Is U.P. disrespecting the United States flag by placing it’s likeness on the side of their locomotives? There is a quote from rules governing the U.S. Flag.
§176. Respect for flag
"(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown. "
If you want to read more here is the link.
http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html
I can think of very many ways people disrespect our flag, but I think the rational behind the U.P.'s use of the flag on the sides of its locomotives is nothing but respectful. You should (in my opinion) worry more about the more disrespectful uses than this.
This was thoroughly (perhaps too much so) discussed in an earlier thread:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=1&TOPIC_ID=41054
I think everyone pretty much got their feelings out in that one.
And if you really feel you need to complain about how people treat the flag, stop in at your neighbors and the local megamart and tell them that they need to replace that tattered rag that they’re flying. (Come to think of it - how’s the flag in front of your house?)
I see this everyday. Nothing new there.
Allan.
Oh yea baby, I’ve been waiting for this one to get re-hashed. 
It also says in the flag code that the flag shall be kept clean. Right there UP is disrespecting the flag.
Every time I see one of those big UP hogs, I get a two fold lump in my throat. one from the flag and other from the locomotive. Give the UP a break! They are great Americans and are a huge taxpayer!
Adrianspeeder
Didn’t the BN SD60Ms have a little flag in the front on the nose at least on the engineers side. I can understand the dirt as long as the decal doesn’t start to get torn up.
Gee, I thought it was a decal. A flag would be something you can attach to a pole.
I don’t know about them being on the nose but I know that som BN and EX BN’s have flags on them some are in perfect shape some are gone and weatered and etc.
kevin
That Flag on Union Pacifics Locomotives is their way of showing their
their Patriotism.If it becomes dusty Just be happy and glad that it’s the
good old dust from the GOOD OLD USA.
DaveBr.
There also is a Song by Johnny Cash called “That Ragged Old Flag”.It’s
also on the NFF page.
What about the American Flag bumper stickers.They aren’t always clean either…or maybe those flags people attach to the windows and they rip to shreds when your driving down the highway doing 80.
What do ya expect…an engine travels all over the country and is very busy,sometimes too busy to be washed.
Not a problem. The railroads have had flags on their locomotives in any size has been going on for years.
You have got to be kidding. Don’t you have anything better to do than to try to find fault with people showing the American flag? Spend all of your time finding fault, that’s the road to a happy life for you and those around you. Maybe, just maybe, the UP is saying thank you for the chance they have to run their business here and for the folks in uniform who have done so much to make the country what is is. With all of the federal land grants and business assistance that every railroad gets, I’m surprised there isn’t a thank-you flag on every locomotive on every railroad.
funrun27
I think land grants are a thing of the distant past. What is this bussiness assistance you speak of?
I suppose that you also found the camo SD40 that UP painted up during desert storm was disrespectful too?
Adrianspeeder
Just be happy it’s a Locomotive.
Allan.