British Flag on Independence Day

[bellebud]

I wouldn't be offended. I love our British cousins and am happy they're here visiting.

 

[aubriee]

In related flag irritations though, I'm a relatively recent (1 year) transplant to Texas, and it's a continual source of annoyance to me that the state flag is plastered everywhere, usually without the US flag, and NEVER the other way around. The identity of folks down here seems to be "Texan first, American second," and it feels unpatriotic to me.

My grandfather was from Texas and 5 or 6 times a year some of his people would come up to visit him in Tennessee. I've never met a Texan who wasn't proud to be a Texan.

Yep. That's Texas. They are fiercely independent. I don't mind it, though.

We noticed the same thing in Tx while we were there on vacation. It was over the 4th of July weekend a few years ago, it seemed that Texans do not even celebrate Independence Day. Tons of stae flags ano US flags. Very different from where I live on Long Island.

We celebrate Independence Day. In our area, you will see both flags routinely because Texas pride is about as prevalent as US patriotism. We also have different laws when it comes to flag displays.

Of course Texas celebrates Independence Day. Everywhere I went yesterday I saw American flags. Yeah, Texas flags were also flying just below them, but as Planogirl said Texas pride is about as prevalent as US patriotism. Nothing wrong with that. I'd think everyone was proud of their home state, just as we should be proud of our country. My husband has several Texas tshirts he likes to wear when we go to WDW. Should he not wear them, just because he's in Florida?

As far as the British flag being shown yesterday, I'd have no problem with it. Again why shouldn't someone be proud of where they live.

 

[elleherself]

I would have been more concerned about the US flag, as a patriot and a former Girl Scout US flag display protocols are very important to me! I totally freak out when I see a tattered unlit US flag in the middle of someone's lawn at night!

I don't fly the flag at home myself, either the US or Florida flag (and I am a proud Floridian, and I think our flag is beautiful!) mainly because I don't need the reassurance. I can see why someone who is out of their own country might want that little sense of home with them. I see a lot of Puerto Rican, Cuban, Brazillian, etc. flags and flag colors proudly displayed here. Sometimes I feel like I see more of those than American flags, but I think that makes sense-- a displaced Puerto Rican needs that bumper sticker, that little bit of "home" with them, more than an American would need it at home in their own country.

But of course the 4th is a different story, I think almost everyone goes out with the red white and blue.

Now if those Brits had a "Salt Life" sticker on their car too then they would have to be sent back to England on the very next available flight.

 

[feathersmcgraw]

Hi, I am from England so I will post my two cents (pence, lol)

This year we have had the Jubilee, Euro2012, Wimbledon (which is this week) and shortly the London 2012 Olympics. While we are not flag flyers in our household, about 50% of the houses around here have had Union Jack / flag up for most of the summer. I doubt very much it was meant to offend. While we brits know of the July 4th celebrations in the US, many don't know the first thing about what it stands for etc. I would imagine that they saw flags up and just thought "hey, we do that at home lets do it here too" or something.

Hope I haven't offended anyone... *dons flameproof suit, just in case*

 

[Claire-Bear]

My parents have a holiday home in FL as my sister lives over there (have done for 15yrs) and they have a lot of good friends there. A few years ago, dad wanted to fly the union jack on 4th July with a banner underneath that said "we came second" he didn't mean any offence by it and I'd be disappointed if someone took offence to it. The neighbours were trying to get him to go through with it as they thought it was fun The war was a long time ago and I'd hate to think there are people who want to forget Brits live over there on that day and don't want to see their presence. It's just a show of unity

 

[disneychic2]

I would have thought it no big deal. I love the fact that our two countries are always on the same side and can be counted on to come to each other's aid. I would look at the flag display as a pride in their country rather than a disrespect to ours!

OP, you said you would let us know how you and your DH felt about it after others weighed in on the subject. Is it time to do that?

 

[PaulaSB12]

Hey All!!

DH and I are at the World and noticed something that I wonder how others feel about.

We were on the monorail yesterday to the Magic Kingdom and on Bay Lake Towers, we noticed a U.S. flag hung over a balcony. Near by, was a British flag hung the same way.

I have my own feelings about this, and my DH expressed his to me when he saw it. Before I elaborate, I was wondering how others felt about this before I let my feelings known!

Keep in mind, Independence Day represents the emancipation from British rule and a precursor to war. While I hold no ill feelings towards our British friends, I am wondering if others feel this:

a) no big deal
b) offensive
c) insulting but nothing to get in a twist over

On the monorail, I noticed some others who expressed a sentiment.

