The American Flag is the premier symbol of our patriotism and proclaims our country’s commitment to freedom. With July 4th just around the corner, let’s brush up on the rules and customs governing the flag’s care and display. The following are excerpts of Flag Etiquette according to Emily Post.
Care of the Flag
The American flag should always be handled respectfully. Every precaution should be taken to prevent it from becoming soiled, tattered, or torn. It should not touch the ground, water, or floor.
Flags should be dry-cleaned, not washed, and kept in good repair.
According to the United States Flag Code, “The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be retired and destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” American Legion Posts provide this service.
Raising and Lowering the Flag
The flag should be unfolded and raised briskly; it should be lowered slowly and solemnly. Always display the flag with the blue union up. Flying the flag upside down is a distress signal.
Flying at Half-Staff
When flown at half-staff, the flag should be hoisted to the peak for a moment and then lowered to the half-staff position; the flag should again be raised to the peak before lowering for the day.
Displaying the Flag
American flags are out in force on holidays—expecially the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Flag Day , and Veterans’ Day . It’s proper to fly the flag every day of the year, weather permitting, between sunrise and sunset. It may also be flown at night as part of a patriotic display as long as it is illuminated.
When the flag is displayed but not flown from a staff, it should be hung flat against a wall. The union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, meaning on the observer’s left.
When the flag is used on platform, it is displayed from a staff and placed on the speakers right (any other flags are on his or her left). When displayed in the seating area of a house of worship, the flag is on the congregation’s right as they face the front.
When used to cover a casket the flag is placed so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
On a power boat the flag is called an ensign, and is flown from 8 a.m. until sunset. It flies from a staff at the stern when the boat is anchored, or if the boat has a gaff, may be flown from the gaff when under way. The ensign is flown from the stern of a sailboat in the harbor or under power, and may be flown while the boat is under sail.
On an automobile the flag is called the standard, and is flown on a small staff affixed to the right front bumper, in line with the fender and with the union toward the front. The staff should be tall enough so that the flag clears the car hood.
With Other Flags
When the flag of the United States is flown on the same flagpole with flags of other states or cities, or with pennants of societies, the U.S. flag is always at the peak.
When carried in a procession or parade with another flag or flags, the American flag should either be on the marching right, or when there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
When a number of flags of states or cities are grouped and displayed from staffs, the U.S. flag should be at the center or at the highest point of the group. If the flags of two or more nations are displayed, they should be flown from separate staffs of the same height, and the flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in times of peace.
Wearing a Flag Lapel Pin
A U.S. flag lapel pin should be worn on the left lapel.
Saluting the Flag
Whenever the flag passes by, as in a parade, U.S. citizens pay it their respects by standing at attention and placing the right hand over the heart. Men remove their hats and hold them, in their right hands, over their hearts. This rule also applies to women wearing sports caps. Men and women in the armed forces give the military salute as the flag passes. Veterans and service personnel out of uniform may give the military salute or place the right hand over the heart.
The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem
When saying the pledge of allegiance, citizens of all ages should stand at attention, face the flag, and salute by placing the right hand over the heart. Men should remove their hats, and women any sports caps. When in uniform, military personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officers give a military salute. Veterans and service personnel out of uniform may give the military salute or place the right hand over the heart.
Everyone, even very young children, should rise, remain standing, and salute by placing the right hand over the heart during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner—first note to last. You must stand quietly until “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave” has rung out and the music ends.
If you are on the way to your seat at a sports event, or in any public place, and the first strains of the anthem are heard, stop where you are and stand at attention until the end. Don’t talk, chew gum, eat, or smoke during the singing of the anthem.
For more information on flags, visit: http://www.americanflags.org