**DONOTDELETE**
06-07-2002, 11:40 AM
Flag Etiquette & FAQ's
Flag Etiquette
SALUTING THE FLAG
Salute the flag...
When it is six paces from the viewer and hold it until the flag has passed six paces beyond. Salute the flag at the first note of the National Anthem and hold the salute until the last note is played. Never use a flag as a decoration – use bunting.
When in civilian attire...
MEN remove hats and hold at left shoulder with hand over heart; without hat, place right hand, palm open, over heart. WOMEN should place right hand, palm open, over heart. When in athletic clothing, face the flag or music, remove hat or cap and stand at attention; a hand salute is not given.
CARRYING THE FLAG
When marching...
Carry the flag on the right in any procession or parade. If there are many other flags, carry the flag in the front center position.
If you are carrying a flag...
Hold the flag at a slight angle from your body. You can also carry it with one hand and rest it on your right shoulder.
DISPLAYING THE FLAG OUTDOORS
On a vehicle...
Attach the flag to the antenna or clamp the flagstaff to the right fender. Do not lay the flag over the vehicle.
On a building...
Hang the flag on a staff or on a rope over the sidewalk with the stars away from the building.
Over the street...
Hang the flag with the stars to the east on a north- south street or north on an east-west street.
Above other flags...
Hang the flag above any other flag on the same pole.
Other flags, separate poles...
Hang all flags on equal poles. Hang the U.S. flag on its own right, hoist it first and lower it last.
In a window...
Hang the flag vertically with the stars to the left of anyone looking at it from the street.
Half-mast...
This is a sign of mourning. Raise the flag to the top of the pole then lower it to the half way point. Before lowering the flag, raise it to the top again at the end of the day.
Upside down...
An upside-down flag is considered a distress signal.
DISPLAYING THE FLAG INDOORS
Multiple staffs...
If you display the flag on a staff with other flags around it, place the flag at the center and highest point. Crossed staffs - Keep the flagstaff higher and on its own right.
Behind a speaker...
Hang the flag flat on the wall. Do not decorate the podium or table with the flag. Use bunting for decoration.
Next to a speaker...
Place the flag in a stand on the speaker’s right. Use the same placement for a religious service.
In a hall or lobby...
Hang the flag vertically across from the main entrance with the stars to the left of anyone coming through the door.
On a casket...
Drape the flag with its canton at the head and over the left shoulder of the body. Do not lower the flag into the grave.
FAQ's
(1) What do the colors of the flag represent?
According to the book, "Our Flag" published in 1989 by the House of Representatives, "The colors red, white, and blue did not have meanings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777."
Tradition however has given the following meanings to the colors:
WHITE: purity and innocence
RED: hardiness and valor
BLUE: vigilance, perseverance and justice
(2) What should I do with the flag if it is no longer usable?
The US Code says, "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."
There are no specific guidelines on how to do this but in many communities organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Boy Scouts have ceremonies to retire flags on Flag Day (June 14th).
(3) Can the flag be flown 24 hours a day?
The US Code says, "when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.... The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed."
(4) Where is the flag always flown 24 hours a day?
This is a common trivia question. Either by Law or Presidential Proclamation, the US Flag is required to be flown 24 hours a day at the following sites:
(1) Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland (by Presidential Proclamation)
(2) Village Green of the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts (by law).
(3) Marine Corp Memorial, Arlington, Virginia (by Presidential Proclamation).
(4) Valley Forge State Park, Pennsylvania (by law).
(5) The White House, Washington, DC (by Presidential Proclamation).
(6) Washington Monument, Washington, DC (by Presidential Proclamation).
(7) Flag House Square, Albemarle and Pratt Streets, Baltimore Maryland (by law).
(8) Any U. S. Customs Ports of Entry which are continually open (by Presidential Proclamation).
The flag is also flown 24 hours a day over the Capital but this is by custom only. And there are also the flags left on the moon!
