Of Red, White, and Blue

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The Union Jack is not an object of veneration, as some flags are. We’re not sure how we would react if someone set fire to it. After all, we see it more often degraded on cheap underwear or tacky plastic souvenirs than billowing vigorously in the wind.

(Read the whole thing: Icon No 7: The Union Jack)

I found this interesting remark in an appreciation of the Union Jack by British evangelical mag Third Way. I recently rediscovered a friend’s blog which led me to the British version of the defunct re:generation, albeit older and still healthy and hale.

This attitude towards Great Britain’s national ensign stands in stark contrast to the attitude enshrined in the U. S. Title Code: the U. S. Flag Code. Beyond prescribing respect, the Flag Code prescribes that the flag should be disposed of by burning or burial and should never be allowed to touch the ground. Orthodox and Catholic Christians will recognize this as standard protocol for holy things.

What’s interesting to me is how few of my fellow countrymen seem to be aware of the Code or even care, judging by how often flags are flown soiled, tattered, and faded or used as an advertising gimmick, flown backwards or carried in state like a dead body — anyone remember all those sporting events of 2001 and 2002 when the flag from the World Trade Center was paraded like a coffin?

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