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Page Title: Flag Etiquette Questions and Answers I get tons of flag etiquette questions. Below is a sample of my e-mail and my responses. My readers come up with the greatest questions. Flag etiquette is often a matter of interpretation. As well, I do not claim to be the best authority on every question. I get generous contributions weekly from the readers of this page. I often add such contributions to this page as links to other resources or by posting the information. I am glad to offer my findings based on some 25 years in this business and try to base my responses on identifiable and responsible sources and customs. I share my research and experience for free. However, I do not warrant it one iota. Disclaimer Al Cavalari. Prop. The Flag Guys® The United States Code Title 4- Chapter 1-The Flag :The complete flag code text with a search function Links Helpful To Flag Etiquette Questions Army Regulation 840-10 regarding heraldic activities, flags Canadian Flag Etiquette And Heritage The Institute of Heraldry: "The purpose of this site is to provide information on United States Army Heraldic entitlements; how they are displayed, and how and why it is worn." Live web cam of flag status at capitol in Washington DC NAVA: Click here for the North American Vexillogical Association. It is a wonderful flag scholarship organazation that will also entertain all kinds of questions regarding flag etiquette, symbolism, history and design. This is an amazing organization worth while for anyone interested in flags. They have a yearly convention, publish a wonderful newsletter and other periodicals. Membership is very worthwhile and cheap. Their web site is free. Office of the Law Revision Counsel Sea Flags, Flags, Pennants, Ceremonies and Customs of The American Sea Services United Kingdom Flag Rules Government of the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport United Kingdom National Ceremonies and Symbols Government of the UK: The union flag, the national anthem, currency, stamps and other national events. Hear their national anthem. Veterans Affairs, United States Department of United States Code Title 4- Chapter 1-The Flag Half Staff Flags that are affixed to staffs such as most front porch type flag kits or indoor floor mounted sets are not expected to be half staffed.
Some general observations about Half Staffing An interesting point about half staffing. The President's power to order flags be half staffed applies only to federal flags. He can only encourage that others follow suit. See the following question and answer found on The White House web site following the death of President Reagan. Q: Beaver Creek, Colorado:With President Reagan's death, what is the rule for American flags? Does the President have to state all flags must be lowered? If so, how long must they be lowered for? In addition, if the President doesn't order all of the flags to be lowered, can individuals decide on whether or not they would like to lower their flag?A: Tim Saunders, White House Executive Clerk: Upon the death of a former President, the "flag code" (4 United States Code, section 7) states that flags shall fly at half-staff for 30 days -- the flag code is designed to provide guidelines for the display of the flag.Traditionally, the President then issues a proclamation "officially" informing the people of the United States, directs all Federal flags to be flown at half-staff over Federal facilities, and designates a "National Day of Mourning," as a mark of respect and remembrance for the former President. President Bush has designated this Friday, June 11, 2004, the day of President Reagan's funeral, as the National Day of Mourning for President Reagan. As far as flags generally, the President directs the manner of their display over Federal facilities only -- he does not direct their display over non-Federal facilities. Individuals, other levels of government, and private concerns are simply encouraged to follow these observances. (Emphasis added) The point being made by The President's Executive Clerk is that in these United States of America, even our most powerful leader can not order our most humble citizen to participate in a display of mourning or respect. Half-staffing Old Glory is a matter left to the dictates of each individual's conscience. The President invites citizens to participate. Hey, it is one of the things that makes us different than many other countries. Q: North Conway, NH: We need to know when to return the flags at our resort to full staff. I have read several news reports which state once President Reagan is interred (after 10:30 ET or so Friday night), I have also read that tradition states the flags should be lowered for 30 days for a President. Can you tell me what the government plans and what private citizens and businesses should do? A: Tim Saunders, White House Executive Clerk: Thanks for your question. The flag code (title 4, United States Code, section 7) states that flags shall be flown at half-mast for 30 days from the day of death of a former President. Individuals and private concerns are certainly invited to join in this observance.Q: San Jose, California: What is the definition of a state funeral, and how is it decided to bestow that honor?A: Peter Sobich, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Cabinet Secretary: By law, former presidents are afforded a state funeral upon their death. While tradition and protocol greatly influence the funeral planning, the exact sequence of events is largely determined by the family. However, most state funerals, including those for Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson have included the following events: repose in home state before traveling to Washington, D.C.; formal funeral procession in horse-drawn caisson along Constitution Avenue to U.S. Capitol; repose in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol; memorial service in Washington, D.C., and then travel to final resting place for internment. In the case of President Reagan, this will be at his Presidential Library located in Simi Valley, California.Click Here To Return Back To Top Question: When flown at half staff on a single pole, should the state flag be removed, or remain below the US flag? Thank you in advance for any help I can get on this. D.R Answer:Hi Mr R. Click Here To Return Back To Top Display your flag at half staff from sunrise to sunset. On December 18th, 2,001 President Bush signed public law No. 107-89 designating September 11th as Patriot Day. The people of the United States are asked to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities to honor the individuals who lost their lives. In observance, US flags should be displayed at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. Patriot Day should not be confused with Patriot’s Day, a regional holiday celebrated in New England on the third Monday in April which commemorates Paul Revere's "Midnight Ride" on April 19, 1775 and the battle of Lexington & Concord during the Revolutionary War. The Boston Marathon is run on Patriot’s Day every year. Click Here To Return Back To Top According to the US Flag Code, flags are half staffed until noon only, at which point they are raised to full staff Private and Local, who can authorize it?Question: We are a private long-term care facility for senior adults. One