Flag Day Do's and Don'ts
I learned the do's and don'ts of handling the flag while growing up with my father as a mentor, and teacher. He was also the commander of the VFW Post 9592, and Commander of the American Legion, Post 1711 throughout my childhood. At both these organizations I attended Flag Day ceremonies, various military dedication programs, military funerals, political events, and most importantly, events throughout the town wherein the Flag was on display. My father always pointed out how the flag should be flown or displayed where ever we went. Thanks, Dad for teaching me the right way to handle and display our beautiful flag. So let's
get into it.
When displaying the flag, DO the following:
The U.S. Flag is to be flown during the daylight hours on a
stationary flagpole. If you plan to fly the flag all night, it must be
illuminated completely during nighttime hours.
The American Flag must always be flown above all other
flags, which means state flags or other flags such as the MIA/POW Flag or
Military flag.
When flying the flag in an outdoor or indoor display, the
American Flag must always be flown to the observer's left. If other nations'
flags are on display with the US Flag, they can be placed at the same height. Again,
any state or military flag is to be displayed slightly lower than the US Flag.
During a parade, the U.S. Flag is to be held upright and to
the left of the observer.
The Flag should only be flown at half-staff on special occasions
such as Memorial Day (until noon then raised to full staff) or the death of a
President or prominent person in government.
When the flag is to be flown at half-staff, it should be
first hoisted to the peak for a count of 10, then slowly lowered to half-staff.
When it is to be lowered at the end of the
day, it is to be raised to full staff, then slowly lowered for the day.
This is where it gets tricky. If for some reason the flag is
to be displayed off a bridge or across a street for a special celebration or a
funeral, the etiquette says the flag should be hung vertically with the stars
facing the north if the street is east and west, if the street is north and
south, the stars should be displayed to the east.
If the flag is to be displayed behind a speaker’s podium, then
it should be displayed behind and to the right of the speaker on the stage. All
other flags such as school, military, or any other type of flag should be displayed
to the left of the flag behind the speaker.
Again, if a flag is to be displayed in an office or hallway
against a wall, doesn’t matter if it’s in a horizontal or vertical position, the
stars should always be in an upright position to the flag's right and the observer's
left.
When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the
same way -- with the union (Blue part) to the left of the observer in the
street.
When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be
fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be placed
so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should
not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
When saluting the flag DO the following:
All persons present in uniform (military, police, fire,
etc.) should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and
veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.
All other people present should face the flag and stand at
attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their
headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand
being over the heart.
When disposing of the flag, DO the following:
Fold in the traditional triangle for stowage, never wadded
up.
The flag should be folded in its customary manner.
It is important that the fire be large and of sufficient
intensity to ensure the complete burning of the flag.
Place the flag on the fire.
The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag,
recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and have a brief period of silent reflection.
After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then
be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire
codes or ordinances.
Quick list of Flag Etiquette Don’ts:
Don’t ever dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or
vessel.
Don’t ever let the flag touch the ground.
Don’t fly the flag upside down unless there is an emergency, or
the country is in distress.
Don’t carry the flag flat or carry things in it.
Don’t use the flag as clothing.
Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.
Don’t use it as a cover.
Don’t fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall
free.
Don’t draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.
Don’t use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with blue on
top, then white, then red.
Last but not least, if you own a company and you fly the flag above said company, be sure to keep the flag flying in good condition because If I should see the flag frayed above your business, I'll enter your establishment or call you to tell you to replace the flag. I'll only give you 1 day to replace it before I'll send the picture of your disrespected flag all over the internet to let people know you don't have respect for the flag. You should remove the flag, fold it properly and deliver it to the nearest VFW or American Legion in your area and ask them to dispose of it properly on their next burning day.
Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, and journalist. business professional, creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a Master's in Criminology and a BS in Business Management she stepped out of the loop for a while but is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel, and photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.
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