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American Legion - Thoman Boothe Post 338 - Overland, Missouri

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Flag Etiquette

When to Display your Flag

The flag should be displayed, from sunrise to sunset, on all days when the weather permits, especially on:

New Year's Day, January 1.
Inauguration Day, January 20th.
Martin Luther King's Birthday, Third Monday in January.
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12th.
Washington's Birthday, February 22nd.
Easter Sunday.
Mother's Day, Second Sunday in May.
Armed Forces Day, Third Saturday in May.
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Last Monday in May.
Flag Day, June 14th.
Independence Day, July 4th.
Labor Day, First Monday in September.
Constitution Day, September 17th.
Columbus Day, October 12th.
Navy Day, October 27th.
Veterans Day, November 11th.
Thanksgiving Day, Fourth Thursday in November.
Christmas Day, December 25th.
Election Days (various)- check your local Board of Elections website.
Federally observed dates of the above holidays which may be different from the actual dates.
Such days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.
State and Local Holidays.
 

When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the American flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street. No other flag or pennant should be placed above, or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea...for personnel of the Navy...when the church pennant may be flown above the flag.
 

No person shall display the flag of the United Nations of any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory of possession thereof; provided, that nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a positions of equal prominence of honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.

Displaying a US Flag with a State Flag

 

When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak with six inches between each flag.

Displaying a US Flag with a State or Company Flag

 

When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the American flag should be jousted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's left.

 

The American flag, when displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right (the flag's own right) and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

Displaying a US Flag with Mulitple Flags

 

The American flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.

Displaying a US Flag with International Country Flags

 

When flags of two of more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

Displaying a US Flag around a Speaker's Platform

 

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. This will make the flag on the right of the audience.

Displaying a US Flag at Half-Staff

 

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  American 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 the State, territory or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory.

In the event of the death of other officials of foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to presidential instructions of orders, or in accordance with recognized customs 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 thirty days from the death of the President or a former President; ten days from the 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 internment 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.

Flags flown on poles affixed to a home or building are not to be flown at half staff but a memorial streamer may be affixed to the top of the flagpole.

Displaying a US Flag during Maritime

 

For the most part, the provisions of the Flag Code are manifest in the traditions and customs for the display of the U.S. Ensign (flag) by seamen. The following provisions are made for the display of the flag on a mast located on yacht club grounds. (Chapman Piloting: Seamanship and Small Boat Handling, American Book-Stratford Press, Inc., New York, NY)

1. Single Mast (no Yard or Gaff)
• U.S. Ensign
(flag) is flown at the truck (#1).
• All other flags are
pennants flown below U.S. Ensign.

2. Mast with
Yard:

• U.S. Ensign (flag) is flown at the truck
(#1).
• Club burgee (flag) is flown at the starboard (right)
yard arm (#3).

3. Mast with a Yard and
Gaff:

• U.S. Ensign (flag) is flown at the gaff
(#2).
• Club burgee (flag) is flown at the truck
(#1).
• Flags at #3 and #4
vary depending on the activity at the club.

It is display
#3 which causes the most confusion. This puts the club burgee in a higher position physically, but not above that of the U.S. Ensign (flag) symbolically. By the normal Flag Code provisions, this would seem to be an incorrect display. The tradition of the seas, however, is to hold the gaff as the position of honor; thus, the intent of this tradition and display is to give proper respect to the flag.

Where a yard is involved, rules provide that when a foreign ensign is displayed, the U.S. Ensign (flag) is flown at #3; the foreign ensign at #4; the club burgee at #1; and other flags at #2.

The gaff extends aft (to the rear), and a mast on yacht club grounds is faced seaward. Therefore the gaff will (or should) be directed toward the land. The observation point then becomes a point somewhere
on the sea side of the mast. This then makes the placement of the U.S. Ensign
(flag) in regard to the foreign ensign conform to Flag Code provisions.

Displaying a US Flag on a Vehicle

 

When the US flag is flown alone, it needs be at the center on the back of the motorcycle, or to its "marching right." The "marching right" is on the right side of the motorcycle to the rider's perspective when facing forward. If the US Flag is on your bike with another, it should be to its "marching right." All flags flown with the US Flag are the same size and at the same height of the US Flag. While the US Flag is on your bike with several other flags the US flag is placed at the center and highest. Other flags should be arranged in alphabetical order and in decreasing importance - Nations first, states (in order of admittance) and territories second, military third (in order of establishment), and then any others.

The orientation of the flag on vehicle decals should be treated the same as arm
patches. The National Flag Foundation suggests "The decals or paintings on a
vehicle would also be placed so that the union on the driver's side of the vehicle would be to the viewer's left while the union on the passenger side of the vehicle would be to the viewer's right." Read more about the National Flag Foundation by visiting their Web site at www.AmericanFlags.org.

Displaying a US Flag: Other

 

"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."

 

How to fold the American Flag for Ceremonies (Funerals) 

  1. Bring the striped half up over the blue field to the center of the upper stripe.
  2. Then fold it in half again to the same point.
  3. Bring the lower striped corner to the newly-formed upper edge forming a triangle.
  4. Then fold the upper point in to form another triangle. Continue until the entire length of the flag is folded.
  5. When you get near the end - nothing but the blue field showing - tuck the last bit into the other folds to secure it. 

Why the American Flag is Folded 13 Times

Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Each fold of the U.S. flag has an important meaning. You can find this information on the National Flag Foundation website:  https://nationalflagfoundation.org/the-meaning-behind-the-13-folds-of-the-united-states-flag/

  1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
     
  2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
     
  3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
     
  4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
     
  5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
     
  6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we 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.
     
  7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
     
  8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
     
  9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
     
  10. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
     
  11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
     
  12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
     
  13. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust". After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones. Those who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.


U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8(j)

The National Flag Foundation suggests "...we recommend that the flag patch on the
left sleeve of a uniform should have the union to the viewer's left while a patch on the right sleeve should be displayed with the union to the viewer's right so that, in both cases, the flag is facing forward and is streaming to the back as the person moves forward." Read more about the National Flag Foundation by visiting their Web site at www.AmericanFlags.org.