Thanks PA. When we sail into a foreign country we display the U.S. flag from a staff on the stern to identify us, and then hoist the "Q" signal flag at the lower mast spreaders to indicate "quarantine" (more generally, "I request medical practice") until cleared by customs/immigration/medical authority. (This has terrific importance during times of plague such as Covid-19). Once cleared we replaced the Q with a "courtesy" flag of that nation to indicate that we are present with their permission; we continue to fly our own national flag in its customary position.
My thoughts upon seeing foreign flags waving at the L.A. demonstration(s) were as yours -- understandable displays of pride in heritage but astoundingly bad optics given the larger issue at hand. I think that flying two flags on a common staff, a larger U.S. flag in the superior position and a small "national origin" flag beneath it, might convey the message, "I know that I am present in this country through the courtesy and indulgence of its people", which is actually the debate. At least sailors would get.
Thanks PA. When we sail into a foreign country we display the U.S. flag from a staff on the stern to identify us, and then hoist the "Q" signal flag at the lower mast spreaders to indicate "quarantine" (more generally, "I request medical practice") until cleared by customs/immigration/medical authority. (This has terrific importance during times of plague such as Covid-19). Once cleared we replaced the Q with a "courtesy" flag of that nation to indicate that we are present with their permission; we continue to fly our own national flag in its customary position.
My thoughts upon seeing foreign flags waving at the L.A. demonstration(s) were as yours -- understandable displays of pride in heritage but astoundingly bad optics given the larger issue at hand. I think that flying two flags on a common staff, a larger U.S. flag in the superior position and a small "national origin" flag beneath it, might convey the message, "I know that I am present in this country through the courtesy and indulgence of its people", which is actually the debate. At least sailors would get.
I like this suggestion a lot.