Trump fanatics make a farce of Flag Day and our sacred symbol

Every day – and this Flag Day is no exception – the cult-like followers of former President Donald Trump desecrate the American flag.

Strange, since they call themselves patriots.

Strange as well that Trump also calls them patriots and never points out the offense.

At every rally for the former president, every one, the sacred symbol of the United States is dishonored.

Often with the image of Trump.

Our flag protocol is simple – and the law

You’ve seen these flags. You can’t miss them. They come in many variations, each in its own way showing disrespect for the emblem of the land they supposedly love.

What is Flag Day celebrated for? Why do we celebrate Flag Day? Here are the do's and don'ts for the June 14 holiday.

Flag protocol is fairly simple. It’s written into law, not because anyone is meant to be punished for violating it but as a show of respect.

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It’s all there in Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1. Among other things, is says in very simple language: "The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature."

In other words, no picture of Trump.

Which is more important, America or Trump?

Not words, like “God, Guns & Trump.”

No images of weapons.

No nothing.

It also says, “The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.”

That would include, of course, a political campaign.

Superimposing the face of Dear Leader over the flag would suggest that he is more important than the country the flag represents.

The fact that Dear Leader does not object to such irreverence would suggest that he agrees.

EJ Montini is a news columnist at The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com, where this column first published. Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com