flags on our uni's

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.
I have been reading the posts about US flags on our officiating uniforms. The first thing that we all should be doing is to read United States Code Title 36, also known as the Flag Code, specically Chapter 10, Section 176(j).

This section states that "no part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.

Since, athletic teams and officiating organizations are not patriotic organizations, we should not be wearing flag patches on our officiationg uniforms nor should athletic teams be wearing flag patches on their uniforms.

This has nothing about being patriotic or unpatriotic. I just do not think that it is appropriate to wear the flag in such a manner and I think that Flag Code backs up my belief.

Where in the code is the term "patriotic organizations"
defined? The only other use of the word "patriotic"
that I could find in the code is as follows:


(a) It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

Patriotic effect? Patriotic organization?
It's my considered opinion that *any* organization has the
right to claim itself a "patriotic organization" and
can therefore wear a flag patch. Just as anyone can fly the
flag at night for "patriotic effect" if properly lighted.
No need to argue this endlessly, there's no authorative
reference to base an argument on, either way. It's what
we call an opinion.

"You flying that flag at night for patriotic effect, young
man?"
"Uhmm, no officer, I just kinda like the way it looks
lit up at night."
"Well, you better take it down then or I'll have to take
you in for violating Public Law 94-344."

Yeah right.

BTW, you can check the code out yourself, I posted the web
site here in this thread quite early on.