September 11
Flag Etiquette
STANDARDS of RESPECT
The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the
traditional ways in which we give respect to the
flag, also contains specific instructions on how
the flag is not to be used. They are:
The flag should never be dipped to any person
or thing. It is flown upside down only as a
distress signal.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or
for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform,
or for any decoration in general. Bunting of
blue, white and red stripes is available for
these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting
should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising
purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed
or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions,
handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended
to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising
signs should not be attached to the staff or
halyard.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume
or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch
may be used on the uniform of military personnel,
fireman, policeman and members of patriotic
organizations.
The flag should never have placed on it, or
attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter,
word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
- The
flag should never be used as a receptacle for
receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering
anything. - When
the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch
the ground or any other object; it should be
received by waiting hands and arms. To store
the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
- When
a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve
as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed
by burning in a dignified manner.
Note: Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct
a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on
Flag Day, June 14th. Contact your local American
Legion Hall and inquire about the availability
of this service.
Displaying the Flag Outdoors
- When
the flag is displayed from a staff projecting
from a window, balcony, or a building, the union
should be at the peak of the staff unless the
flag is at half staff. - When
it is displayed from the same flagpole with
another flag – of a state, community, society
or Scout unit – the flag of the United States
must always be at the top except that the church
pennant may be flown above the flag during church
services for Navy personnel when conducted by
a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea. - When
the flag is displayed over a street, it should
be hung vertically, with the union to the north
or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk,
the flag’s union should be farthest from the
building. - When
flown with flags of states, communities, or
societies on separate flag poles which are of
the same height and in a straight line, the
flag of the United States is always placed in
the position of honor – to its own right.
..The other flags may be smaller but none may
be larger.
..No other flag ever should be placed above
it.
..The flag of the United States is always the
first flag raised and the last to be lowered. - When
flown with the national banner of other countries,
each flag must be displayed from a separate
pole of the same height. Each flag should be
the same size. They should be raised and lowered
simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not
be displayed above that of another nation.
Raising and Lowering the Flag
- The
flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly
and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed
only between sunrise and sunset. It should be
illuminated if displayed at night. - The
flag of the United States of America is saluted
as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is
held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard
or through the last note of music, whichever
is the longest.
Displaying the Flag Indoors - When
on display, the flag is accorded the place of
honor, always positioned to its own right. Place
it to the right of the speaker or staging area
or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.
The flag of the United States of America should
be at the center and at the highest point of
the group when a number of flags of states,
localities, or societies are grouped for display.
- When
one flag is used with the flag of the United
States of America and the staffs are crossed,
the flag of the United States is placed on its
own right with its staff in front of the other
flag. - When
displaying the flag against a wall, vertically
or horizontally, the flag’s union (stars) should
be at the top, to the flag’s own right, and
to the observer’s left.
Parading and Saluting the Flag
- When
carried in a procession, the flag should be
to the right of the marchers. - When
other flags are carried, the flag of the United
States may be centered in front of the others
or carried to their right. - When
the flag passes in a procession, or when it
is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag
and salute.
The Salute
To salute, all persons come to attention. Those
in uniform give the appropriate formal salute.
Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their
right hand over the heart and men with head cover
should remove it and hold it to left shoulder,
hand over the heart. Members of organizations
in formation salute upon command of the person
in charge.
The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by
standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens
should stand at attention and salute at the first
note and hold the salute through the last note.
The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed,
otherwise to the music.
The Flag in Mourning
To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the
peak for an instant and lower it to a position
half way between the top and bottom of the staff.
The flag is to be raised again to the peak for
a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day
the flag is displayed at half staff until noon
and at full staff from noon to sunset.
The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning
for designated, principal government leaders and
upon presidential or gubernatorial order. When
used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed
with the union at the head and over the left shoulder.
It should not be lowered into the grave.