of our ministers and head of the Veteran’s club just passed away in a car accident. One of the members of the Veteran’s club wants to fly our flags we have on our property at half-staff. All the regs we see say the lowest ranking official that can declare flying the US flag at half-staff is the governor of the State? What is the rule regarding a private business flying a flag at half-staff to honor someone? Question: I saw the flag at half-mast today at a foreign legion post, and I asked them why. They said a member had died. Is this proper? I thought only the president can give an order for half-mast. Can anyone beside the president make that decision? Answer: We are often asked if it is proper to half staff flags privately for family members, employees or members of an organization. This is among the toughest questions that arise. Regarding who can order a half-staffing and when, The Flag Code does spell out many specifics. But it does say The President is not the only one who can order a half staffing. It gives governors the right also. Many state laws provide for governors being able to order half staff also. However keep in mind, orders from The President or any other government official apply to government flags only. The President and the Federal Government can not order that citizens half staff a flag. Who says so? The White House It would seem to follow that if The President or The Federal Government can not order private citizens to participate in a government half staffing then they can also not prohibit a private one. But is it proper to half staff flags absent a governmental decree? In indicating when a flag should be half staffed, The flag code spells out many specific instances. But then it gives us the the vague instance described as "in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law" to indicate when a flag may be half staffed. "Recognized customs" can mean a lot of things and indeed in practice it means different things to different people when it comes to local or personal half staffings. Some people object to them. Some would focus on The Code's mentioning only the "death of other officials or foreign dignitaries." The Code is silent altogether regarding the deaths of persons who are not an official or foreign dignitary.
There are two schools of thought regarding private half staffing. I
can not tell you which is right. There is no right or wrong. I can teach you the
controversy. One school of thought maintains that localized and private half
staffings deplete the meaning of half staffing as a national or statewide event.
I notice this situation around our town when sometimes the flags are up and down
every other week and no one knows the meaning. This school of thought maintains
that The Flag is a national symbol and its use as a symbol of mourning should be
reserved for widespread national or at least statewide events. Those who belong
to this school of thought say the best way to display local private mourning is
to affix a black mourning streamer to the flag, a technique also recognized in
army regulations. For the record, here is verbatim what The Flag Code says about half staffing: Title 4> Chapter 1> § 7 m) 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 may proclaim that
the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. The flag shall be flown at
half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10
days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired
Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of
Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice
of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a
former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and
on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag
shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is
also Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection— Question: My company has recently added international franchise locations in Canada, Ireland, and the UK. To celebrate this milestone, we installed three new flag poles and purchased corresponding flags for each country. We plan on doing this each time we add a franchise in a new country. Here's the dilemma. Our corporate office is based
in Lansing, Michigan. Under Section 7 of Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United
States Code, 4 USC 7, Governor Granholm, in December 2003, issued a proclamation
requiring United States flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout the state
of Michigan and on Michigan waters to honor Michigan servicemen and servicewomen
killed in the line of duty. We are wondering what the proper etiquette is for
lowing the flags of other nations. Is it okay to lower the other flags to
half-staff? Should we remove the international flags when the U.S. flag is
lowered? Help! We can't find the answer anywhere! Thank you! Answer: That is a great question and one
for which I find no direct answer in The Flag Code. That code is simply silent
on that matter. US Army regulations do say that the US Flag is to be half
staffed even if other flags are not: There is one further component at work here. Every state has its own flag laws and your state's attorney general's office has jurisdiction over them. It would be a fair question to ask your state government. Please let me know if it responds to you. Question: I am a 65 year old Vietnam vet. I try to
respect and protect our US flag in a helpful and courteous way. I have often
mentioned your website as a place to learn and purchase flags. If I see a
tattered flag, I stop and offer to have her disposed of by my post. On a recent occasion, my local Post Office in NJ half staffed
the US Flag and I called to see the reason. It seems it was in error in NJ as
the Postmaster General had ordered the US Flags lowered in Pennsylvania ONLY as
a member of the USPS Board of Governors had died in that state. I then asked the
question of whether the USPS followed the US Flag Code on such matters. After four months of email's to the USPS customer service web
site, I rec'd an answer from my LOCAL Post Office. It quoted an USPS
Administrative manual that says: 472.233 part b. "the heads of governments
agencies may direct that the flag may be flown at half-staff on buildings,
grounds, etc. under their jurisdiction on occasions other than those specified
which they consider proper. The VP of Corporate Relations notifies area,
district and plant managers by either broadcast fax or electronic mail of such
an order. They, in turn, notify the heads of all postal facilities reporting to
them". In MY interpretation of the code, a federal agency (Is the USPS
a Federal agency?) should follow the code to the letter. Under the code the
person they honored would not be a "principal figure". I guess the key question is, Is the USPS a Federal Agency? Do
they have to follow the US Flag Code? The USPS shows more US flags than any
place in our country. They are the signal to the average US citizen that our
nation is in mourning, as that signal, they should ALWAYS follow the US Flag
Code. Thanks Answer: Thanks for your thoughtful letter. You have not
asked me a direct question. But my guess is that you want to know if I think the
USPS should be half staffing its flag upon occasions not otherwise mentioned in
The Flag Code. The answer is yes. Click Here To Return Back To Top A short summary of the US flag code follows below.
