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

Air Force Flag Regulations

Army Regulation 840-10 regarding heraldic activities, flags

Canadian Flag Etiquette And Heritage

Flag Glossary

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

Marine Corps Flag Manual

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.

Navy Flag Regulations

Office of the Law Revision Counsel

Sea Flags, Flags, Pennants, Ceremonies and Customs of The American Sea Services

Texas Flag Code

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

West Point Protocol Office

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.

Half Staffing: State Flags

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.
I apologize if you did not get a response. I can't remember if I answered you or not. The Flag Code is silent on this fascinating question and I know of no other source that deals with this question. Army regulations for example do not mention it. And even if they did, those regs or any other military regulations apply to the military only. For private citizens, The Flag Code applies. You might try  NAVA North American Vexillogical Association and see if one of the flag scholars on that site will get back to you. If they do, please share the response with me.

My sense is this: Many flag usage questions are left up to the discretion of the individual. I believe that this is one of them. The Flag Code for example gives us all the option on how to retire, that is to say, dispose of a worn out flag. It need not be burned as most people think. The operative concept that guides is "in a respectful manner." In handling the myriad of real world situations that The Flag Code does not and can not address, I think if "in a respectful manner" is always the guide, then one can not go wrong. Absent any local or state law dealing with it, I would say it is not improper to leave the state flag on the pole and half staff it along with the US flag.

That having been said, well meaning individuals can disagree as to the state flag being left there or not. Some might say it is a more effective statement for our weeping Old Glory to stand alone in solitude. She mourns a national event, after all. On the other hand, one might say that your great state mourns along with the nation. The state flag from that perspective represents the people of your state as they mourn in concert with the American nation. I always try to ask myself, "If The Flag could speak, what would she say."

I think both are proper and The Flag Code leaves it up to the individual user and beholder. If you find it codified somewhere, please let me know. Absent any authoritative code or law, I don't think it can be maintained that either useage is correct or incorrect. Thank you for wanting to get it right.

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September 11

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.

Memorial Day

According to the US Flag Code, flags are half staffed until noon only, at which point they are raised to full staff

Half Staffing: 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.

The other school does not hold to the notion of reserving half staffing for events as announced by government authority such as The President or a governor. In practice, personal half staffings are done every day.

As far as how long a period of time is appropriate for a personal half staffing, there is no answer to be found in published protocol because the very practice itself is not specifically spelled out. As a guideline, The Flag Code creates a pecking order in the event of government half staffings. It calls for a 30 day half staffing for a president or former president, 10 days for the speaker of the house, down to one day for a member of congress. Where a private individual would fit in this protocol is anyone's opinion.

As free people, the entire matter is left up to our own discretion and the dictates of our own consciousness. It is not against any law or code I know for private flags to be half staffed for private events. Nor does any code of which I am aware spell out how to properly do it.

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—
(1) the term “half-staff” means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
(2) the term “executive or military department” means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and
(3) the term “Member of Congress” means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

Half Staffing: Foreign Flags

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:

This from army regulation 840. The full regulation is linked from our etiquette page.

"2–4. Position and manner of display
a. Ceremonies and parades.
(4) In accordance with the provisions of section 178, title 36,
United States Code (36 USC 178), when the President directs that
the flag be flown at half-staff at military facilities, naval vessels, and
stations abroad, it will be so flown whether or not the flag of
another nation is full staff alongside the U.S. flag."

The concept here seems to me that if we as a nation are mourning a specific event, other nations are not necessarily also mourning it.

This information indicates that there is some precedence for displaying the US flag at half staff when other flags are at full staff. Army regulations do not apply to civilian use but they provide a logical guide. In practice, I half staff all other flags at my business or I remove them. Anymore, I have taken to simply removing them because I feel it makes for a more poignant statement. At any rate, the public would never never understand seeing other flags at full staff. Everyone would key in on the well known provision of The Flag Code that says no flag should be flown higher than the US flag. Even if you could hang your hat on an identifiable rule of State Department or Army protocol, you would likely spend your day taking irate phone calls from people who would not believe you anyway.

The Flag Code, the only code meant to guide civilian use, does say no flag is to be flown higher that the US flag. It does not offer an exception for this instance. As a civilian installation, you are not bound by the protocol that would guide military or diplomatic use. According to the army regulation above, the US flag on an army base would be half staffed even if the flag of a foreign country along side of it were 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.

A short summary of the US flag code follows below.

