With motorcycle season underway, more riders—particularly veterans, first responders, and patriotic citizens—choose to display the American flag while riding. While the intent is commendable, execution often falls short of established protocol.
Indoor Navy Flag Displays: Doctrine, Forgotten Hardware, and the Civilianization of Military Standards
The image above is from the US Naval Air Forces Instagram account (Dec 2025). The colors display is in an aircraft hangar on NAS North Island (San Diego, CA). It is a majority civilian standards display mixed with a military accent.
Carrying History: What Belongs in a Color Guard for the 250th?
With the United States approaching its 250th anniversary, I’ve started receiving more questions about historical flags—specifically whether groups can carry items like the Betsy Ross flag or the Gadsden flag in parades and ceremonies.
What Governs Joint Military Flag Displays?
Joint military displays are governed not by location or uniform, but by service ownership of the colors and joint-service hierarchy rules. Below is the doctrinal reason, the governing principle, and the correct application for joint displays on a Navy installation or by a Navy-only color guard.
Ceremonial Integrity and Authority — Why Military and First Responder Color Guards Must Remain Separate
This article is written as a thought-leadership piece designed to bridge the gap between respect for first responders and the non-negotiable standards of military protocol. Its goal is not to diminish anyone’s service, but to defend institutional identity and restore ritual integrity in public ceremonies.
When the Conversation Isn’t About the Flag Anymore
Large-scale flag displays at athletic events often generate the same recurring responses when standards are addressed.
“You Got Peanut Butter on my Chocolate!” and the POW/MIA Novelty Flag Argument
“You got chocolate in my peanut butter!” The old commercial for Reece’s Peanut Butter cups was about “it’s all how you look at it” and was fun.
The Merchant Marine Academy Battle Standard
Color guards are carefully structured ceremonial formations. Every flag within the formation represents a specific authority: the nation, the foreign nation, the state or territory, a military service, or the organization hosting the ceremony.
There Is No Such Thing as “Draping an Urn”
Not long ago, I received a comment attempting to justify a photograph of a folded flag partially unfolded and draped over an urn.
The Dignity of Dissent: When Logistics Overshadow Respect for Fallen Heroes
In the somber process of bringing home our fallen service members, every detail matters. The sight of a flag-draped casket signifies the highest honor a nation can bestow. However, a modern logistical trend is starting to violate the very protocols meant to protect that dignity: the practice of draping the interment flag over the shipping container holding the casket, rather …