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 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 clergyman'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.
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.
Flag Precedence: Deals with the fascinating question about which flag comes next in the position of honor when there is more than one flag. Flag Precedence Historic Flags: Question: Greetings! My name is __ and I am a Senior cadet in the AFROTC program at ____. Our detachment is starting to put together a flag ceremony to both educate and inspire the community; we intend to perfect it to the point where our performances will be requested. The ceremony will include the current US flag as well as historical flags (to include the Gadsden Flag, Grand Union Flag, the Union Jack, The Star Spangled Banner, etc). Our question is- what is the protocol in displaying these flags together; we assume the current US flag will be front, center, and higher than the rest but do the other flags require a certain order? Any help in deciding this matter, along with any other advice you can offer, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again! Answer: Wow. What a cool letter and what a cool goal. I wish I could see your ceremony when it is perfected. You are correct that the US flag takes the position of honor. That position differs depending on how all the flags are being displayed. Follow the links on our flag etiquette page to the Flag Code and you will see what I mean. The US flag is not necessarily always higher. But, with very rare exceptions, it is always in the position of honor. The other part of your question deals with the concept of flag precedence. There is indeed a pecking order when it comes to which flag gets honored before the next one. It is kind of like the concept of seniority. The Flag Code is silent on how to honor historical flags over one another. However, base the precedence of the historical flags on their age. The Defense Dept does that with the armed forces. They are honored in order of their creation. The same is done with the 50 state flags. They can be displayed alphabetically OR in order of their admission into the union. So research the historic flags you are using and give them precedence based on their age. In your example, here is the order: USA, Gadsden Flag, Grand Union Flag, The Star Spangled Banner. I have left out the Union Jack because in my experience, people mean different things when they use that term. Some mean the modern day flag of the UK. Some mean the colonial Kings Colors. But you get the idea. An interesting point: If you are using a foreign flag such as that of the UK, it takes precedence over all others except the USA. It would even come before a state or even the flag of the United States Air Force! Flag Precedence: Historic Flags Question: OK you guys should know this. A local Dallas school uses the Bennington ('76) historical US flag because it matches their Patriot mascot. They fly on one flagpole, the US Flag, the Bennington US FLag, and the Texas flag in this order. My question is can the antique Bennington flag be flown over the Texas flag (between the US & Texas flag). Given that its an antique flag I'm just curious if it takes precedence over a current State flag. Thanks so much! Answer: The US Flag code is silent on this specific matter as it is on many permutations regarding flag usage. The code can not have anticipated every varied situation. In my view, cases like these come down to context, intent, logic, and in the end, respect. I would say, the school has it correct. The Code tells us how to properly respect and honor The American flag and the school is trying to do just this. One of the ways The Code provides to respect the flag is by laying out the notion of "position of honor." That is to say, there is a pecking order for types of flags. The US Flag Code does not specifically reference non current versions of the US flag. This point is where logic and intent come in. The intent of everyone involved there at the school is to respect and honor the US flag. Tradition and practice has established that an historic version of the US flag flag remains entitled to the same respect as is the current day US flag. And a US flag does take precedence over a state flag. It may interest you to know that a foreign flag also takes precedence over a state flag! So according to The Flag Code, if the president of Mexico visited the school, his flag comes after the American flag in flag precedence, but before the Texas flag! As a side point, a foreign flag is supposed to be on a separate pole at the same height of the US flag. One could argue that the Bennington flag was never an official US flag. I would not accept that side argument. Back then, Congress had not yet defined exactly what a US flag was supposed to look like. Local flag makers and individual folks were free to use their own imagination as long as it had the right number of stars and stripes. So even if it were a local variant not widely used, The Bennington Flag was as much an American flag as any other. And in our hearts and minds, it is one of our most popular and beloved American flags.
Click Here To Return Back To Top Flag
Precedence POW Flag with Navy Flag Question: Sir, I need to know how to set
up 3 flag on a stage for a military ceremony. I will have the National Ensign,
the Navy Flag, and the POW/MIA flag. Thank you. Very respectfully, LTJG A. A.
