Flag Defenders
We Defend The US flag, What It Stands For, and What It Symbolizes.
The US Flag Stands For, “One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The US Flag Symbolizes the sacrifices made by patriots, domestic and abroad. Countless heroes have paid the ultimate price for what this flag stands for and what it symbolizes.
The US flag does not symbolize oppression, fascism, racism, police brutality, or any other negative aspect of society or government.
The US flag is the only symbol that can unite people across the spectrum of America. People of all different backgrounds, races, classes, ideologies, and even nationalities, come together in unity for what this flag represents.
Only the enemies of America would advocate for the desecration of such a venerated symbol of sacrifice, liberty, and justice.
A New Reality
Desecrating the US flag can no longer be considered a peaceful form of expression. The Supreme Court case of 1989 shall be overturned.
Since our founding, there has always been patriotic Americans willing to defend the flag, but since 9/11 there is a new awareness of what it means to be an American. Acts of desecrating the flag are often met with an individual (or group) trying to physically stop that act, usually a US Veteran or Active Duty Service Member.
If you have any questions about what “protecting the flag” means or need a counter to the “Free Speech” argument, read these FAQ’s provided by the Citizens Flag Alliance.
For examples of patriotic Americans defending the flag, click here.
Flag Desecration Information
- A history of the flag-burning controversy – National Constitution Center
- Timeline of Flag Desecration Issues – USHistory.org
Flag Information
- Flag Code – The American Legion
- Flag Etiquette – Veterans Of Foreign Wars
- Correct Method of Folding the United States Flag – VA.gov
Advocates And Supporters
We will support the efforts to pass a constitutional amendment to protect the US flag against all forms of desecration. Flag Defenders is not affiliated with any organization listed below.
The following organizations advocate for the protection of the American flag.
The Citizens Flag Alliance “is a broad-based, nonpartisan, nonprofit, national organization, which was formed to persuade Congress to pass a constitutional amendment that would return to the American people the right to protect their flag.”
Organizations and Groups
Articles
- Why we want to protect the U.S. flag – The Citizens Flag Alliance
- Let The People Decide – American Legion
- Down In A Blaze Of Glory – Chuck Norris
Detractors
The only group that advocates for “desecration of the US flag” is the American Civil Liberties Union and related parties.
Their argument, “Our democracy is strong because we tolerate all peaceful forms of expression…” is mute, desecrating the US flag is not a “peaceful form of expression,” and it never has been.
If you listen to the oral arguments of the Supreme Court case, Texas v. Johnson (link below), the argument for the desecration of the US flag rests solely on the fact that there was “no breach of the peace” in this lone case.
The American Civil Liberties Union is responsible for the desecration of the US flag. They led the charge in both Supreme Court cases legalizing desecration of the American flag.
Free speech is not absolute!
Defenders
The following examples demonstrate that flag desecration incites violence and thus, constitutes a “breach of the peace.” Desecration of the US flag is anti-American. Only the enemies of America would defend this as “free speech” in the face of all of this chaos.
Warning: Explicit Language
Matt Uhrin (FedEx Guy) Protects Flag
LSU Flag Burning Attempt
USA: Fists fly as 'cowboy' nationalists fail to stop anarchists burning US flag on 4th of July
Rebublican National Convention (Gregory Lee Johhnson)
Fight breaks out during flag burning demo in Brooklyn
Rick Monday Saves The American Flag
Supreme Court Cases
“…if the policy of the government, upon vital questions, affecting the whole people, is to be irrevocably fixed by decisions of the Supreme Court, the instant they are made, in ordinary litigation between parties, in personal actions, the people will have ceased, to be their own rulers…”
– Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1861 (First Inaugural Address)
Texas v. Johnson
The landmark case that made flag desecration legal in the United States is Texas V. Johnson (1989). A Texas man, Gregory Lee Johnson, burned a stolen American flag during a demonstration, and was convicted for violating the Texas law that prohibits the desecration of a venerated object. He was sentenced to one year in prison, and fined $2,000. After appealing to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, his conviction was overturned. The State of Texas then asked the Supreme Court to hear the case, and in 1989 the Court handed down its decision.
In a 5-to-4 decision, the Court held that Johnson’s burning of the American flag was protected expression under the First Amendment.
Advocates (Arguing Attorneys)
- On behalf of the Petitioner
- Kathi Alyce Drew, ESQ., Asst D.A. for Dallas County, Texas
- On behalf of the Respondent
- William M. Kunstler, ESQ., New York, New York (ACLU director 1964–1972)
- ‘The Most Hated Lawyer In America’
Briefs of amici curiae (friend of the court) filed on behalf of Johnson by the American Civil Liberties Union.
Resources
United States v. Eichman
After the decision in Texas v. Johnson, Congress passed the Flag Protection Act of 1989. The same day that the law took effect, protests were staged around the nation. Several protesters were arrested and charged under the revised statute. Federal district judges dismissed the charges, citing Texas v. Johnson. U.S. attorneys appealed directly to the Supreme Court.
In a 5-to-4 decision, the Court struck down the law
Advocates (Arguing Attorneys)
- For the United States
- Kenneth W. Starr, Solicitor General
- For the appellees
- William M. Kunstler, ESQ., New York, New York (ACLU director 1964–1972)
- ‘The Most Hated Lawyer In America’
Briefs of amici curiae (friend of the court) filed by the American Civil Liberties Union.
Resources
History Of The US Flag
History of the American Flag (PBS)
Pledge Of Allegiance
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
If you, in good faith, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, you cannot in good conscience support the construct that desecrating the American flag is “free speech.”
About Flag Defenders
Flag Defenders was created to fight the efforts to use the US flag to sow division and incite chaos in America.
We call on all peaceful protesters of the US flag to rise and fight for your rights! We recognize your constitutional right to kneel for the National Anthem or to refrain from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
We must come together as Americans. Protesting the US flag divides the people of America. It takes the focus off of your cause. This is exactly what the enemies of America want.
Now is the time to show your patriotism. Your country is under attack. Exercise your civic duty as an American Citizen and fight for truth, accountability, and justice.
Defend your flag! Defend America!
United We Stand!
May God Bless The United States Of America.
Flag Defenders
American Citizenship Information
Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities
The Citizen’s Almanac