<p>
</p>
<p>And I am telling you that the US Navy dips the flag on a daily basis. I am sure they do it legally. Probably not necessary to pulish a caveat to the code since it only applies to Navy ships. However, most foreign merchant ships ‘salute’ US Navy warships by a reciprocating dipping of the ensigns. Perhaps one of our merchant mariners could tell us if US flagged vessels do the same to foreign warships.</p>
<p>Okay, let’s assume right now that it is legal for USN ships to participate in these honors traditions by dipping the flag. One of the places this is done is in salute to the father of our country while passing Mt Vernon. If we are going to hold the Academy accountable for an illegial act, we will expect our officers to dip the flag to George Washington but not dip it to God. Seems like an untenable position to me.</p>
<p>Chapter 12, US Navy Regulations:</p>
<p>
</p>