Veterans, service members, photographers, civilians and military spouses have separated into 2 groups lately. Those who are offended by photos using the U.S. flag and those who feel some patriotic photos are touching and beautiful.
The online discussion started with this image.
Photo Credit: Vanessa Hicks Photography
The Navy Times reported last month that a Navy veteran, now professional photographer was proud of her photo of a newborn cradled in a flag held by his active-duty father.
“I took a stand by not taking the picture down as this group wanted me to do because I did not feel I was disrespecting our flag in any way,” Vanessa Hicks said in an interview with the Navy Times. “Service members, veterans and their families saw the photo, saw the intent behind, and respect it. They have shown overwhelming support. And I think the group that first threatened me now realize they messed with the wrong group.”
The photo, which some call controversial, isn’t that original. Military babies are often photographed with their serving parent’s uniform, including cover, boots and dog tags. Look at all the cute baby photos that have been submitted for MilitaryShoppers monthly photo contests. I’ve seen countless baby photos on Facebook that feature newborns sleeping on a military uniform, usually near the patch with their surname.
Is the flag a photo prop?
But on Facebook, Hicks’ photo, which was featured on Fox News and ABC’s Good Morning America, ignited a debate about respect for the U.S. flag and who gets to wrap themselves in Old Glory.
The U.S. Flag Code is often quoted in this debate. Here’s the line that everyone refers to:
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
That’s most likely the line that managers of the Facebook group, “You Call Yourself A Photographer?” were referring to when they posted the controversial photo.
The flag is not a prop. I repeat: The flag is not a prop,” the group posted. “To use the American flag in such a way is disrespectful, rude, tacky, disgusting and against the U.S. Flag Code.
So what about athletes? They wrap themselves in a flag after a victory. They are frequently photographed with the U.S. flag for photo shoots.
Photo Credit: Nike
What about women wearing the flag and nothing else? A quick Google search will give the results I’m referring to. You can also purchase these types of pictures on many popular stock image websites.
Are you offended by these images?
What about wounded veterans?
The U.S. flag belongs to every American, regardless if they volunteered for military service or not. We can say that we don’t want the U.S. flag to be used as a photo prop, but the fact of the matter is that this prop is not the same as a pink tutu, white angel wings or a miniature teddy bear. The U.S. flag is an extensive of our country. It represents the USA. Its stripes and its stars trigger a sea of complicated emotions in many people, but especially among veterans and military families.
Is the flag a prop? Yes.
Is that OK? Yes.
As military families we deeply understand the emotions of the U.S. flag. That’s why it’s so near and dear to our hearts. That’s why we photograph our military children with it. And that’s why we will continue to photograph our children with it.
As a retired military member having served almost 28 years, including a year in Vietnam and a year in Thailand during the Vietnam War, I value the American flag very much. I was a military training instructor for 6 years and proudly marched in parades and participated in many Reveille and Retreat ceremonies. I do not agree with these photos supposedly showing love and respect for what? Why didn’t the writer show the flag of the state of Iowa or Mississippi wrapped around babies or scantily clad women? Because the American flag is a prop but states’ flags aren’t? I strongly disagree. Of course, nowadays, young folks don’t seem to value much except themselves and protesting to much ado about nothing. But it’s their time. Old folks like me mean nothing to them, nor does our military service.
The flag should not be used as a photo prop.
Its disgusting to use the flag as a commercial backdrop to make money. The flag belongs to the ages, and should not be exploited. To cheapen it is to cheapen us all . I fear for this country when there are no symbols worthy of respect.
I too am a Navy photographer and have used the Flag in portrait photography in more ways than the standard flag pole. I have always treated the flag with respect only using it for a particular image and then returned it to its flag pole. The code states the flag should never be used as apparel which to me means of a permanent nature as made into an article of clothing to wear which would be desecrating the flag. Bedding and drapery mean just what it says, not to be used as a blanket or curtain. Once again, it is not considered an article of apparel until it is fashioned into something that can be worn. Using it in photography in a way that doesn’t denigrate the flag is not wrong. It is a statement by those who take their picture with it that they will always be remembered as a person or persons who embrace what it stands for and is as much a part of their life and pride as any one symbol could stand for. In other words, they are proud to be American and not afraid to show it in a time where America is made to blame itself for all the problems of the world! In my opinion its an individual act of patriotism to be photographed embracing the most recognizable symbol in the world for all to see! I don’t see the dishonor in using it this way especially in a time when it not against the law to burn it and stomp on it. My point is proven by the way the Air force women took it upon herself to honor the flag after she saw it stomped on by fellow Americans! She embodies the patriotism that inspires us all leaving no question as to her love of country. Those who fought and died for this symbol would not be shamed by the action of this American so why should we!
It is disgusting, to use our flag for commercial backdrop, of any type, It’s showing disrespect, to our Flag, our Great Nation, and all the service members that have served and those who gave their life for our Nation. Just because they feel that it’s their right to freedom of speech. I’m sorry that this is not the way to show respect for OUR GREAT NATION’S FLAG. My family goes back to General Stratemeyer in WWII, plus my father, 3- uncles, husband and a son. It hurts to see this kind of disrespect. to our flag.. We are a great nation, but done bring HER down by showing this type of disrespect.. Show more respect for HER.
I personally can’t think of anything I would rather ‘wrap’ myself in than the likes of an American Flag…..I am an American. I am a Vet. I honor our flag! And I would love to encase my children, or any other person worthy of US Citizenship, in the US colors. Should we use the actual flag…..? Debatable. I just watched the St Jude Marathon in Nashville, TN, and there were many runners who wore clothing resembling the US Flag, some who only word red and blue (do who do they represent? USA? France? Several countries have red, white, and blue, just not stripes.. I pondered then if it is ‘okay’ to SIT on the US Flag, and how it should actually be worn when you want to represent the USA? Who gets to judge one another? I used to detest seeing the US Flag flown when it is tattered, torn, and weather=beaten. I see so much of it already that I have come to look at it as “No matter what it has been through, that flag still flies!” If the first picture that sparked attention was the baby in a cradled US Flag, where has our attention been for many years while it has been used for many things? I think it is time to be not so judgemental, and as long as there is no DIS-respect being shown, let’s let life go on… My question would be “How do we define respect and disrespect?” I am sure this could go on and on………
I am a Marine Corps Veteran of the Iraq War. Our beloved flag is not meant to be a prop, it is ok for the flag to be in a picture but it needs to be flying. If you want the beautiful colors of red white and blue around you in your pic, find another source. Ol Glory is not the one. Come on people get your heads out of your dark place…
If all these people want to be draped in Old Glory join the military and when you die they will drape Old Glory over your coffin
I am a Air Force brat/Army Wife for 20 yrs and there is nothing wrong with these pictures or using the flag as a prop. I have used it and so did Bruce Jenner when he won the Olympics. As long as it is done tastefully and not being damaged in any way there is nothing wrong with it. I think people need to go back and look at old pictures and ads and see how many times it was used. Nobody made a big deal out of it then so why should we now.
I see a baby, belonging to a an extremely patriotic military family, whose future is supported by The Greatest Country in the world. I am retired Army, fly “Old Glory” in my yard and am still active with veteran’s organizations. Recognize that it is a new world. Recognize diversity and realize that, in these days of overzealous political correctness, it may still be O.K. to display your love of our flag in different ways. The key is respect and this can be represented in many ways. If it is sincere, it is acceptable.