OPINION:
Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth wears a pocket handkerchief patterned with the American flag. The lining of at least one of his jackets has a similar design.
Perhaps he intends to show his patriotism. In fact, however, he is showing his ignorance. He must not know that under the U.S. Code Title 4, it is inconsistent with flag etiquette to use the flag as an article of clothing. Mr. Hegseth needs to modify his wardrobe before he becomes defense secretary.
He’s not alone, though; professional football teams are also apparently ignorant of flag etiquette. At halftime, an American flag is carried parallel to the gridiron. Home-team managers do not know that, under Section 8 of the same statute, it is inconsistent with flag etiquette to hold a flag parallel to the ground. Our flag must be carried aloft, free to the breeze.
STEPHEN KRUEGER
San Juan Capistrano, California
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