Enjoying Our American Flag
Submitted: 12-28-08
By Reporter Joseph Toth
Washington Micro Bank BBS
Many people fly the American flag, but many of these people don’t know the rules in doing so. Yes there are rules. Here are some of the rules, but not all of them.
First of all it should never be carried ‘flat’, either vertically or horizontally. It should only be carried when it is folded or on a portable flag staff. When carrying it on a staff, it must be allowed to move freely in the wind.
Never ever allow the American flag to touch the ground or any object beneath it. Also, any American flag being flown at night must have a light on it. No light, … take the flag down everyday. You must also take the American flag down in bad weather. These are rules, and common sense.
In parade activities where numerous types of flags are in one group, the American flag should take the position of front and center. Also, when the American flag passes in a parade, you should put your right hand over your heart. People in uniform should give a strong military salute to the flag as it passes. When in groups of other flags, the American flag must be of the largest size in that group and may not be allowed to be shadowed by other flags. The American flag can be attached to a staff on a slow moving vehicle, but must be taken down before the vehicle resumes any highway speeds after the parade. The American flag should never be draped over any vehicle, float or other objects. The only exception to this is when it covers a casket in funeral activity.
Worn and damaged American flags must be retired and not flown anymore. This includes American flags faded badly by the sun as well as being ripped or torn by the wind. The proper way to retire a American flag is to fold it properly and turn it over to your area post or scout troop so it can be retired in ceremony, possibly along with other flags that have been turned in.
Never fly the American flag upside down. Never fly a desecrated, burned, vandalized or otherwise damaged American Flag.
Flying the American flag at half mast involves additional knowledge because of the procedures in doing so. The President of the United States can instruct the American Nation to fly American flags at half staff. Flying the American flag at half staff (or half mast) is a symbol of mourning or grief. A good example of this is when America put all its flags at half staff after the attacks on September 11, 2001. However, to do this properly, the flag must be hoisted to full height and then lowered to the half staff position.
American flags from the history of the American nation (earlier versions of the American flag) are still available for purchase. Keep in mind these are American flags and must be treated with the same respect as the current American flag. This includes the Betsy Ross flag or any other American flags from America’s history. In their time, once they became a American flag, they never stopped being a American flag. They’re simply not the current version, and they should be respected no less than the current version.
People who fly the American flag occasionally rather than everyday, may be pleased to know that you can acceptably fly the American flag on any major holiday as well as holidays of political and historical background. You may also fly the flag on the birthdays of Presidents and States, … and you may fly your American flag on election days.
