As we head out this weekend to launch summer activities and travels, let’s not lose sight of the fact that Memorial Day is a solemn observance that deserves our respect and remembrance. The observance originated in the 1860’s as Decoration Day when northern and southern towns in the United States began to honor the memory of soldiers killed in the Civil War by decorating their graves with monuments, flowers and flags. After World War I, the observance expanded to recognize and honor all men and women who died in service to our nation. The custom has expanded through the years to include the decoration of the graves of loved ones, citizens and neighbors, as well.
U.S. flags sprout like spring flowers on this holiday and, when used and displayed properly, help all of us to honor American veterans and their families and to remember their sacrifices made throughout our country’s history.
Here are some general guidelines for displaying the U.S. flag appropriately:
• The flag must be treated with respect and dignity at all times.
• A U.S. flag is always displayed with the blue field of stars at the top.
• The flag should not be allowed to touch the ground, but it is not necessary to destroy a flag that has inadvertently touched the ground.
• No flag on display with the U.S. flag should be larger or taller than the U.S. flag.
All flags used for an event should be the same size.
• The flag may never be worn as apparel nor used as decoration (table covering, banister drape, etc.).
• It is inappropriate to write on a U.S. flag or attach any logos, insignia or other symbols to the flag.
• The U.S. flag is always placed in the position of honor–to the right.
HALF-STAFF DISPLAY
• The flag, when flown on a flagpole in observance of Memorial Day, is flown at half staff from dawn until 3 p.m. (EST).
• When displaying a U.S. flag at half staff, it is first hoisted to the top of the pole/staff and then lowered to half-staff position. When removing a flag from half-staff position, hoist it to the top of the pole/staff before removing it.
• If a Federal holiday or Flag Day occurs within a period of half-staff display (national period of mourning), the flag remains at half-staff on the holiday.
BUILDING/HOME
• The U.S. flag should be displayed on the left side of the main entrance, as viewed from the sidewalk or street.
• If displayed in a row with other domestic flags, the U.S. flag may be placed in the center and slightly higher than others.
• If mounted flat, horizontally or vertically, on a building or wall, the union (blue field of stars) is at the upper left-hand corner to the viewer.
STAGE/DAIS/PROGRAM
• The U.S. flag is placed stage right (to the speaker’s right)
• If a ceiling is low, the flag may be placed on the floor next to a stage or dais at stage right.
• If displayed flat on a wall, either horizontally or vertically, the blue field is
at the upper left-hand corner to the viewer.
• It is never appropriate to display multiple U.S. flags during a program or event.
OFFICE
• When displayed in an individual’s office, the U.S. flag should be positioned behind and to the right of individual seated at the desk
• If the flag is displayed in a corridor outside an office, it should be to the left side of the door when viewed by those entering the office.
CONFERENCE ROOM
If displayed in a meeting or conference room, the U.S. flag is positioned behind and to the right of meeting host, as host is seated.
LIMOUSINE/AUTOMOBILE
The U.S. flag may be mounted on the right, front fender of an automobile.
RECEIVING LINE
The U.S. flag is placed behind and to the right of individuals in the line.
COLOR GUARD PRESENTATIONS
• If a color guard is presenting colors (marching in and out with flags), but not posting colors during a program or event, a U.S. flag may be on display on a stage/dais or in the room during the presentation of colors.
• If a color guard posts the colors (places the flag in a stand for duration of a program/event), there should be only one U.S. flag on display.
FLAG POLE/STAFF
• If flown on a pole with another flag, the U.S. flag is at the top of the pole.
• When displaying the U.S. flag and a second flag from a crossed staffs, the U.S. flag is placed to the viewer’s left and its pole/staff is in front of that of the accompanying flag.
CARRYING A FLAG
• Option 1: If the U.S. flag is carried with other flags in a procession/parade, it is in the position of honor at the far right side of the line of flag carriers (carrier’s right).
• Option 2: The U.S. flag carrier may march ahead and centered in front of a line of other flags in a procession/parade.
ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
• The U.S. flag is always placed in the position of honor—to the right (speaker’s right; viewer’s left).
• Flags representing foreign countries; U.S. states, counties or cities; military services, units or leaders; government agencies; honored guests or sponsoring organizations follow the U.S. flag in order of precedence when displayed.
PATRIOTIC DECORATION
• It is never appropriate to display more than one U.S. flag during a program or event.
• The U.S. flag is not décor. Don’t drape the flag on tables, swag it on platforms or railings, or use it as a table covering. Instead, use bunting or other red/white/blue materials. When arranging red/white blue striped fabric, place the blue stripe at the top.
• Small, friendship flags (miniature replicas of national flags) may be placed on a conference or dining table as a sign of respect to foreign visitors.
RETIRING A FLAG
The Flag Code dictates that “The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Typically, one would cut the union from the flag then destroy them together. In this manner, the flag is not burned but two separate pieces that when united make the flag. The National Flag Foundation (see contact information below) provides guidelines for a patriotic flag burning ceremony (Ceremony of Final Tribute). Contact a local chapter of VFW, the Elks or other community service organization for assistance with disposing of a damaged flag. Flag recycling programs exist in some communities.
ADDITIONAL FLAG INFORMATION:
Public Law 94-344
National Flag Foundation, www.americanflags.org; (412) 261-1776
The Betsy Ross Homepage, www.ushistory.org/betsy
