|
Flag Etiquette
By Jim Klaneski, Terryville
Like so many Americans, I've recently become more conscientious about flying the flag. Previous to the attack on our nation, I mostly flew it on the designated national holidays and on sunny weekends when I'd more likely be at home to enjoy seeing it myself.
Today, unless you've served in law enforcement, as a fireman, in the military, or have trained as a scout, chances are you've never been taught or even heard of flag etiquette. Flag etiquette is the observance of customary or legal rules by which we fly or display our nation's flag. They're important because the American flag not only expresses our feelings of patriotism; it represents and stands for our nation itself. And the way we treat our flag reflects the way we feel about our country.
I've referred to several books that date back to the 1940s, another period in time when patriotic expression ran high, and I've listed guidelines that may be helpful to us today. We may be more casual in our lifestyle than were the generations of our parents. But that doesn't mean that we care any less for our country. Knowing the etiquette of the flag can help us to fly our colors with due respect, and can help to make a statement to the world that we are a strong people standing united in our resolve to defend our freedom.
Worn out flags should not be used for any purpose. Neither should they be thrown away. They should be privately and completely burned, thus eliminating any possibility of disrespect. American Legion posts frequently offer to perform this service for their communities.
It is customary to display the American flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings or flagpoles. Flags may be displayed at night on special occasions or to produce a patriotic effect.
When possible, the American flag should be displayed on a staff.
When hung horizontally, as over a thoroughfare, the Union should be as nearly as possible to the north or east.
When displayed against a wall or in a window, the blue field is uppermost and to the flag's own right (that is, to the observers left), nearest the heart.
When displayed with another flag, the flag of the United States should be on its own right.
When a number of flags are grouped together on staffs, the American flag should be in the center and higher than the rest.
No other flag should ever be placed above or to the right of the flag of the United States.
When rosettes or drapings of red white and blue are desired, bunting should be used, not the flag. The blue should be at the top.
Badges showing the flag should be worn over the heart or on the left lapel.
Do no dip the flag of the United States to any person or other thing.
Do not display the flag with the Union down, except as a signal of distress.
Do not let the flag touch the ground, the floor, or anything beneath it.
Do not fasten the flag in such a manner as will permit it to be torn.
Do not drape the flag over the hood, top, sides or back of any vehicle. When used on a car, one flag only should be firmly affixed.
Do not use the flag as a covering for a ceiling.
Do not carry the flag horizontally, but always aloft and free.
Do not use the flag as a costume, or part of a costume.
Do not put letters of any kind on the flag.
Do not use the flag in advertising or fasten advertising to a flagpole.
Do not display, store or use the flag in any manner by which it may be soiled or damaged.
And finally, never permit disrespect to be shown the flag of the United States.
| 
)