[Little Quacker in NC]

Hi! Hope you all can help with a protocol question re the use of the American flag pole. People where my SIL live like to decorate it with streams of Christmas Lights so it looks like a huge tree. Very pretty and I have no problem with it except that they leave Old Glory up there too. Somehow this just doesn't feel right and makes many of us uncomfortable, but I have no idea if there are any protocols that say you shouldn't. I have reams of info(my dh is a former professional Scouter)on the flag itself but nothing regarding the pole. Any input on this appreciated.


Thanks, LQ

 

[Shrek]

That would fall under respectful display aspects of the Code.

 

[Kirk]

To me it would depend on where they are stringing the lights to the pole. The top of the pole would be a no-no but under the flag would not be disrespectful.
Do they lower the flag at night or leave it up? It used to be considered disrepectful of the flag to leave it up past sundown unless the flag was illuminated. Back during the energy crisis President Carter proclaimed it to be aceptable to leave it up all night without lights to save energy.
Kirk

 

[bulldinkie]

I was always told nothing goes above American flag. That does seem to be in poor taste.I dont put anything on mine except a yellow ribbon.

 

[birdie_poo]

In CA, it's now the law - if the American flag is left out 24/7, it must have a light, so it is visible at night. Any type of light is OK, nothing has been specified.

We couldn't aford to instal alight on/near our flag pole and our schedule did not permit us to put it up at sunrise and down at sunset, so I lowederd the pole and inserted a solar light at the top of the pole. No, she's lit at night and it's all natural.