U.S. Flag Etiquette
by W.G. Montgomery
As taken from the Ave Maria Magazine May 6. 1944
& The Roman Catholic, Vol XV, NO. 6, 1993
Since there is so much general confusion as to the right use of the American flag, suppose we
consider some of the correct ways in which it should be handled and displayed.
Recently, we heard some college graduates discussing the flag on the wall. Some said it was not
hung correctly, and others said it was, which will show that even our best educated people are not
always sure as to the proper use of our national emblem.
In giving the following correct uses of the flag, we base them upon a code adopted by the national
flag conference, which is the highest authority on flag etiquette in America. The first and simplest rules
have to do with the time and method of displaying the flag.
When flown all day, it must be no longer than between sunrise and sunset. Never hoist it before
sunrise, and never leave it flying after sunset. When used on special occasions, local authorities
should designate the hours. The flag is a sacred emblem and should not be used in a haphazard
manner.
When displayed with other flags, it should occupy the most important position. If hung with another
flag against a wall, the staffs should be crossed with the American flag to the right, and its staff in front.
When carried in a single line of other flags, it should be in front and to the right. If two lines, it should be
in front and at center. When the American flag is placed in a group of others, it should be at the center
and a little higher than the other flags.
A good general rule to remember in displaying the American flag with others is to see that it has the
most important place, and that no other flag is ever placed above or to the right of it.
There is one exception to this general rule. When a good will meeting of two or more nations is being
held, then the flags of the various nations should be the same height and size, but always flown from
separate staffs.
If the flag is flown at half mast, it should first be raised to full height and then slowly lowered to half
mast. By “half mast” it is meant that the flag is lowered to a middle position between top and bottom of
pole. This position is a symbol of mourning or popular grief.
On Memorial Day the flag is flown at half-mast from sunrise until noon, and at full staff from noon
until sunset. This emblem on Memorial Day is quite suggestive. The flag by its position in the forenoon
indicates sorrow and loss, while in the afternoon it shows victory and power.
When taking the flag down from half mast, it is first raised to full height and then slowly lowered.
Never lower it from half mast. Also, note that while it may be raised with all possible speed, proper
handling demands that it be lowered slowly.
Hanging from a staff, it may fly from a window toward the street, with the stars at the head of the
staff, and at the top and left of the observers on the street. When not on a staff, it should be displayed
flat, both indoors and outdoors.
When displayed against a wall, either vertically or horizontally, it should be flat with the stars to the
top and left from the observer. It was this position the college graduates were discussing and could not
agree on.
When suspended over the middle of a street, it should hang vertically, with the stars to the north on
east and west streets, and to the east on north and south streets. And when other flags are used, the
American flag must be hoisted first.
It is not uncommon to see the flag wrongly used on the platform. When used here its proper
position is behind, a little to the right and above the speaker. If other flags are used, let them be to the
left.
It should not be used to cover the speaker's desk, nor drape over the front of the platform. At this
point, let us notice its proper place when used in a church. If it is placed in the main auditorium, let it be
hung from a staff, and to the right of the congregation as they face the minister, priest, or speaker. Any
other flag used should be to the left of the audience.
But when the flag is used inside the sanctuary, it should be to the right.
The flag should never be dropped on the ground. In unveiling statues or monuments, when the flag
is removed, it should be allowed to wave outward and clear of the ground.
When placed on a casket, the union should be at the head, and over the left shoulder. Remove by
folding with a gentle, upward lift.
A fact not generally known is that while our nation is one of the youngest, our flag is the oldest of all
great national flags. Our present flag was adopted June 14,1777; while Britain's goes back to 1801,
Spain's to 1785, and the French to 1794. Of course, they had earlier flags just as we had. But among
all the flags of the world as now designed, ours is the oldest.
We have a code also to be observed in caring for the flag. It ought to be kept looking fresh and
clean because of the sentiments it stands for. It should not be used when soiled, faded or torn. Nor
should it be washed, though it may be dry cleaned. If it cannot be thus cleaned and renewed, then lay it
aside.
How then, may it finally be disposed of? There is only one way. When it may no longer be used, let
it be taken up reverently and burned; for our flag represents the dignity, honor and idealism of the
great American Republic.
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