For the full version in legalese click here for the United States Code Title 4- Chapter 1-The Flag

Keep in mind that "The Flag Code" so often cited is a series of recommendations designed for the use of individuals or organizations that may not be required to conform with regulations from departments of the US Government. For example, each military branch has its own code of flag etiquette that may have additional requirements or cover aspects not anticipated the The US Flag Code. The latter code is a guide for civilians who wish to properly honor our beloved flag. It carries no penalties or enforcement procedures.  As such, I have always seen it described not as a law, but as a guide for behavior.

Keep in mind that PUBLIC LAW 94 - 344 states The Flag Code

" is hereby, established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the Government of the United States."

Short summary of the US Flag Code:

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.

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.
The flag code for civilian use is silent on your question. I do not know what the US Navy says about the matter. I see no reference to it in your Navy regulation NTP13 (B). The Army says it is a discretionary matter. The Air Force places the POW flag after all other flags. See my reference below.

As the flags are viewed from the audience, I would put

USA, US Navy, then POW

         US Army Here is what The Institute of Heraldry says about it.. The Institute answers questions regarding flag usage in The US Army: "DISPLAY OF THE POW/MIA FLAG. Display of this flag is covered by Section 902, Title 36 of the United States Code. The POW/MIA flag should be flown beneath the flag of the United States, if displayed on the same pole. The US Code does not address display of the POW/MIA flag with organizational flags. The order of display would therefore be at the discretion of the organization."

               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?

Somehow it seems very cool, very gallant and very self sacrificing to me that currently serving troops give up the position of honor to the cadets. Maybe it is somehow tied to the idea that the troops currently serving don't have anything to prove and will therefore let those coming up behind them have the spotlight. Imagine the symbolism represented by this order of march: First come the cadets who are ,after all, mostly college kids yet to fire a shot in anger. After them come active duty combat troops whose ranks may no longer even be complete. Gosh, think of this protocol. Imagine a ceremony at West Point in 1946. First come the cadets just out of high school , next come the D-Day Normandy veterans. I wonder if the words bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry apply to this protocol. After all, I suppose every society and every organization understands that its youth represents the entire hope for the future. As well, I wonder if this amazing US Army protocol is a display of the behavior we see throughout mankind wherein the strong will protect its young who in their own turn will soon assume the torch.

The sort answer to your question is that I do not know. My personal observation is that I find it very endearing that the Army protocol calls for a very mighty group, active duty troops, to give up the position of honor to cadets. Keep in mind that some of those cadets will never even finish their term to become active duty. I will keep my eye out for a better explanation and let you know. I will see if West Point's head of protocol will respond to this question. Let me know if you find out anything

Flag Precedence: State Flags

Ever wonder if there is an order of precedence among state flags?

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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:

Navy regulation NTP 13 (B) is the Navy's flag code. It tells everyone in The Navy all the rules and regulations regarding flying flags. Here is what it says in part. Bold type emphasis has been added by me.

NTP 13(B)
CHAPTER 8
DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL ENSIGN AT
U.S. NAVAL SHORE ACTIVITIES
801. GENERAL

"(4) Polemast with Crosstree and Gaff - This is commonly called a "yacht club mast". Displayed from the gaff. When displayed with foreign national ensign(s), display U.S. national ensign from outermost halyard on right hand crosstree."

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.

To the theme of flags on nautical masts, look at the great question I received from Arizona: "Please notice in the attached pix of US Coast Guard vessels that, the one that is on display in the National Maritime Museum in Oregon has the USCG flag flying above the United States Flag. And in the picture of the US Coast Guard vessel that is underway, the United States Flag is flying above the USCG flag. Can you please explain this to me. I am building a model of this particular type of Coast Guard vessel and I want to get it right."  B.G. Golden Valley, Arizona
	This is a very cool example. Also, notice they are the same boat Here is my answer: I believe that the boat in the museum is correct because of the reasons stated above. The Gaff is the position of honor and that is where the US flag is displayed here.
Anyone with further documentation on the answer to this interesting question is invited to send in a response for posting.	But I bet you that the guys underway had no choice. Notice there is some equipment mounted on the mast where in the museum the Coast Guard Ensign is mounted. Why take a chance of the ensign fouling up in the equipment and causing a malfunction? I think they did what military guys do: they adapted and moved on. Also, I read some very valuable advice on the Canadian government protocol page. It said that as regards protocol, the most valuable concept is adaptation. Better to change the flag protocol than interrupt whatever that equipment is doing. Rules of etiquette and protocol are guidelines. They do not spell out every last situation that can come up in life.

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Flag Precedence: POW/MIA Flag With State Flags

Position: Flag Placement Flags On Buildings

CARS: How to position flags on cars

Question: 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!

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.

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

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

Pole Ornaments

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?

Funeral Flags

Question: 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.

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.

