!
IBD
I was proud to wear it back in the '60s when being patriotic wasn't popular. Wore a lapel pin also and see nothing wrong with a nice flag on ivory grips, never in retreat position. I would have them done if I wanted.
Taillebois
Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2010
- Messages
- 13
In the 19th century it was quite common for the flag to be portrayed on broadsheets, commemorative prints, and various items around ones home.
The concept that the image of the flag itself was restricted only by good taste and respect for not using the image for such as personal equipment (razors, soap cups etc).
Might keep in mind flag images have a long history in this country, and the concept that the use of it as an image to be tightly restricted is largely a 20th century conception.
(Incidentally ww-2 was the period when it was necessary to wear the flag on the uniform. And that was partially due to Allied troops sometimes using the same kit as US troops. In the 19th century the national emblem was common on buttons and the like. But the flag itself, along with the regimental flag or unit guidon was used in the field. And sometimes these were shot to pieces, but they were not destroyed, but often rather kept as a reminder of what these units had sacrificed)
So if you chose to put it on your gun, as long as it is well done and tasteful you're being part of a longstanding tradition in US history. And really by doing so you are making it clear that the symbol of the flag is for the people and a symbol of the people...not some restricted icon which can only be used by a select few in very select circumstance.
Once the flags image becomes that restricted icon for a select few everything for which it stood is a dead letter...
The concept that the image of the flag itself was restricted only by good taste and respect for not using the image for such as personal equipment (razors, soap cups etc).
Might keep in mind flag images have a long history in this country, and the concept that the use of it as an image to be tightly restricted is largely a 20th century conception.
(Incidentally ww-2 was the period when it was necessary to wear the flag on the uniform. And that was partially due to Allied troops sometimes using the same kit as US troops. In the 19th century the national emblem was common on buttons and the like. But the flag itself, along with the regimental flag or unit guidon was used in the field. And sometimes these were shot to pieces, but they were not destroyed, but often rather kept as a reminder of what these units had sacrificed)
So if you chose to put it on your gun, as long as it is well done and tasteful you're being part of a longstanding tradition in US history. And really by doing so you are making it clear that the symbol of the flag is for the people and a symbol of the people...not some restricted icon which can only be used by a select few in very select circumstance.
Once the flags image becomes that restricted icon for a select few everything for which it stood is a dead letter...
Last edited:
Patriot1/3
member
Outstanding idea,post some pics ASAP!
SharpsDressedMan
member
Anybody getting all hot and bothered by the handgunlaw.us ad on THR? ^^^ It has a flag for a background. Folks, anything BUT a U.S. flag is NOT a U.S. flag. Unless one is wrapping something bad in a genuine flag, I think lightening up is a sound idea.
xcgates
Member
^Or the NRA add with the image of a flag in the background, saying "Help NRA Fight for You"
It isn't an actual flag.
alfack
Member
It might be disrespectful if you are a Taliban from Afghanistan or something.
Deltaboy1984
Member
Put ole Glory on there I salute you!
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