Operations Officer Answer: Sorry for the delay. I was out of
town and behind on my e mail. US Air Force AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION 34-1201, 4 OCTOBER 2006, 2.34.6.8. "There is no precedence for the POW/MIA flag. It shall always be displayed in a location subordinate to all other flags." Flag
Precedence Service Academy Flags: Question: I was wondering why it is that the service schools take precedence over the actual service flags? What is the history behind that? Answer:
WOW! That is a really great question. I was just pondering it myself just
yesterday day as I was studying the differences between those two lists. Also,
take note: In my comparison chart between only The Army and The Air Force, only
The Army does it that way. The Air Force does not. I do not know what the other
services do in that regard. My one thought, and this is only my own sentiment
not at all based on fact or history, is as follows. In life, don't all we
"seasoned veterans" let the younguns go ahead of us. I do not claim the honor of
ever having served, but I compare the concept to myself and my brood of nephews.
If I were with them all someplace where there was some honor or recognition to
be enjoyed, wouldn't I let them sit in the front row? Click Here To Return Back To Top Ever wonder if there is an order of precedence among state flags? DISPLAY OF STATE FLAGS State flags are normally displayed in the order of admittance to the State of the Union. However, they may be displayed in alphabetical order. The following is the date each state was admitted to the Union:
The following territorial flags are normally displayed when all of the state flags are displayed: District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands Other areas such as Baker Islands, Howland Islands, Jarvis Island, Palmyra Atoll, Johnson Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Atoll, Navassa Island, and Wake Atoll are either uninhabited or use the United States Flag. Click Here To Return Back To Top Flag Precedence: US Flag below yacht club flag? Question: Dear sir, I have recently been made aware that it is legal for a pennant or flag to be flown higher than the u s flag. This is according to a local yacht club that claims it has been researched. This display is on the land and supposedly allowed under some obscure law. I sure would appreciate any info you could provide on this subject. It has a lot of us vets upset. Thank you M. L Answer: You don't mention exactly how the pole is configured. In maritime practice, the configuration does makes a world of difference. If you read Navy regulation NTP 13 (B) even the time of day makes a world of difference if you are on a ship! But even when not on a ship, the US Navy has detailed regulations that require the practice of flying the US flag lower than other flags. It sounds like the yacht club is following that practice. You provide no details so it is difficult to say. To us landlubbers it always seems incorrect at first glance when any flag is flown higher than the American flag. After all, we all "know" that no flag ever flies above the US flag. When it is done, the concept is not that another flag is being put in the position of honor above the US flag. On the contrary. The United States Navy regulation is that the American flag belongs in fact on the "gaff", not on the higher position way up on the main mast. That is, unless there is a "crosstree." involved. In that case, if displayed with a foreign flag, the US flag goes even lower! I am not privy to the history behind the regulation. The gaff seems to be the position of honor. But it is lower than the top of the main mast. Perhaps the concept is that, as a sailing ship of yore moved forward, the gaff leads the way. It is out in front. The gaff is the pole that is attached to a taller pole. It sticks out from the taller pole at a 45 degree angle below the top of the taller pole where another flag may be flying. I do wonder why my country's navy places a foreign flag on the gaff and places Old Glory on the lower crosstree. Maybe the concept is chivalry? After all, if we were entertaining a foreign guest, wouldn't we extend him or her every courtesy? I don't know about you, but if I were representing my country and hosting a foreign guest, I'd give him the best seat in the house. Maybe that is how the world's sailors see it. Anyway, I am only guessing as to the reason. The fact is simply a matter of my country's navy's regulations. But the yacht club should easily be
able to set any veteran's mind at ease by simply showing the appropriate naval
regulation. I do not know on what regulation the club bases its decision but it
may be this one: So you see, depending on the pole configuration, the US flag might not even be on the gaff. Since we are on the subject of maritime exceptions to commonly held beliefs we all "know" about the US flag, here is another one: We all know that the US flag is never dipped to another flag, right? Wrong. The regulations of my country's navy do allow my flag to be dipped to a foreign flag if the other flag is dipped first! Everything I have told you above is based on US Navy regulations. The US Flag code ,which is a guide, not a law, for civilians is by far not as detailed as naval regulations. It is in fact silent on the entire matter of pole configurations and maritime use with the exception of naval church pennants.
