Understanding the origin, meaning and controversy related to the thin red line flags Show
The thin red line flag has become a fixture in many communities, but there has been considerable discussion about their origin, whether it’s appropriate to display the flags, and what they represent. What is a thin red line flag?A thin red line flag is a variation of the American flag that is black and white with one red stripe. More specifically, the normally red and white stripes are alternating black and white stripes with a single red stripe in the middle. The normally white stars on blue background becomes white stars on a black background. A variation of this flag is an all-black flag with a single red line through the center. What does a thin red line flag mean?The thin red line flag was developed to show support and solidarity with fire service personnel and to honor injured or fallen firefighters. What is the origin of the thin red line flag?The origin of the thin red line flag really starts with the origin of the thin blue line flag – a flag created to show support for law enforcement. (Note: The thin blue line is a term that typically refers to the concept of police as the line that keeps society from descending into violent chaos.) Following the creation of the blue line flag, several similar flags were developed to show solidarity with other first responder agencies:
What is the controversy over the thin red line flag?The thin line flags have generated debate in recent months. While some view the flags as representative of solidarity with public safety and a way to honor fallen or injured first responders, others simply do not agree with any alteration of the American flag, and some view the flags as representative of political statements. The debate over the flags’ potential political nods is most associated with the thin blue line flag and its connection to the Blue Lives Matter movement, which was started in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. As such, some see thin blue line flags as a pushback against social injustice reform movements, like Black Lives Matter. And one step further, display of the thin red line flag has, to some, become conflated with the thin blue line flag. Where is the thin red line flag flown or displayed?Thin red line flags are sometimes displayed inside or outside fire stations or on fire apparatus, although there is debate about whether such displays should be permitted on town or city property. Some fire departments have policies focused on the display of flags, decals and emblems so that it is clear what is and is not permissible at the station or on apparatus. Can civilians/non-firefighters fly the thin red line flag to show their support for firefighters?Yes, and many do. Where can I buy a thin red line flag?There are several retailers that currently sell thin red line flags, including:
What else should I know about the thin red line flag?FireRescue1 surveyed firefighters on the use of thin line flags in public safety. We received nearly 2,000 responses about this complex issue. Respondents were fairly evenly divided among working for career, volunteer and combination departments. Key takeaways from the survey:
Read the full survey results here. Watch next: Chief Billy Goldfeder shares his take on firefighters displaying thin red line flags. About the authorThe FireRescue1 Lifestyle content series is written for the off-duty firefighter. Here you’ll find content on everything from the latest automotive and entertainment trends to tips and tricks for financial planning – all written from a firefighter's perspective, with an eye toward what makes you unique even when you’re not at the station. What does the black American flag with a red and blue stripe mean?Fly these flags in tribute to a fallen hero, or to show your support for the courage these men and women exhibit while keeping us safe from fire, crime and danger. The red line symbolizes the courage of firefighters while the blue line denotes the bravery of law enforcement officers.
What does an American flag with red green and black mean?Also known as the UNIA flag, the Afro-American flag, and the Black Liberation flag, the distinct red, black, and green Pan-African flag was created in 1920. Sometimes also called the Marcus Garvey flag, it was meant to serve as a marker of freedom, pride, and the political power of Black Americans.
What is the flag with red green and blue stripes?The national flag of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan bayrağı), often referred to in Azerbaijani as Üçrəngli bayraq (English: Tricolour flag), is a horizontal tricolour that features three equally sized bars of bright blue, red, and green; a white crescent; and a centred eight-pointed star.
What does the black flag with the green stripe mean?The thin green line is a symbol that is used to show support for federal law enforcement agents such as border patrol, park rangers, and conservation personnel.
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