I am a Girl Scout, a veteran and the daughter of a veteran who is twice a past commander of an American Legion post. Working with the Legion, Dad was part of a team that went to the local grammar schools every year on Flag Day to do a presentation about the history of the U.S flag and how to take care of it. At these events as they do throughout the year (along with the VFW) they collected flags that needed to be correctly destroyed. The children were given cards printed with the key points of the Flag Code.
What does this have to do with yarn crafting. Recently on various online crochet groups I follow on social media have included links to patterns and photos of the final product of the Stars & Stripes. Every time I see these things I fight my urge to post this rant. Now I am going to post it here.
Let's start with using the flag as a bed covering, pillows or clothing:
"d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery."
I have seen these patterns used as afghans, bedspreads and pillows. This is disrespecting the flag. There are no laws that one would be arrested for doing this. However, understand that this is not showing any reverence for the flag. It is not an act of patriotism.
Second is photographs of the finished projects. I have seen far too many photos of these flags spread out on the floor. If there is one thing I have always known, the flag should not touch the ground and if it does it should be destroyed.
"(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise."
So dear crocheters. Although many of your works are impeccable and gorgeous, you really need to go verse yourself on the U.S. Flag Code. Thank you
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