Multiple flag poles

[2yrtom]

Someone set up a series of 5 flagpoles, with the US flag on the center and highest flagpole. The poles need to be re-done and I was asked if there was a proper spacing (distance-wise) that should be observed between each flagpole. Thanks.

[Robin Hickman]

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Hello, 2yrTom !!!

Welcome to the USA-Flag-Site Forums !!!


Althought multiple flagpole spacing isn't a "hot topic" around here, it has come up from time to time. The last times it came up were July of last year (2010) and February of this year, 2011.

Here's a link to an entire thread dedicated to the subject of multiple flagpole spacing. Read the whole thing before making up your mind about what might be the "right" or "best" way. One of the things we did NOT discuss in that thread was the possibility of the lack of space or room to spread out the flagpoles.

http://www.usa-flag-site.org/forum/flag-spacing-7253.html

If you have any additional comments or questions, please post them in THIS thread. That way everybody will be able to follow the entire "conversation"!

Thank you for bringing your Flag-related question to our forums!

Good Luck !!!


Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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[flagnazi]

Robin: Went back to the reference you made and included on the forum. Great discussion by you and SSGCARP. I enjoyed it and thought it was funny. I now have another piece of "opinionated" trivia. I love it when someone thinks logically. So many people ask me questions and my favorite answer is "the Flag Code is not LAW, it is a guide, as long as you are doing your best to be respectful to the flag, that is what counts". Commonsense, oh my, it still exists, in some. Mike Doyle, Lava Hot Springs, ID

[Robin Hickman]

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Hi, Mike !


QUOTE : "So many people ask me questions and my favorite answer is "the Flag Code is not LAW, it is a guide, as long as you are doing your best to be respectful to the flag, that is what counts"."


Pardon me if I'm wrong..... BUT..... Since the U.S. Code IS the "Law of the Land", AND the "Flag Code" is part of the U.S. Code, THEN..... shouldn't the "Flag Code" be considered "The Law" ???





Of course, it's important to point out that the "Flag Code" has NO "enforcement" provisions, and almost every provision in the "Flag Code" is more like a "suggestion" because the word, "should" appears in almost ALL of them !!!



Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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[NAVA1974]

Pardon me if I'm wrong..... BUT..... Since the U.S. Code IS the "Law of the Land", AND the "Flag Code" is part of the U.S. Code, THEN..... shouldn't the "Flag Code" be considered "The Law" ? ... Robin Hickman.

Robin,
I follow that logic, but apparently the US Supreme Court does not concur. Every flag desecration case that has come before the Court has been lost by those trying to preserve the sacred nature of the flag itself, and won by those trying to preserve the sacred nature of what the flag stands for.

Nick A
Columbia Maryland

[flagnazi]

Robin: I understand your point, but to me law is enforced and the Flag Code is not. Meaning no one can be prosecuted for not following it. I have to agree with Nick. But then again, we all know that there are "laws" in this country that are not enforced. I will have to do more research on this. It seems that if it was law then prosecuting those who desecrate the flag would not be an issue and Vets organizations would not be trying to get a law passed stating such. Just my opinion. Thanks for responding. This is what I like about this site, good open discussion about issues with sincere attempts to come to resolution. Thanks, Robin and Nick.
Mike Doyle, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

[Robin Hickman]

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Hmmmm..... So, I guess since the "10 Commandments" have NO enforcement provisions and are NOT enforced, then they are actually closer to being the "10 SUGGESTIONS" rather than the "10 Commandments" ???



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[flagnazi]

Robin: You make me smile. I did look up the Flag Code and you are correct that it IS law but not enforcible and meant only as a guide line for the civilian population. This was under the Congressional Record and written by an atty explaining its function. Mike Doyle

[NAVA1974]

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Hmmmm..... So, I guess since the "10 Commandments" have NO enforcement provisions...

I dunno.

Eternal Damnation sounds like pretty strict enforcement to me.

I bet people would pay more attention to the Ten Commandments if enforcement was more IMMEDIATE!!!

Howevever, Robin's insinuation is correct. Since there are no enforcement provisions for the tenants of the US Flag Code, they are just suggestions.

Nick A
Columbia Maryland

[Robin Hickman]

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Hi, Mike !
Hi, Nick !

While recognizing that the "United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1 - The Flag" (AKA: "The Flag Code"), is indeed part of the "law of the land", we should also understand that it is written as a set of codified "guidelines" for civilian use.

§5. Display and use of flag by civilians; codification of rules and customs; definition

The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the United States of America be, and it is hereby, established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the Government of the United States. The flag of the United States for the purpose of this chapter shall be defined according to title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1, Section 1 and Section 2 and Executive Order 10834 issued pursuant thereto.


Through the reading of the "Flag Code", we can clearly see that there are NO enforcement provisions included; and that other than Section 3 (§3. Use of flag for advertising purposes; mutilation of flag), that pertains only to the District of Columbia, there are no penalties listed for "breaking the law" as it pertains to the Flag Code.

The idea that the Flag Code is a set of codified guidelines can best be demonstrated by the almost universal use of the directive words "should" and/or "should not" in almost every single Section and Sub-Section. "Should" and/or "should not", and NOT "must and/or "must not", NOR "shall" and/or "shall not".

Hopefully, someday, the "Flag Code" will be fully updated and expanded to clear up some of the "gray areas" and ambiguities, delineate some of the "fuzzy areas", add some heretofore un-mentioned or un-thought of "suggestions" and "guidelines", et cetera..... Sure would be nice, eh ???



Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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