Click Here To Return Back To Top POW/MIA Flag With State FlagsQuestion: Greetings! I am curious to know of the proper etiquette to
fly the POW/MIA flag along with a State Flag on the same pole as the US. I have
seen both the state flag above and below the POW/MIA flag, is there a standard
protocol? Thanks! Chad.< Click Here To Return Back To Top Question: Our organization will now be flying the POW/MIA flag. Our understanding is that this flag should be flown on the same pole as the U.S. Flag. Someone on our staff thinks it has to be smaller in size than the U.S. Flag. Does the size of the POW/MIA flag matter? Answer: No code I know references the size of the POW
flag. No code I know that governs civilian use says the POW flag must fly on the
same pole as the US Flag. The Flag Code is silent on this question as well as
the question of size.. Even Title 36 of the US code is silent on that question. Click Here To Return Back To Top Flags On BuildingsQuestion: Where does the Flag get put in front of a
building? We are having a discussion on where to put the flag. I was told it is
put to the right of the building as you look at the building. Also some one said
it has to be in the middle front of the building. So would you PLEASE help me on
this problem? Anyone who said it has to go in the middle or in any other specific position should be asked what code is the source of that information. Click Here To Return Back To Top CARS: How to position flags on carsQuestion: I work at a limousine company and we supply hearses to the local funeral homes. We have a set of military flags and the American flag which are on the front of the hearse to honor the deceased. The deceased always enters the hearse feet first. So my question is which side of the hearse should the American flag be on and which side should the military flag be on? Thank you in advance for your help! DC Answer: You don't spell it out specifically, but let's say you are mounting the flags on the front of the vehicle. Old Glory would go on the right fender, any other flag on the left. The US Flag Code is silent on this point. But West Point and The President do it like I say above. I figure, if it is good enough for those folks, it is good enough for me! Here is what the US Army's regulations say: (4) When the flag of the United States is displayed from a vehicle,the staff of the flag will be clamped firmly to the right frontfender. If you go to our etiquette page, you can click on links to the US flag code and also the US Army's regulations courtesy of West Point's Protocol office. Thanks for caring enough to want to get it right. Click Here To Return Back To Top Question: I manage a group of buildings that display several American flags. I was wondering what is the proper way to dispose of American flags when they need to be replaced. Thanks for your time. Fredericksburg VA Answer: Dear Mr __Here is exactly what the US Flag Code says about retiring flags: (k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Notice that the code does not say the flag must be burned. It says burning is preferred. It also does not say that only Boy Scout Troops or The American Legion may do the burning. This belief sometimes gets brought up, but, unless some state or municipality has some local law to this effect, it is an urban myth. According to the US Flag Code, private individuals are permitted to retire the flag in this manner. However, those fine organizations and others do it in an organized way, often with a ceremony that can be quite moving to attend. I have also seen where The Girl Scouts have a ceremony that includes first cutting the retired flags into strips before they are burned. But the US Flag Code does not require that step. The Flag Code is also silent on what method other than burning would be considered dignified. As with many things in our beloved country, that decision is left to the dictates of our own respective consciences. But I have always stuck with burning. We used to just do it ourselves at my shop or at my home. But then I came to find out that towns have laws against the opening burning of anything and had to stop. Therefore, I save up flags that people drop off at my shop. When I see that a veterans organization or scout troop is having a retirement ceremony, I bring them there. Sometimes quite some time goes by and I have boxes of them. But I always find an outlet. Some VFW posts in our area have a wonderful idea. They have taken old mailboxes and repainted them in a red/white/blue theme. These are the giant mailboxes found on city streets. They put a sign on them saying "old flag drop off" or words to that effect. This is a wonderful service. After all the years in this business some things still move me a great deal. One of them is the care that many folks take when it comes time to say goodbye to a worn out flag. Here is my favorite story in that regard. I got a call from what was clearly the classic "little old lady". She wanted to know how to go about disposing of her worn out flag. I told her about burning it and told her if it is not possible for her to do so she could bring it to our shop. She asked me many questions about how we would handle the flag, how we would treat the flag, where we would bring it. Would it be done the right way? She was very concerned and very involved. She needed to satisfy herself that her Old Glory would be handled with the care it deserved for its final service. All her questions answered, she thanked me and we said good-bye. You could appreciate the next part of the story better if you knew the layout of our shop. Our building was not built as a commercial building and the shop entrance is all the way around the back. I admit it is a long walk for some people and it can be quite an effort to get around there. In fact, anymore when I see a person making their way in who is challenged by the walk, I just head them off in the parking lot to save them the effort. Nowadays with cell phones, disabled people sometimes just call us from the parking lot or call ahead so we can watch for them. Anyway, later that day I was sitting at my desk in my office from where I can see our parking lot. A car pulls up and out gets a little old lady. I did not yet know it was the same lady who called. I watch her slowly begin the march around to the entrance and I proceeded into the shop area to meet her. After a moment she comes in and approaches the counter saying she had called about having a flag to