What do you all think?

Just curious...

Was it actually a flag or a towel with the flag on it?
http://www.amazon.com/British-Union-Beach-Towel-England/dp/B004LD728K

I would bet the latter.

 

[Disneymadhouse]

Another Brit here!!

I really wouldn't worry about the British flag being draped over a balcony. I'm sure it would have been a "joining in" thing. A lot of Brits do this in European holiday destinations. A lot of the time when Brits got to the Med resorts such as Spain, they take football (soccer to you US guys!) flags to show which team they support!

Now I have seen thread over on the DVC forums about whether anything should be draped over the balcony, so maybe thats of more of a concern!!

Hope you all had a good 4th July

Claire

 

[Cumbley]

Hi, I am from England so I will post my two cents (pence, lol)

This year we have had the Jubilee, Euro2012, Wimbledon (which is this week) and shortly the London 2012 Olympics. While we are not flag flyers in our household, about 50% of the houses around here have had Union Jack / flag up for most of the summer. I doubt very much it was meant to offend. While we brits know of the July 4th celebrations in the US, many don't know the first thing about what it stands for etc. I would imagine that they saw flags up and just thought "hey, we do that at home lets do it here too" or something.

Hope I haven't offended anyone... *dons flameproof suit, just in case*

I really agree with this, historically us Brits haven't been great at flying our own flag - but the above events have really led to an increase in doing so. The jubilee & Olympics are huge one-off events that we really are going all out to celebrate. I am sure that no-one was trying to cause offence in doing so.

 

[brunette8706]

Hi, I am from England so I will post my two cents (pence, lol)

This year we have had the Jubilee, Euro2012, Wimbledon (which is this week) and shortly the London 2012 Olympics. While we are not flag flyers in our household, about 50% of the houses around here have had Union Jack / flag up for most of the summer. I doubt very much it was meant to offend. While we brits know of the July 4th celebrations in the US, many don't know the first thing about what it stands for etc. I would imagine that they saw flags up and just thought "hey, we do that at home lets do it here too" or something.

Hope I haven't offended anyone... *dons flameproof suit, just in case*

*
Hey there feathersmcgraw! Thanks for posting my friend. Very good answer. Thanks so much for you well written, detailed post! Have a magical day!

Take care. Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

Another Brit here!!

I really wouldn't worry about the British flag being draped over a balcony. I'm sure it would have been a "joining in" thing. A lot of Brits do this in European holiday destinations. A lot of the time when Brits got to the Med resorts such as Spain, they take football (soccer to you US guys!) flags to show which team they support!

Now I have seen thread over on the DVC forums about whether anything should be draped over the balcony, so maybe thats of more of a concern!!

Hope you all had a good 4th July

Claire

*
Hey Claire!

Thanks for your post. The previous Brittian poster really did give a detailed response about this, which I really appreciated. Thank you for your response also. I really think this answers any concern that I had. Yes, I agree there have been some things hung over balconies that I really question. LOL!

Take care
Brunette

 

[Mrmrezg]

I would be irritated by this. I would feel that the union jack was put there, on that particular day, as a show of disrespect towards our country.
with that being said, I know that there is nothing that I could have done to change it. therefore, i would have just moved along and not have made a scene.
This disrespect for our flag, our symbol of freedom, is happening more and more often. Even the shriners, fly a Canadian and a Mexican flag at the same height as the American flag, during the opening ceremonies of their circuses.

 

[skeeter31]

I agree with the poster that said it was probably a Union Jack pool towel.

My first thought, however, upon entering this thread, was that it was probably a Brit that was supporting Andy Murray at Wimbledon yesterday. He played and won yesterday and advanced to the semi-finals. I know that most of England has an interest in Murray winning, as it would be the first British Wimbledon champ in a long time.

 

[Loftus]

I would be irritated by this. I would feel that the union jack was put there, on that particular day, as a show of disrespect towards our country.
with that being said, I know that there is nothing that I could have done to change it. therefore, i would have just moved along and not have made a scene.
This disrespect for our flag, our symbol of freedom, is happening more and more often. Even the shriners, fly a Canadian and a Mexican flag at the same height as the American flag, during the opening ceremonies of their circuses.

You may feel it was disrespectful but I am absolutely sure that was not the intent.

As for the Shriners aren't they just following the US flag code?

"When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation in time of peace."

 

[brunette8706]

I would have thought it no big deal. I love the fact that our two countries are always on the same side and can be counted on to come to each other's aid. I would look at the flag display as a pride in their country rather than a disrespect to ours!

