U s flag etiquette revised

U.S. Flag EtiquetteU.S. Flag Etiquette

 The traditions and
customs governing the
display of the US Flag
are codified in the
United States Code,
Title 36, Chapter 10

Why Red, White, & Blue?Why Red, White, & Blue?
 Red – Valor &
Hardiness
 White – Purity &
Innocence
 Blue – Vigilance,
Perseverance, &
Justice

Why Red, White, & Blue?Why Red, White, & Blue?
 George Washington’s
Legend:
 Stars came from the
night sky
 Red from British colors
 White stripes to
symbolize secession from
home (England).

Raising and Lowering the FlagRaising and Lowering the Flag
On a Flag Pole
– Raise the flag briskly, lower
it slowly.
– At half mast, raise it to the
top of the pole, then lower it
to half mast.
– When lowering from half
mast, first raise it back to
the top of the pole, then
lower it slowly.
– Memorial Day, fly the flag
at half mast until noon, then
raise it to full staff for the
rest of the day.

Flag EtiquetteFlag Etiquette
When to Fly the FlagWhen to Fly the Flag
Every day, when weather permits, or in any
weather if the flag is made of weather-
resistant material.
All national and state holidays.
Sunrise to sunset, unless properly
illuminated.

Displaying the FlagDisplaying the Flag
 At different heights, the U.S. flag flies higher than
the others. It is raised first and lowered last.
 At equal heights, the U.S. flag is either in front of or
farthest to the right of the other flags.
 When displayed flat against a wall, horizontally or
vertically, the blue field is at the top, at the flag’s
own right (to the left as you look at it).
 In an auditorium, the flag is placed to the speaker’s
right when on the stage, or to the audiences’ right if
on the floor.

Carrying the FlagCarrying the Flag
 Aloft and flying free.
 When the flag is alone, there
should be an honor guard to the
left of it or one on each side of it.
 With other flags, the U.S. flag in
front of the others or to the right
if the flags are in a line.
 Never dip the flag of the United
States for any person or thing.

Greeting the FlagGreeting the Flag
 Stand and salute the flag
when:
– Raised or lowered on a staff
– You pass it
– It passes you
– Pledge of Allegiance
– National Anthem

SalutingSaluting
 Read your handbook
 A salute should only be
given when in uniform.
 When you are not wearing a
uniform, place your hand
over your heart in lieu of a
salute. (In times past, scouts
were taught to salute over
their heart when not in
uniform. This is still an
acceptable, though not
frequently seen alternative.)

 The flag should
never touch the
ground or floor
beneath it.

 Do you have to destroy
the flag if it touches the
ground accidentally?
 No. You should, of
course, try to avoid
having the flag touch the
ground. But if it does,
you should correct the
situation immediately.

 The flag may be
flown at half staff
(mast) by order of
the president, usually
to mourn the death
of a public official.

 The flag should
never be displayed
with the union down,
except as a signal of
dire distress in
instances of extreme
danger to life or
property

 The flag should not be
used as part of a costume
or athletic uniform,
except that a flag patch
may be used on the
uniform of military
personnel, fireman,
policeman and members
of patriotic
organizations

 The flag should
never have placed
upon it, nor on any
part of it, nor
attached to it any
mark, insignia, letter,
word, figure, design,
picture, or drawing
of any nature

 The flag should
never be used as
wearing apparel

 When displayed
either horizontally or
vertically against a
wall, the union
should be uppermost
and to the flag's own
right, that is, to the
observer's left

 When the flag is
displayed over the
middle of the street,
it should be
suspended vertically
with the union to the
north in an east and
west street or to the
east in a north and
south street.

 When displayed on
or off a podium, 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 speaker's right as
he faces the audience.

 When the flag
becomes old and
tattered, it should be
destroyed by
burning.

 When the flag is used
to cover a casket, it
should be so placed
that the union is at
the head and over the
left shoulder. The
flag should not be
lowered into the
grave or allowed to
touch the ground.

Is burning the U.S. flagIs burning the U.S. flag
in protest a crime?in protest a crime?

Is burning the U.S. flag inIs burning the U.S. flag in
protest a crime?protest a crime?
No. Despite several attempts each year
by members of the House of
Representatives to pass an amendment to
overrule Supreme Court decisions
allowing the burning of the U.S. flag as a
First Amendment right, it fails to be
passed by the Senate.

Standard Elements ofStandard Elements of
Flag CeremoniesFlag Ceremonies
Flag Bearers
Color Guards
Color Guard Commander
Other participants
– Bugler
– Drummer
– Readers / Speakers

Flag BearerFlag Bearer
 The person who carries
the flag
 one flag per person.
 Hold staff at slight angle
in front of the body or
hold the folded flag in
front of the body at waist
level.
 stands silent at attention
throughout the ceremony
 does not recite the Pledge,
Oath, Laws nor sing

Color GuardColor Guard
 Guards the honor of the
flag (does not touch
ground)
 Stands beside the flag
bearer or to each side if in
a line of more than one
flag.
 Two per flag is traditional,
but any number ok.
 Stand silent at attention
throughout the ceremony
 Do salute during the
Pledge, otherwise stand
still.

Color Guard CommanderColor Guard Commander
 Designated person
“calls out” the parts of
the ceremony.
 Stands in front of or to
one side of the
audience.
 Typically the Patrol
Leader, but not
required

MusiciansMusicians
 Buglers play To The Colors when posting the
colors and Retreat when retiring the colors.
 Drummers play a roll when posting or retiring
the colors.
 Other instruments or groups play The Star
Spangled Banner or other patriotic tune as
appropriate.
– As the colors are raised briskly and retrieved slowly,
so should be the tune and tempo.

CallsCalls
Commands given by the Color Guard
Commander for the benefit and education of
those not entirely familiar with the
ceremony.
They should be spoken clearly and loudly.
With a properly trained unit, only four calls
are required; “Attention”, “Salute”, “Two”
and “At Ease”.

U s flag etiquette revised

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