retire. But I see no flag. Out of here purse comes the tiniest of 4x6" American flags on a little stick! That is smaller even than the typical flag you get at a parade. It is a desk size flag. She had made that call, asked all those questions, driven to my shop and made that march just to be sure that her tiny little flag would get the respectful retirement it deserved. When I see our American Flag neglected, worn and faded beyond recognition yet still being displayed, I just think of that little old lady, of her long march, and I just smile. I also note with interest that you write from Fredericksburg in our great sister state of Virginia. There was a day not all that long ago where many thousands of guys also went to a great deal of effort on behalf of their flags. Thanks for wanting to do the right thing Click Here To Return Back To Top Pole OrnamentsQuestion: Hello. The college I work at is looking into buying some new top ornaments for the 2 flag poles (U.S. flag and MN state flag) displayed on our auditorium's stage. The question came up about having the eagle on top of both poles, or only have the eagle on the U.S. flag's pole and a star, ball or other ornament on top the state flag's pole. Is there any rule to follow regarding the use of a top ornament? Would the eagle be okay on top of each, or is the eagle only supposed to be used on the U.S. flag's pole? Answer: Good question. The answer has several components. First, the US flag code is silent on this issue. It says nothing about only the US flag being able to take the eagle. So there is no help from that source. Second, in my experience, most civilian users do use eagles on both. Third, however, there is a tradition, which I personally adhere to, for using the eagle only on the US flag and some other ornament on the other flags. I just feel it reserves a special distinction for the US flag. Many people do follow this method. I suggest a round spear. Fourth, it is possible that your state has enacted some type of law in this regard. Individual states do have various rules about flag usage and I do not know yours. Maybe ask your Attorney General's office. Fifth, the military quite certainly has rules of flag protocol that apply to this and other issues. Click on the link above to West Point Protocol Office. I have seen this question addressed in those army regulations. Military regulations are not binding on civilian situations. As well, the various military branches can have rules that disagree with each other. To sum up, absent any local or state ordinance, in my opinion, it is proper for you as a civilian to use eagles on both flags OR to reserve the distinction of the eagle for the US flag. Either way is proper. I feel the eagle, our national bird, is best reserved for Old Glory. Does this help? Click Here To Return Back To Top Funeral FlagsQuestion: My father passed away two weeks ago. My mother was presented the flag from the ceremony, the spent cartridges form the salute were passed to me. I thought that since the cartridges were also given to us, it would be fitting to display them in the case with the American flag. However, I have been searching websites for display boxes, and none of the flag display/shadow boxes are ever shown with the cartridges. Is it proper to display the brass with the flag? Answer: I am sorry for your loss. Yes it is. People display patches, medals and all kinds of things with the flag. The Flag Code does not prohibit personal effects from being displayed with a flag. We have a display case in our shop that has extra compartments for mementos. If you are local to us come in and see it. Otherwise, give me a couple days and I will add it to the selection of cases on the web site so you can see it. Question: The second questions concerns two memorial flags that my father had stored away. One was from his sister who never married, my father had been presented with her flag. The other was from an unmarried friend of the same aunt's. She had been presented that flag years ago. What is the proper disposition of these flags? They, of course, are beautiful and we would be proud to fly one of them, but I feel that may not be proper etiquette. Should they be retired? Answer: It is quite proper to display these flags. In fact, it is a moving tribute. Such flags from funerals are usually 5 x 9.5' so they are too large to display from a pole in a bracket. They are by rights also too large for most home in-ground poles. Since they would be oversize for those types of poles, display them only on a calm day during good weather because they will stress the pole much more that a properly sized flag. Do it with care to protect your pole, and only during that time of calm weather. You could damage your pole with such an oversize flag. OR you could just display them vertically on an exterior wall or hanging down from a porch. Stars would to in the upper left corner as you view the flag. Flags from funerals are almost always cotton which is the least durable fabric for outdoor display. To extend their life some people display them just once in a while on selected holidays or special days. You might display them say on Memorial Day or on the person's birthday. OR, you could put them folded in the flag display cases for display in a room. OR, you could donate them to a fire company, school or house of worship that might have a pole big enough to actually handle them for normal continual use. Your departed loved ones might like the notion that their flags are serving in that manner. The flags will of course then eventually wear out just like you and I will. At that time they would then be properly retired, preferably by being burned up in a respectful manner as suggested by The US Flag Code. Also don't be concerned if the flags happen to have 48 stars. Historic versions of Old Glory are proper to display and retain all the honor and respect due to our current day flag. In short, special memorial flags need not be hidden away. During aftermath of the 911 crisis, when there was a nation wide flag shortage every flag seller had lines more than an hour long. In one of the most moving things I have experienced in my decades as a flag dealer, a lady showed up at our shop and gave away to strangers the funeral flags from her WWII Veteran husband and her Vietnam Veteran son. Those flags were able to stand watch when here loved ones no longer could. I hope this helps Thank you for being concerned about how your flags are used. Click Here To Return Back To Top