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Next of Kin

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

Answer: I am sorry for your losses. I am also sorry to tell you, but there is no answer to be found in The US Flag Code. That is the code that is meant to be a guide for civilians. It is silent on who gets the flag from a funeral. There just is no protocol known to me that addresses this exact situation. You might study the Army Regulation 840 found on West Point's Protocol Office web site and linked from our own etiquette page. The relevant section only states that the "The internment flag may be given to the next of kin at the conclusion of the internment." Even that regulation does not specify how it is decided who shall be the next of kin. It also states who even gets to have a flag on the coffin at a military funeral. Pardon my ignorance, but my understanding is that a general discharge is less than an honorable one. The army regulation does not apply to civilians who are free to do as they wish. But maybe their regulation provides some kind of guidance for you. The Army Regulation does say the flag goes to the next of kin. That current next of kin in your own family chain of those who have had the stewardship of this flag has made her decision. However, what you have is a family matter that will require more insight and guidance than I can provide. What would be an injustice to your Dad's record I can hardly say. I wonder what your Dad would say. If you could all divine that which his intent would be, you would have your answer. Your situation calls for an answer that any code or regulation can not have anticipated. I am afraid I do know know that the answer is, or if there even is one. Does any of this information help?

Here is what Army regulations say about the matter of military funerals

>>
i. Lowering and folding.
(1) While the flag of the United States is being lowered from the
staff and folded, no portion of it should be allowed to touch the
ground. The flag should be folded in the triangular shape of a
cocked hat. (See fig 2-10).
(2) For the ceremonies of hoisting and lowering, see FM 22-5.
j. At military funerals.
(1) The internment flag covers the casket at the military funeral
of any of the following:
(a) Members of the active military force.
(b) Members of the Army National Guard.
(c) Members of the Army Reserve.
(d) Honorably discharged veterans.
(e) Retired military personnel.
(2) On a closed casket, the flag will be placed lengthwise, with
the union at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased.
When a full-couch casket is opened, the flag will be removed,
folded to the triangular shape of a cocked hat and placed in the lid
at the head end of the casket and just above the decedent’s left
shoulder. When a half-couch casket is opened, the flag will be
folded on the lower half of the casket in the same relative position
as when displayed full length on a closed casket. The flag will not
be lowered into the grave, and it will not be allowed to touch the
ground. The internment flag may be given to the next of kin at the
conclusion of the internment. (See figs 2-11 and 2-12).

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.<<

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.

Speaking strictly from the point of view of flag etiquette I know of nothing inappropriate about presenting anyone with such a flag. I would be interested to see a reference in The Flag Code that says otherwise. I would also be interested in a reference found in the several flag codes of each of the armed forces that deems such a presentation inappropriate. There is a link to the Army regulation 840 on our etiquette page. Each armed force has its own such document.

However, I can not speak to the other component of your situation regarding the flag being presented during a town meeting or being placed at the absent board member's seat until he returns. Those matters become more of a discussion of politics, personalities, decorum and even parliamentary procedure. Those issues are for wiser minds than mine and are, as they say, "above my pay grade." The Flag Code is silent on these two situations.

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.

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.”)<<<

Flag Myths

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.

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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:

    "The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute."

The Flag Code does not prohibit holding anything in hand. The Flag Code is intended as a model of conduct for civilians who are not governed by other codes. For example, each branch of the armed forces has more detailed regulations that may differ from the above code which intended for civilians.

I would ask the person who gave you that information to also give you its source. A common response is 'that is how we did it in the Army, the Navy, etc." That may be. But if you are in a civilian organization, you are governed by the US Flag Code.
There is one further point. Every state has flag laws. Check with your state's Attorney General.

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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..

Answer: Thanks for asking. Yes, it is entirely proper flag etiquette to repair flags. It is done all the time with US flags. We call it a "cut and re-hem repair." It becomes a judgment call about how short to make the flag and still have it look good. A stitch in time saves nine. Repairing small tatters can prevent them from becoming foot long tears. Nothing in The Flag Code forbids it. In fact, maintaining your flags is a way of showing respect.

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.

Flag Patch: The following text is quoted verbatim from the FAQ section on The Institute of Heraldry web site.

PATCH

WEAR OF THE AMERICAN FLAG PATCH.

- The US Code states "no part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart."

-The US Code does not address the positioning of the flag patch. It is appropriate to wear an American flag patch on the left or right sleeve. When worn on the left sleeve, the union would appear towards the front and the stripes would run horizontally toward the back. When worn on the right sleeve, it is considered proper to reverse the design so that the union is at the observer’s right to suggest that the flag is flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.

- Since the law does not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the orga