As a sort of follow up post, I was wanting to get some thoughts on saluting/respect of flags. It can be controversial - such as when people kneel instead, despite it being a form of respect.
How stringent are these rules of etiquette? Does every country do this?
I found this little discussion that seemed interesting - I hadn't realized it was a written code of conduct.
Doesn't the same go for proper management of flags? I've heard that you're technically not supposed to wear it because that's considered disrespect, along with allowing one to fray/be out in the elements, not have light shone on it at night, & disposal is conducted a certain way. I know sometimes things are urban myths or just misunderstood, so figured it would be good to tap into peer experts & just have an intriguing discussion overall.
I'm sure there are other countries that do all that, but it all looks quite strange from a European point of view - not weird as such, just alien.
Because, in the UK at least, we don't revere our flag like you Americans. In fact, we see it as a right-wing Nationalist symbol most of the time. Almost nobody had a flag flying outside their home, and only skinheads and neo-Nazis carry flags...