[EmailPoster]

Royal Rangers Flag on Uniform....

Originally Posted by c

Good evening.

Recently, I've seen American flag patches or facsimiles worn on all
sorts of uniforms, from football helmets to delivery driver uniform
shirts. By way of observation and not complaint, I also note the Boy
Scouts of America wear a flag patch on their uniform shirts.

I am an adult leader in a boys Christian ministry called Royal Rangers. It is an outdoor adventure program patterned after the Boy Scout program but with a Biblical emphasis. We have a uniform with various rank, unit and achievement patches on it.

Recently, the National Office directed the addition of an American flag
patch to the uniform shirt; specifically, on the left sleeve under the
Royal Ranger emblem.

Being a former Marine combat veteran of Vietnam, I am keenly desirous of
seeing the flag proudly displayed whenever and wherever possible.
However, this particular display strikes me "in my gut" as being
inappropriate. On checking the U.S. Code, I found the reference to flag
patch usage by military, fire and police departments and patriotic
organizations. When I inquired of the National Office, I was simply told
that there attorneys looked into it and saw no problem.

Is this an appropriate display of the American flag?

Thank you for your assistance. I thoroughly enjoy receiving the
Federalist in my email.

Yours truly,

Charles

Charles,

While the U.S. Flag Code does not specifically address the use of patches on uniforms (it only covers lapel pins and the like), the general concensus is that no, it is not a proper display. The general use of a flag patch on uniforms, whether law enforcement or other patriotic organizations, is on a sleeve, left or right, alone or above another patch or emblem but not below. Often on the chest, left side (near the heart) always prominent and larger than other patches or emblems, insignia, etc. While the attorney may be legally informed, he or she is not informed on common flag and uniform protocol. Thanks and good luck.

[Just George]

I support the wearing of the flag on the uniform shirt, BUT, not under any other emblem or patch. What better way to see our flag than proudly worn on the uniform shirt of young men and women in Gods service.

[rtcaddman]

I am a Proud American and display my flag all the time. I served in the Army.
I am also in training to be a Royal Ranger Commander. My consern is that the american flag should not be on the RR uniform. If there is going to be a flag, then display the christian flag. That leads us to seperation of church and state.
Display the American Flag Proudly where it is due, but also display the christian flag where due also.

[Peter Ansoff]

Hello, rtcaddman, welcome to the forum!

I guess that's a philosophical decision for the RR leadership. It does seem strange, however, for an organization with "Royal" in its name to display American flags on its uniforms.

Best,

Peter Ansoff