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| Proper Flag Etiquette
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Many Americans have displayed the U.S. flag to show
their support and unity as a nation during this time of national tragedy.
However, to ensure we display our flag properly, please refer the
following rules and regulations. The excerpts are from The Flag Code of
the United States - Public Law 94-344, July 7, 1976
· It is the universal custom to display the
flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in
the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed
twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
· When displayed either horizontally or
vertically against a wall, the union (or blue field) should be to the observer's
left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way,
with the union to the left of the observer in the street.
· No other flag or pennant should be placed
above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of
America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea...for
personnel of the Navy...when the church pennant may be flown above the flag.
· When flags of States, cities, or
localities, or pennants, of societies are flown on the same halyard with the
flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak.
· When the flags are flown from adjacent
staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last.
No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to
the United States flag's right.
· The flag of the United States of America,
when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs,
should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front
of the staff of the other flag.
· 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 or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed
from staffs. (Only exception to * Note below)
· When flags of two or more nations are
displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. 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 time of peace.
Churches, Auditoriums:
When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be
displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church
or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the
position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position
of honor at the clergy man's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any
other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker
or the right of the audience.
Half-Staff:
The flag when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an
instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again
raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. 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 of the United States, the Governor of that State,
territory or possession may proclaim that the National flag may be flown at
half-staff.
* NOTE: the U.S. flag should always be on its own right in relation to other
flags on adjacent staffs -- to the left of the observer.
When the U.S. flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem
for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably via flag
disposal ceremonies held at your local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) or
American Legion Posts.
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