Respect

Today, while removing my dry laundry from the line, I dropped one of my "American Flag" socks (socks with an  American Flag on them).  This got me to thinking - had I disrespected the flag?  What should I do?

As it turns out, clothing that contains an image of the flag should be treated as if it were a flag.  From the folks at ushistory.org:

 Are flags on T-shirts, ties, etc., really flags?

Yes. According to the Flag Code, a flag is anything "by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag."

So my sock flags are, effectively, actual flags.  Well, I accidentally dropped it.  What does that mean?  From the same folks:
 My flag touched the ground. Do I need to destroy it?

No. You should, of course, try to avoid having the flag touch the ground. But if it does, you should correct the situation immediately. If the flag has been dirtied, you should clean it by hand with a mild soap solution and dry it well before returning it to use.

I will interpret laundering the socks as being in the proper spirit of respect for the flag.

However, this leads to another question.  What should I do when the socks are too worn out to wear any longer?  The same folks have the answer:

 My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?

Section 8k of the Flag Code states, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." We recommend that you contact your local VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. And be sure to consider providing a small donation to them for their assistance. Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks), the American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troups also can provide this service.

When my socks are old and worn, I will bring them to my local VFW for burning.  I hope that this information - all an indirect result of today's laundry hanging - is useful.