ESTELA CASAS: My flag-themed scarf a display of my love for our country
Fashion or disrespect? Yes and absolutely not!
I’m talking about the patriotic scarf I wore yesterday in honor of our country’s 240th birthday!
Turns out, I was the topic of conversation this morning on the Mike and Trish radio show on KSII FM.
A listener sent an email, “Did you guys see Estela Casas disrespect the American Flag on the news yesterday? Seeing our flag mutilated in this fashion was a disgrace. No one should EVER wear the flag. If she wanted to show her patriotism she could have worn an American flag pin, not a scarf. That was so offensive and disappointing.”
Let me start by saying I did not cut up an American flag and wrap it around my neck!
I was wearing a summer patriotic scarf!
Did you notice the stars are blue, not white like on the United States flag?
So lets talk about flag etiquette or flag code and turn it into a teaching moment for all of us.
Old Glory has 50 white stars that represent the 50 states. My scarf has blue stars and I didn’t bother counting them.
The U.S. Flag also has thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white. I didn’t take the time to count stripes either because I was simply trying to figure out a way to wrap the scarf around my neck.
The white signifies purity and innocence.
Red signifies hardiness and valor.
Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
The American Legion website says you can wear a piece of clothing that’s red, white and blue with stars. You cannot make a piece of clothing from a flag.
As a first generation El Pasoan, I believe that as U.S citizens we should all represent those qualities and attributes.
I never intended to disrespect the flag. I was merely being patriotic and wanted to show that I am proud to be an American.
The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
I am grateful that as a U.S citizen I have the right to life, freedom, the pursuit of happiness – and with respect and honor – the choice to display the colors of my Flag on a scarf!
For more information on U.S. Flag Code, click here.
For information on federal laws relating to the display of the U.S. flag, click here.
For information on the American Legion’s stance on flag etiquette, click here.