Question: Hey Guys, My Dad passed away Aug. 20 this year (83 year old WWII Vet) and we
had the flag presented to his oldest living brother who in turn passed away in
October. My Aunt called and asked me to pick the flag up and give it to one of
the grandchildren (my two sons). My brother has stated that he wants it. He
served about 2 years in the army and was given a general discharge. My personal
belief is that he doesn't deserve it as it would be an injustice to my Dad's
record but I don't want to cause any hard feelings. Is there a protocol in this
matter as to who should receive the flag? Thanks Here is what is required of the Department of Defense in the rendering of military funeral honors for veterans and as codified in :Title 10, Chapter 75, Section 1491, U.S.C: >>(c) CEREMONY. A funeral honors detail shall, at a minimum, perform at the funeral a ceremony that includes the folding of a United States flag and presentation of the flag to the veteran’s family and the playing of Taps. Unless a bugler is a member of the detail, the funeral honors detail shall play a recorded version of Taps using audio equipment which the detail shall provide if adequate audio equipment is not otherwise available for use at the funeral.<< Click Here To Return Back To Top Presenting Flags: Only for military? Question: I sit on an elected board for my community. One of our board members re-enlisted in the Marines. At his last meeting before going away a group of his political supporters had an American Legion Post present to him a folded flag in a wood box. After the Legion members left the room one of his supporters requested (demanded) that the flag in its box should be placed in front of his seat at board meetings until his return. Privately the board members agreed that we would not consent to the request. One of the members is a former member of the armed forces and said the presentation was inappropriate. Such a flag is presented only to the family of a fallen hero or upon death of a former member of the service or it is presented to a member of the military after long service. What say ye? Answer: A flag may be presented to anyone. There are many things going on here and an unfortunate misconception is involved that I have begun to see recently. It is incorrect that a flag may only be presented to military people or their families. There is not one thing in The Flag Code that even hints at that concept. I know of no published protocol that says a commemorative flag folded into a triangle and presented in a case is inappropriate for those who have not died or who are civilians. In fact, we are near West Point, and they do it all the time for civilian workers who are retiring or being transferred. The flag is for all who love it. I recently heard from a fireman who said his department would not allow a flag to be presented to a fireman's widow because her husband had not been a veteran. There is nothing in The Flag Code to support that decision. I would ask the former armed forces member
what his source is that deems it inappropriate. I was recently sent such a
flag in a case with a certificate by some guys serving in Afghanistan right now
who appreciated some things I did for them. The certificate was signed by their
three star general. I am a civilian and they know it. Click Here To Return Back To Top Fringe: On The American Flag. No, it does NOT mean we live under martial law The following is quoted verbatim from the Institute of Heraldry web site The Institute Of Heraldry Gold fringe is used on the National flag as an honorable enrichment only. It is not regarded as an integral part of the flag and its use does not constitute an unauthorized addition to the design prescribed by statutes. Records of the Department of the Army indicate that fringe was used on the National flag as early as 1835 and its official use by the Army dates from 1895. There is no record of an Act of Congress or Executive Order which either prescribes or prohibits the addition of fringe, nor is there any indication that any symbolism was ever associated with it. The use of fringe is optional with the person or organization displaying the flag. A 1925 Attorney General’s Opinion (34 Op. Atty. Gen 483) states:
It is customary to place gold fringe on silken (rayon-silk-nylon) National flags that are carried in parades, used in official ceremonies, and displayed in offices, merely to enhance the beauty of the flag. The use of fringe is not restricted to the Federal Government. Such flags are used and displayed by our Armed Forces, veterans, civic and civilian organizations, and private individuals. However, it is the custom not to use fringe on flags displayed from stationary flagpoles and, traditionally, fringe has not been used on internment flags.
Then there is this from THE TAX PROTESTER FAQ Created by Daniel B. Evans Copyright © 2002-2007. All rights reserved. Not legal advice. http://evans-legal.com/dan/tpfaq.html#flagfringes >>>If the flag of the United States that is in the courtroom has a gold fringe, then the court is operating under martial law. There is actually some interesting history behind this nonsense. There is a federal statute that defines the American flag as thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white, with a “union” of a blue field with one white star for each state. 4 U.S.C. §§ 1 and 2. The statutory definition says nothing about any kind of fringe of the kind often used on ceremonial flags displayed indoors, and at some point someone in the military wondered whether a flag with a fringe was “legal.” In 1925, the Attorney General issued an opinion that a fringe “does not appear to be regarded as an integral part of the Flag, and its presence cannot be said to constitute an unauthorized addition to the design prescribed by statute,” concluding that “The presence, therefore, of a fringe on military colors and standards does not violate any existing Act of Congress. Its use or disuse is a matter of practical policy, to be determined, in the absence of statute, by the Commander in Chief....” 