(5) When should the flag be flown at half-staff?
The US Code only says, "On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or * in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff... The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day."
* Bold and underline added by me. (This highlighted section is what most local governments, fire departments and many other groups use to justify flying their flags at half-staff.)
( 6) Where should I put the flag on a stage?
The US Code says, The flag should be on the "speaker's right as he faces the audience." (All other flags should be on the speakers left.)
(7) What is the correct position to hang the flag from a wall?
The US Code says, when the flag is displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the Union (the blue portion) should be at the top and to the viewers left.
(8) Where can I buy a flag that has flown over the Capitol?
To buy a flag that has flown over the Capitol, just contact your Senator and ask to buy a flag that has flown over the Capitol.
To contact a Senator just follow this link:http://www.senate.gov/
These flags are both good quality and very reasonably priced.
(9) How can I find out how much an old flag is worth?
Go to the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA)Page: NAVA Research Page. Vexillology is the scientific study of flags. Please read the overview of the organization and then go toward the bottom of the page.
The person to contact is Nick Artimovich, who specializes in Antique USA flags and obsolete foreign national flags.
(10) What are the proper dimensions for the flag?
Go to this link: http://www.usflag.org/flag.specs.html
Please note: The actual size is doesn't matter. The Proportions are what is important. The "typical" flag is usually either 3'x5' or 5'x8'.
(11) How many official versions of the US flag have there been?
There have been 27 Official US flags. (Flags approved by an act of Congress.)
The complete list can be found at: http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/4182/
(12) What is inside the ball at the top of a flag pole?
It is either a hollow ball or a solid metal ball.
There is absolutely no truth to the story about it containing a razor blade, a match and a bullet.
(13) What is the proper way to clean the Flag?
It depends on the material, but in general either Dry Cleaning or a washing machine are both fine.
Remember: By law, respect for the flag means keeping it looking like a "fitting emblem" of the United States. That means keeping it clean and in good repair. (It is also OK to repair a flag as long as the repair is not noticeable.)
Flag Etiquette
SALUTING THE FLAG
Salute the flag...
When it is six paces from the viewer and hold it until the flag has passed six paces beyond. Salute the flag at the first note of the National Anthem and hold the salute until the last note is played. Never use a flag as a decoration – use bunting.
When in civilian attire...
MEN remove hats and hold at left shoulder with hand over heart; without hat, place right hand, palm open, over heart. WOMEN should place right hand, palm open, over heart. When in athletic clothing, face the flag or music, remove hat or cap and stand at attention; a hand salute is not given.
CARRYING THE FLAG
When marching...
Carry the flag on the right in any procession or parade. If there are many other flags, carry the flag in the front center position.
If you are carrying a flag...
Hold the flag at a slight angle from your body. You can also carry it with one hand and rest it on your right shoulder.
DISPLAYING THE FLAG OUTDOORS
On a vehicle...
Attach the flag to the antenna or clamp the flagstaff to the right fender. Do not lay the flag over the vehicle.
On a building...
Hang the flag on a staff or on a rope over the sidewalk with the stars away from the building.
Over the street...
Hang the flag with the stars to the east on a north- south street or north on an east-west street.
Above other flags...
Hang the flag above any other flag on the same pole.
Other flags, separate poles...
Hang all flags on equal poles. Hang the U.S. flag on its own right, hoist it first and lower it last.
In a window...
Hang the flag vertically with the stars to the left of anyone looking at it from the street.
Half-mast...
This is a sign of mourning. Raise the flag to the top of the pole then lower it to the half way point. Before lowering the flag, raise it to the top again at the end of the day.
Upside down...
An upside-down flag is considered a distress signal.
DISPLAYING THE FLAG INDOORS
Multiple staffs...
If you display the flag on a staff with other flags around it, place the flag at the center and highest point. Crossed staffs - Keep the flagstaff higher and on its own right.
Behind a speaker...
