Thoughts on American Flag tattoo

[drift_g35]

I would really like to get an American Flag tattoo, but i don't know whether it would be disrespectful or anything like that. What do you think?

[rondog]

Where at? If it's on your right bicep, make sure the star field is facing forward (flag looks backwards) for proper flag display & respect. Otherwise, I'd say go for it. I'm sure you won't be the first.

[quondom fremd]

Where at? If it's on your right bicep, make sure the star field is facing forward (flag looks backwards) for proper flag display & respect. Otherwise, I'd say go for it. I'm sure you won't be the first.

Isn't stars facing forward .mil only?

[def90]

Isn't stars facing forward .mil only?

No.. stars should always be forward. Commercial airliners do it this way as well.

[pdr240]

From http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette.shtml

Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law dealing with American Flag etiquette is generally referred to as the Flag Code. Some general guidelines from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:

The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.
The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Seems like the tattoo might be a grey area, not specifically covered here.
Not sure how official this is ... first link in my search for American flag etiquette

[Great-Kazoo]

From http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette.shtml

Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law dealing with American Flag etiquette is generally referred to as the Flag Code. Some general guidelines from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:

The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.
The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Seems like the tattoo might be a grey area, not specifically covered here.
Not sure how official this is ... first link in my search for American flag etiquette

Sounds like an argument against semi-auto's because that wasn't the intent of our forefathers. It's a Tattoo, not something hung on your house or up the flag pole.

Go for it. You're not the first or i doubt the last to have stars n stripes inked on you. One of the nicest flags i ever saw inked was done by Kari Barber Looking at it you could hear the flag snapping in the wind, it was that good.

What style you looking at doing it in? in the wind, furled, painted , or something tearing out of the skin ala, Cherry Creek / Rand Johnson flash?

[drift_g35]

Sounds like an argument against semi-auto's because that wasn't the intent of our forefathers. It's a Tattoo, not something hung on your house or up the flag pole.

Go for it. You're not the first or i doubt the last to have stars n stripes inked on you. One of the nicest flags i ever saw inked was done by Kari Barber Looking at it you could hear the flag snapping in the wind, it was that good.

What style you looking at doing it in? in the wind, furled, painted , or something tearing out of the skin ala, Cherry Creek / Rand Johnson flash?

Just a simple black and white square flag. Nothing more.

[Great-Kazoo]

Just a simple black and white square flag. Nothing more.

You mean Black n Gray or a solid Black n White (skin color)

[GhostRider]

I have one on my shoulder that one of the students drew from my first class I was the instructor for in the Air Force

[n8tive97]

I suppose it all depends where you put it! Tramp stamp.... no go! Shoulders, Bicep or forearm.... good to go....