34 Op. Atty. Gen. 483 (May 15, 1925). Perhaps you can see where this is going? Because the Attorney General expressed the opinion that the President as Commander-in-Chief can put a fringe on military flags, tax protesters have leapt to the conclusion that all flags with fringes are military flags. This idea has been flatly rejected in numerous court decisions. See, e.g., McCann v. Greenway, 952 F. Supp. 647 (W.D. Mo. 1997); United States v. Greenstreet, 912 F.Supp. 224, 229 (N.D.Tex.1996) (“To think that a fringed flag adorning the courtroom somehow limits this Court’s jurisdiction is frivolous.”); Vella v. McCammon, 671 F.Supp. 1128, 1129 (S.D.Tex.1987) (rejecting argument that a federal court lacks jurisdiction to impose penalties for civil and criminal contempt because its flag is fringed); Commonwealth v. Appel, 438 Pa.Super. 214, 652 A.2d 341, 343 (1994) (rejecting argument that a fringed flag in a state courtroom conferred on the court admiralty or maritime jurisdiction). In Leverenz v. Torluemlu, 1996 WL 272538, at *1 & n. 3 (N.D.Ill. May 20, 1996), the court noted that the complaint named as defendants a judge, a state attorney general, a doctor, several police officers from different communities, and 600 unnamed John and Jane Does and that “[s]ome idea of what is to come is provided by this legend that Leverenz attaches to his ‘Complaint’ heading: “This case is under the jurisdiction of the American flag of peace of the United States of America. No flags of war will serve this case jurisdiction.” (In National Auto. Dealers & Assocs. Retirement Trust v. Arbeitman, 89 F.3d 496, 502 (8th Cir.1996), a later motion in the Leverenz case was described as “bizarre.”)<<< Click Here To Return Back To Top Flag Myths If the flag touches the ground it must be burned: False. Click here to see a good write up on this old myth Only The American Legion or The Boy Scouts are allowed to retire US flags by burning them: False. Those fine organizations are not the only ones allowed to do so and do not claim to be. They both have fine ceremonies to retire worn flags. Other groups such as The Girl Scouts do too. As well, any private person may do so on his own. The Flag Code only calls for a worn out flag to be "destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." It does not restrict flag retirement by burning to any one group. In fact, it does not restrict the destruction to burning. The gold ball on top of a flagpole contains a razor blade, a match and a bullet: False. I've seen inside lots of gold balls and have never seen anything in there other than New York air. This myth gets told in different variations and is invariably accompanied by an explanation something like this: As the invading hoards are bearing down on his hopeless position, the last man standing can at least have time to get the razor blade, shred the flag, burn the pieces and then do himself in with the bullet. The story never includes the explanation as how he is supposed to get up to the top of the flagpole. Click here for a more detailed essay on this myth. One advisory. The author of that essay does mix up the terms "ball", "truck" and "pulley." The truck is the housing at the flagpole top into which the ball screws. The truck also houses the pulley wheel. The gold fringe on a flag is proof that we are living under martial law: False. Fringe On Flags It is improper to fly the American flag in the rain: False. The Flag Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 6 specifically allows this practice if "an all weather flag is displayed." The code is silent on what an all weather flag is, but the intent sure sounds like it means a flag that is able to stand up to the conditions. Even very light weight flags can do so. They just will not do so as long as the better models. The Texas state flag may be placed in a position of superiority to The US flag because a) This flag protocol was a condition for Texas coming into the union or b) Texas was once a sovereign nation: False. The next time someone tells you this information show him the Texas flag code Texas Flag Code . Of course it is true that Texas was indeed an independent republic having won its independence from Mexico. Before gaining her independence, our Great Lone Star State was a state of Mexico in the way that it is now a state of The United States of America. Click Here To Return Back To Top Pledge of Alegiance:
Demeanor Question: I'm hoping you can help clarify an issue regarding etiquette while saluting the flag. I was recently told that one should not hold anything in his hands while saluting the flag (purse, papers, etc.). I am part of an organization where young children routinely pledge allegiance to the flag. I would like to pass this etiquette on to them, but would prefer to find it in writing. So far I have been unsuccessful in my search. Do you know if that is proper etiquette, and if it is, where I might find it officially stated? Thank you Answer: I apologize for the slight delay in responding to your e mail. I was out of
town. Thanks for being so interested in getting it right.
United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1- The Flag (commonly referred to as the US
Flag Code) does indeed have a subsection titled "§ 4. Pledge of allegiance to
the flag; manner of delivery". For your convenience I quote it to you here in its
very simple entirety: Click Here To Return Back To Top Repairing Flags Question: Hi, I work at an elementary school in a suburb of
Minneapolis, MN. We fly a State flag along with the American flag. One corner of
our state flag has frayed (about 3"x3"). The flag is approximately 5 fett by 8
feet in size. Would it be proper etiquette to cut out the frayed area and rehem
the flag and then continue to use it? The rest of the flag is in very good
condition.. The same concept applies to cleaning a flag. If your flag can take it (not every flag can!!!) it is proper flag etiquette to put it in the washing machine. Ask the store where you bought it. Only outdoor flags of modern outdoor fabric (our Eagle sm nylon or Iron Man sm Polyester) and manufacture should go in the washing machine. CAUTION: Never put an old flag or a worn flag in the washing machine. Fringed flags should also not be put in the washing machine. It is also proper flag etiquette to have flags dry cleaned. Ask your dry cleaner if his process will damage your flag. Or if your outdoor flag is of modern outdoor fabric and manufacture, you can hand wash it in mild soap and cold water. Don't put flags in a dryer. Don't leave them piled up wet or leave them wet in the washing machine. Don't try to clean flags of a delicate fabric yourself. Click Here To Return Back To Top Flag Patch: The following text is quoted verbatim from the FAQ section on The Institute of Heraldry web site. PATCH | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||