The American Flag and the 2012 Olympics

The last time the Olympics were held in London, England an international issue arose because the American flag was not dipped to the Queen. You can read about it here.

Before this incident, national flags were practically laid on the ground due to a certain individual. Since the incident, the American flag code was changed to read that the American flag will not dip to anyone. Period.

This search term landed on my web site overnight, “America show respect to queen at Olympics dip flag.” As a matter of fact I’ve received several search terms wondering if the American flag will be dipped in 2012. The country of origin for the search was Great Britain. I really am holding back as I write this article, I do not want to turn this into a political rant or be overtly offensive to anyone, but trust me, it’s difficult.

Dear Britain and other countries who practically wipe the ground with their national color when a “royal” is near, by all means go right ahead and do whatever it is you do. As Ricky Bobby might say, ‘This is Amurica.’ And the American way, since the early 1900s, according to Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1 § 8, has been “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.”

Why is this a big deal? For 100 years or so, the answer has been, no, the flag will not be dipped in any Olympics, 2012 or other. May all athletes have a super time during the 2012 Olympic Games because that’s what it’s all about; the games on the field, not the games in the stands and back rooms.