LittleCarl

I agree with you. I would imagine this was the thought of our forefathers as well and a consideration when the US Flag Code was drawn. We too have performed retirements by cutting the field of blue from the flag as well as removing the individual stripes. The ceremony includes an explanation of the process/procedure, the reason for the removal or disassembly and of course is done in a most respectful and solemn manner. I would say the main reason for us cutting a flag has to do with its size. There is also a safety consideration for the scouts performing the ceremony. Otherwise we

Thank you OWL62

I think you guys are missing the point here. We are not going to erect a pole for this Flag. We are not going to fly this Flag on a pole. An earlier thread made a good point. We may have every right to carry this flag horizontally to the ground. However, it may not be exactly what the US Flag Code says, we may be twisting words and what kind of message is that sending to our scouts and future scouts. I think to solve this and end my headache, it s time to retire this Flag.

Well, as I expected, this has set off a firestorm of debate. I do appreciate everyones input here. It certianly has been enlightning. This debate can go on and on. The Troop Committee last night decided to not carry the big flag in the parade. Instead each scout will carry a 3'x5' flag on a staff. We will continue to find the right way to display this flag. Thanks to all.

The attitude acco40 is exhibiting is exactly what we are up against. We did not go out and purchase this Flag. It was given to us. Do we have to carry it in the parade? No. We would like to. Yes. Can we? Thats what we are trying to find out. acco40 states it violates the US Flag Code. Violates? The US Flag Code is an advisory document. It provides guideline for how the Flag SHOULD be treated. It is not a law. If it were, then Kid Rock, the Chicago Bears, the US Navy, the soccer player, the hockey player, The track and field star and anyone who burns a flag in protest is in v

You are correct. The Flag Code states should not be carried horizontal to the ground. It does not say will not be carried horizontal to the ground. Our role is not necessary at all. We do not have to participate, or we could do something else. Does BSA have policy stipulating display of the Flag? If so, I cannot imagine it would be any different than the US Flag Code. The reason I ask is because this group is the type to use violation of BSA policy to drum others and me out of Scouting if they could.

I am hoping for some good advice and hope to not set off a firestorm. I am the CC of my troop and my troop was given a VERY large flag. Last year we participated in the local Veterans Parade and decided to carry this flag through the parade. When the Parade Director caught wind of what we were going to do he moved us from last to the lead of the parade. This Flag measures 25 x 40. We carried the Flag through the parade horizontally (it was the only way), the field of blue leading. There was no banner identifying us in the lead. The flag was surrounded with scouts in full uniform and

mantuawarrior mentioned several ideas to become "blessings" to the CO. My wife mentioned this also as the Cubs did service only as an afterthought for the last several years and the Troop's service projects have been out in the community. Given that members of the Church broke into our designated "Scout Closet" and went through the equipment while we were at summer camp, I am not entirely optimistic that service projects will salve the wounds here.

Thank you for your responses and suggestions! Equipment and funds are only an issue for my troop/pack because the CR/CC/UC fear 'losing' it all. Actually all of this equipment was donated to us or purchased by the past and current SM. I doubt, if push came to shove, that the CO would actually want anything but the cash. My DE avoids controversy beyond "Boy Talks" (see BobWhite's many posts on the DE's job/responsibilities) and refers all tothe DC who refers it to my CR/CC/UC. I would be "running, not walking" already but there is a LOT of inertia even among the parents who understand wh

BobWhite is absolutely correct that the UC is broken. With due respect, however, the Commissioners can be as "good ol' boy" as the paid staff. As Overtrained observed the goal seems to be "bodies" or names on charters and not functional UCs. Example: My CR and my UC have been UC for no less than 5 different packs/troops. Two packs now exist on paper only and a third is now considered a "scoutreach unit." Their response? They come to my pack (closing on 40 active) and my troop (10 active) and complain about our paperwork and about the DE. What has the DC done? He admits the 'King Midas i

Back to the original question (even though it's been months)... The perception of the DE as "professional Scouter" is going to be colored by the perception of all the other paid staff at the Council: --our original "webmaster" was paid staff and blamed BSA National for all the errors on the council website- including incorrect dates for Council events! (Since being taken over by a volunteer most of the problems are gone.) --Camping coordinator oblivious to camps being supported with Council equipment. Also could not name any of the equipment he was directly responsible for distributin

This subject has been adressed previously but I can't find the thread. Short version: My unit's original CR WAS scouting in this County going all the way back to WWII. While he was alive our pack/troop had no problems with the CO. Since his death, the Scouts have become the scapegoat for all of the Church's problems. Any dirt or damage is laid at our feet-even if the troop is in a different atate at camp! Both pack and troop are now confined to a single room in the Church (different nights). We are allowed to only use HALF the lights in that room. The Church President has even "suggested"