Dear LVTP members and event participants;
LVTP has noted that a recent fad amongst patriots is to display the flag of the United States of America upside down, or as US flag etiquette code describes, "union down". This display of the flag upside down is said to depict "nation in distress".
It is the position of LVTP that this display of our nation's flag is inappropriate for our events. The US flag etiquette is clear in section 8(a), "The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."
As our nation is not in immediate peril, there is nobody to whom this display would beseech for assistance, and our events do not result in any participants being in immediate danger, we feel displaying the flag union down is not necessary, and highly inappropriate for the people involved, time and place. Additionally, we feel it is disrespectful to those veterans who fought for our freedoms, who never had occasion to display the flag upside down. We must also take into consideration that it is currently a common practice for enemies of the United States of America to display our flag upside down as a show of contempt. To the average person outside the political community witnessing this display, it is perceived as a disrespectful and hostile act towards the USA.
It is understood the many patriots feel our nation is in such dire straits that displaying the flag upside is warranted. LVTP must respectfully disagree.. Participants in our events are asked to refrain from displaying the flag in anything less than a proud, strong, and free manner that represents the American Spirit, or in any way that might be perceived as dishonorable. It is regrettable if this request is seen as suppression of freedom of speech, but out of respect for our beloved veterans, and our country, this will remain the position of LVTP.
Below are excerpts from the US flag etiquette code for reference.
Thank you, patriots, for all you do for our country.
Karen Steelmon
LVTP President
702.238.5134
§ 5. Display and use of flag by civilians; codification of rules and customs; definition
The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the United States of America is established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the Government of the United States. The flag of the United States for the purpose of this chapter shall be defined according to sections 1 and 2 of this title and Executive Order 10834 issued pursuant thereto.
§ 8. Respect for flag
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
(a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
(j) ...The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.