OP, you said you would let us know how you and your DH felt about it after others weighed in on the subject. Is it time to do that?

Well, I thought how "I" felt was at least implied throughout this thread but seeing as how you request it, I'll express that now!

First, my own take. I wasn't bothered by it in the least. I heard some grumbling on the monorail which I couldn't quite make out but am pretty sure, was negative. I didn't think much of it, until DH said how he felt about it at which point, I had mixed feelings but still didn't think much about it.

After reading these responses, especially some of the thoughtful and intelligent ones, that is how I feel: "it's no big deal".

I was however, irritated by it hanging over the balcony however, not because it was a Union Jack but because of how it looked.

The purpose for writing this post (take note please those with the snarky remarks..) was simply by request of DH who was offended but wondered if he was being "unreasonable". Again, after reading the "better" responses here, he realizes that sums up his reaction.

When he first saw it, he was offended. However, that changed after reading some of these responses and, the fact that the guests had taken it down during the holiday. So it would appear, that the guests did respect our tradition and hats off to them for doing so!

It isn't always easy to know if how we perceive something is the right or wrong reaction. Sometimes, a different perspective is all that is needed to know that occasionally, it is us or "I" (in this case DH by his own admission) that is being unreasonable.

For those members with thoughtful responses, he thanks you!

 

[>Ash<]

Hi guys,

fellow englishman right here, this is just my input and thoughts.

sadly in england we only have st georges day really where its kind of classed as a pride day so to speak and we have to work lol were always jelous that you get july 4th as a national holiday.

anyways i dont think the union jack flack flying was in anyway a sign of disrespect. can i just ask was it a union jack flag or was it the st george cross?

they could have been their for a 2 week vacation and been supporting the football. could be supporting wimbledon.

i wouldnt read into it too much, were not overly patriotic in our country and bmaybe they didnt understand the full history behind the celebration of july 4th, saw alot of american pride and wanted to show their UK pride.

i dont think it should cause offense, i mean, at some point alot of the american ancestors came over from europe to america and we have fought two world wars together.
that pond is big but we are still brothers and sisters who still to this day look out for each other and always support each others military efforts.
i for one love the US and always holiday their, i go nowhere else.

just my thoughts and opinions.

 

[Geoff_M]

A blog I read had this appropriate post in relation to some people that showed up at their party at the lake sporting Union Jack body paint:

Some "redcoats" showed up at the lake party today, but we just handed ‘em a beer. At this point, Americans can afford to be magnanimous on the Fourth.

I agree... no harm, no foul.

 

[buffettgirl]

I'd rather the flag of another country vs the garbage I've seen hanging off balconies (and doors, and room windows, etc etc, don't even start on the dreaded FE's).

This isn't a dorm people. I don't care that "PrincessSparkly from the DIS" is staying there.

 

[WDSearcher]

Hey All!!

DH and I are at the World and noticed something that I wonder how others feel about.

We were on the monorail yesterday to the Magic Kingdom and on Bay Lake Towers, we noticed a U.S. flag hung over a balcony. Near by, was a British flag hung the same way.

I have my own feelings about this, and my DH expressed his to me when he saw it. Before I elaborate, I was wondering how others felt about this before I let my feelings known!

Keep in mind, Independence Day represents the emancipation from British rule and a precursor to war. While I hold no ill feelings towards our British friends, I am wondering if others feel this:

a) no big deal
b) offensive
c) insulting but nothing to get in a twist over

On the monorail, I noticed some others who expressed a sentiment.

What do you all think?

Just curious...

I've wracked my (addmittedly tired) brain for a while now, trying to figure out how someone hanging a British flag on July 4 could be considered either offensive or insulting, and I can't come up with a reason. If we were currently at war with the UK or if they were "persona no grata" to the US, ok ... then ... maybe. But if someone is going to be offended or insulted by a UK flag hanging from a balcony on July 4, does that mean they won't go to the UK pavilion that day either? Do these people not go to the Japan pavilion on December 7? Do they stay away from the German pavilion because we fought against them in WWII?

 

[WDSearcher]

I saw it, too. It was odd. I don't really get their point. It isn't like they won that battle and are trying to rub it in, so...I don't know.

I wouldn't hang our flag out in some other country on their big day, but I didn't really care much that they did.

Just dumb.

I don't know that it's any different than people who decorate their doors on the cruise lines or do window decor in their resort rooms. I'd never do any of that, but certainly send no ill will to folks who want to add to their vacation by showing off family photos or decorating abilities or putting a Christmas tree in their room or whatever. And I don't think they're "dumb" for doing it.