RTHS Flag Code Lesson Power Point

8/3/2019 RTHS Flag Code Lesson Power Point

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Bellringer for 10/27

What is the purpose of a national flag?

What kinds of things (feelings, thoughts, memories,

etc.) do you associate with the American flag?

Do you believe that American citizens should havethe right to burn the flag? Why or why not?


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The American Flag

Flag DayJune 14th

It should only be raised and displayed from sunrise

to sunset unless it is illuminated

The flag should only be displayed during goodweather unless it is made of an all-weather material


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How and Where Should the Flag Be Displayed?

In a procession: Marchingright or front and center ofa line of flags

On Election Day: In or

near every polling place In a church or public

auditorium: If on stage, onthe speakers right. If onthe floor, on the audiences

right. If displayedvertically, the union is to beon the left


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Disrespecting the American Flag

FIVE examples Wearing it as clothing

Allowing it to touch theground

Using it as a decorationor advertisement

Displaying a badly worn-down flag

Pinning the flag back


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Respecting the American Flag

When the national anthemis played and there is noflag face the singer or

band performing the music

You should salute (stand at

attention, place your righthand over your heart,remove your hat) the flag

when it is raised orlowered, during the

National Anthem orPledge, and when it passes

by during a procession


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Final Facts about the American Flag

The only time the flag isflown upside down is as asignal of DIRE distress

Worn-down flags shouldbe properly disposed ofand replaced with newones


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Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Gregory Johnson had participated at a protestoutside the 1984 Republican National Convention

A fellow protestor had grabbed an American flag and

handed it to Johnson, who then lit it on fire He was arrested, and the case made it up to the

Supreme Court

5-4 ruling in favor of Mr. Johnsons right to the

freedom of expression


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Justice Kennedys Opinion

The hard fact is that sometimes we must make decisions we do notlike. We make them because they are right, right in the sense thatthe law and the Constitution, as we see them, compel the result. Andso great is our commitment to the process that, except in the rarecase, we do not pause to express distaste for the result, perhaps forfear of undermining a valued principle that dictates the decision.This is one of those rare cases.

Though symbols often are what we ourselves make of them, theflag is constant in expressing beliefs Americans share, beliefs in law

and peace and that freedom which sustains the human spirit. Thecase here today forces recognition of the costs to which those beliefscommit us. It is poignant but fundamental that the flag protectsthose who hold it in contempt.


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Chief Justice Rehnquists Dissent

The American flag, then, throughout more than 200years of our history, has come to be the visible symbolembodying our Nation. It does not represent the views ofany particular political party or philosophy. The flag is

not simply another "idea" or "point of view" competingfor recognition in the marketplace of ideas. Millions ofAmericans regard it with an almost mystical reverenceregardless of what sort of social, political, orphilosophical beliefs they may have. I cannot agree that

the First Amendment invalidates the Act of Congress,and the laws of 48 of the 50 States, which make criminalthe public burning of the flag.


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What Do You Think?

Should American citizens such as Mr. Johnson have the right to burnthe American flag? Keep in mind that this is YOUR OPINION. Thereis no right or wrong answer.

Option 1: Take about 5-10 minutes to write a paragraph detailing youropinion on the matter. Make sure to include an introductory sentencethat details whether or not you believe we have this right. In addition,include at least THREE pieces of evidence or personal beliefs to backup your opinion. These can come from your response in the bellringeror things you learned during the course of the lecture.

Option 2: You are Mr. Johnson. You are protesting the actions ofPresident Reagan outside of a building that he is speaking at. A fellowprotester comes up to you and hands you an American flag. Wouldyou or would you not burn the flag in protest? Why or why not? Makesure to include THREE pieces of evidence or personal beliefs from the

class period.


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American citizensSHOULD have this right

American citizens SHOULDNOT have this right

What Do You Think?

RTHS Flag Code Lesson Power Point

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