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:
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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.
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