Question about Flag Etiquette

Question: 

Greetings,
I have a question regarding flag etiquette. The Flag Code indicates no part of the flag is to be used as apparel.
 

  1. Does this mean it is improper to wear a shirt with an image of the flag printed on it?
  2. What about clothing that doesn't have the flag itself, but red & white stripes and/or white stars on blue?  These are obviously elements of the flag.


I want to express my patriotism.  I also want to honor those that have defended the flag by displaying my patriotism properly.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks much!
God Bless America!
Mike
Eagle Scout

Answer: 

There is more; it is also inappropriate to use any part of the flag as a costume or athletic uniform, except for a flag patch or pin.

  1. No. A printed image, as long as there is nothing placed directly over the flag image itself, is not the same as using an actual flag to make up part of a garment.
  2. True, but unless an actual US Flag is altered into a garment, I don't see any problem here. Abby Hoffman was acquitted because his shirt had in fact never been a flag or part of a flag. Don't forget the stars and stripes shirts Roy Rogers and Dale Evans always wore. The code clearly prohibits using a flag or any part of a flag as apparel, but does not mention images of flags or patterns that suggest the flag. The deciding factor seems to be if it never was an actual flag, then it's fair game.

Dave Martucci

 

Note: the above is a dialog between former NAVA President Dave Martucci and Mike, an Eagle Scout