Proper Respect for Old Glory
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.
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