Musings: First with Cub Scouts, what flag means to me
Cub Scouts from Pack 340 display the American flag at Smithtown's Memorial Day parade on May 25. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
What better time than now as we approach Flag Day and the 250th birthday of the United States of America, to revisit the guidelines for American flag etiquette. Full disclosure: I am a rules follower. My familiarity with the care and respect for our flag began when I was a Cub Scout and progressed through Scouting to the rank of Eagle Scout. I participated in numerous parades and occasions where the display and handling of the flag were of primary importance.
The U.S. Flag Code was first published in 1923 and adopted by Congress in 1942, based on the sentiment that the American flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. It prohibited any use of the flag that could be construed as disrespectful, including for advertising or decorating clothing. However, after the Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that criminalizing flag desecration violated free speech, the code solidified its voluntary nature.
I still have a collection of American flag-related ties from my years in education, both as a teacher and as an administrator. I wore them proudly and believe they were in good taste and a display of pride in our country. I do have concerns, though, about altering the design and colors of the flag. We see flags with stripes of blue, red, green and even multicolored ones. Freedom of expression. But should there be limits? I suppose I’m a purist.
For me, there is only one American flag, established by Congress: 13 alternating red and white stripes with stars on a blue field representing each state, the Union. According to popular legend, George Washington himself in 1776 sketched the original design from which Betsy Ross made what later came to be known as “Old Glory.”
Why tamper with history and tradition? On June 14 and July 4, 2026, we should rededicate ourselves to the United States and the one flag that represents a united country. The one living symbol meant to bring us together was not intended to proclaim various political or social points of view that serve to highlight differences, but rather was meant to emphasize our underlying unity as Americans.
— Victor Caliman, Kings Park
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