Etiquette for the American Flag

Many history and civic classes in schools have a section on the proper way to display the American Flag. It appears that lately though some of those classes have gotten away from it. I hope that this will be a refresher course for most of you.

On the same staff: The flag should be displayed at the peak and above all other flags.

Grouped: US flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at the same height.

In front of a building: It should be displayed on the right or seen on the persons left as they approach the front of the building.

Marching: Us flag goes to the right of the marchers.

Speakers Platform: It must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff, it should be to the right of the speaker.

Decoration: The flag should never be used for decoration. Use the bunting instead. (The type you see in the World Series).

Over a street: The stars face north or east depending on the direction of the street.

Half staff: It can be on certain days or on order from a President or Governor.

Memorial Day: The flag is flown at half mast until noon then it is raised to the top.

Don't: Let the flag touch the ground, fly the flag upside down unless emergency, carry the flag flat or things on it, let it get dirty, use it as clothes, to cover anything, tie it back, or mark on it.

Salute: Bare head, hand over heart. Women and military leave hats on. Military head salute.

Casket: A flag may cover a casket to honor an individual for their civilian service or military service. It should be removed and folded properly before the casket goes into the ground. It is not to be draped over a statue or urn.

Rendering Honors: During the raising or lowering of the flag, individuals should stand at attention either in a salute or hand over the heart. The flag should be raised quickly and lowered slowly. Those who are not US citizens should only stand at attention. When the flag passes through on a parade route, people should stand at attention and salute or remove your hat and place your hand over your heart.

Flag Disposal: The flag should be folded in its proper manner. A large fire should be built. The folded flag is placed on top of the fire. The individuals present should stand at attention and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Once the flag is consumed the ashes should be spread and even buried. Lastly, be sure the fire is out.

Parts of the Flag: Gold fringe on a flag was started in the 1800's. It is decorative and okay. Stars stand for the union. The stripes 13 of them stand for the original colonies. The red bars stand for hardiness and valor. The white stands for purity and innocence. The blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Flag History; On June 14,1777 (Flag Day), The marine committee of the Continental Congress adopted a resolution. The resolution read, "Resolved that the flag of the United States be made of 13 stripes alternated red and white, that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."
January 13, 1794 15 stars and stripes. April 4, 1818 the flag went to 13 stripes and a star for each state. June 24, 1912 the stars were arranged in 6 rows of 8. January 3, 1959 7 rows of 7 stars staggered horizontally and vertically. August 21, 1959 provided for 9 rows of stars staggered horizontally and 11 rows vertically.