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The mission of Steps Under Stars and Stripes is to empower individuals to make a positive impact in their communities while showing support for our nation's heroes.

 We  understand the deep sentiments and respect associated with the United  States flag. It's a symbol of our nation's unity, history, and the  sacrifices made by countless individuals.

Our  recent flyer, created using an AI tool named DALL·E, portrayed an  artistic representation of the flag. While it wasn't a precise replica  of the official flag, it was intended as a symbolic gesture of respect  and unity.

It's  essential to note that, according to the United States Code, the actual  flag should not be used for advertising or marketing purposes. This is  to preserve the flag's dignity and to prevent its commercial  exploitation. Instead, artistic representations, even if they don't  replicate the exact details, are often used in such contexts to convey  the spirit of the flag without infringing on its sanctity.

We  assure you that there was no intention of disrespect. Rather, we aimed  to honor and celebrate our veterans in a manner that aligns with both  the spirit of patriotism and the guidelines set by our nation.

We deeply value the feedback from our community and hope this explanation provides clarity on our intentions. 

4 USC 8: Respect for flag Text contains those laws in effect on October 21, 2023  From Title 4-FLAG AND SEAL, SEAT OF GOVERNMENT, AND THE STATESCHAPTER 1-THE FLAG   Jump To: Source Credit   

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of  the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any  person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or  institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

(a) The flag should never be displayed with  the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of  extreme danger to life or property.

(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

(d) The flag should never be used as wearing  apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back,  nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue,  white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the  middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk,  draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.

(e) The flag should never be fastened,  displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily  torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

(f) The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.

(g) The flag should never have placed upon it,  nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter,  word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.

(h) The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

(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.

(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as  a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to  the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of  patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is  itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a  replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

(k) 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.

(Added  Pub. L. 105–225, §2(a), Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1497 .)

 Historical and Revision Notes   Revised 

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)   8  36:176.  June 22, 1942, ch. 435, §4, 56 Stat. 379 ; Dec. 22, 1942, ch. 806, §4, 56 Stat. 1076 ; July 7, 1976,  Pub. L. 94–344, (12)–(16), 90 Stat. 812 . 

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title4-section8&num=0&edition=prelim

The minimum age requirement for volunteering with Steps Under Stars and Stripes is 18 years old.