Hang the flag flat on the wall. Do not decorate the podium or table with the flag. Use bunting for decoration.
Next to a speaker...
Place the flag in a stand on the speaker’s right. Use the same placement for a religious service.
In a hall or lobby...
Hang the flag vertically across from the main entrance with the stars to the left of anyone coming through the door.
On a casket...
Drape the flag with its canton at the head and over the left shoulder of the body. Do not lower the flag into the grave.
FAQ's
(1) What do the colors of the flag represent?
According to the book, "Our Flag" published in 1989 by the House of Representatives, "The colors red, white, and blue did not have meanings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777."
Tradition however has given the following meanings to the colors:
WHITE: purity and innocence
RED: hardiness and valor
BLUE: vigilance, perseverance and justice
(2) What should I do with the flag if it is no longer usable?
The US Code says, "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."
There are no specific guidelines on how to do this but in many communities organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Boy Scouts have ceremonies to retire flags on Flag Day (June 14th).
(3) Can the flag be flown 24 hours a day?
The US Code says, "when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.... The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed."
(4) Where is the flag always flown 24 hours a day?
This is a common trivia question. Either by Law or Presidential Proclamation, the US Flag is required to be flown 24 hours a day at the following sites:
(1) Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland (by Presidential Proclamation)
(2) Village Green of the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts (by law).
(3) Marine Corp Memorial, Arlington, Virginia (by Presidential Proclamation).
(4) Valley Forge State Park, Pennsylvania (by law).
(5) The White House, Washington, DC (by Presidential Proclamation).
(6) Washington Monument, Washington, DC (by Presidential Proclamation).
(7) Flag House Square, Albemarle and Pratt Streets, Baltimore Maryland (by law).
(8) Any U. S. Customs Ports of Entry which are continually open (by Presidential Proclamation).
The flag is also flown 24 hours a day over the Capital but this is by custom only. And there are also the flags left on the moon!
(5) When should the flag be flown at half-staff?
The US Code only says, "On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or * in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff... The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day."
* Bold and underline added by me. (This highlighted section is what most local governments, fire departments and many other groups use to justify flying their flags at half-staff.)
( 6) Where should I put the flag on a stage?
The US Code says, The flag should be on the "speaker's right as he faces the audience." (All other flags should be on the speakers left.)
(7) What is the correct position to hang the flag from a wall?
The US Code says, when the flag is displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the Union (the blue portion) should be at the top and to the viewers left.
(8) Where can I buy a flag that has flown over the Capitol?
To buy a flag that has flown over the Capitol, just contact your Senator and ask to buy a flag that has flown over the Capitol.
To contact a Senator just follow this link:http://www.senate.gov/
These flags are both good quality and very reasonably priced.
(9) How can I find out how much an old flag is worth?
Go to the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA)Page: NAVA Research Page. Vexillology is the scientific study of flags. Please read the overview of the organization and then go toward the bottom of the page.
The person to contact is Nick Artimovich, who specializes in Antique USA flags and obsolete foreign national flags.
(10) What are the proper dimensions for the flag?
Go to this link: http://www.usflag.org/flag.specs.html
Please note: The actual size is doesn't matter. The Proportions are what is important. The "typical" flag is usually either 3'x5' or 5'x8'.
(11) How many official versions of the US flag have there been?
There have been 27 Official US flags. (Flags approved by an act of Congress.)
The complete list can be found at: http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/4182/
(12) What is inside the ball at the top of a flag pole?
It is either a hollow ball or a solid metal ball.
There is absolutely no truth to the story about it containing a razor blade, a match and a bullet.
(13) What is the proper way to clean the Flag?
It depends on the material, but in general either Dry Cleaning or a washing machine are both fine.
Remember: By law, respect for the flag means keeping it looking like a "fitting emblem" of the United States. That means keeping it clean and in good repair. (It is also OK to repair a flag as long as the repair is not noticeable.)