What So Proudly We Wave

By Jane Marie

click on the photo of Martha Bear® to enlarge it

How wonderful it is to see so many American flags flying. But there is something I often observe, something I learned as a Girl Scout, something that needs to be corrected - the American flag should not be left out in the rain. That led me to do a little research to find just what is proper and improper when it comes to giving our red, white, and blue flag the respect it deserves.

We should think of the flag as a living thing since it represents a living country. That is why we wear lapel flag pins on our left side over our beating hearts.

When saying The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, everyone stands and faces the flag with their right hand covering their heart. Men should remove their hats and hold them over their hearts.

DISPLAY

The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset. It may also be displayed 24 hours a day if it is properly illuminated at night.

If displayed on a vertical pole, the flag should hang with the union (blue with white stars) at the top. If displayed from a window or on a wall, the flag is to hang horizontally with the union to the upper left for viewers (outside viewers through the window).

The flag should be displayed in or near every school when class is in session and displayed at every public institution.

The flag should be displayed at all polling places during voting times.

The flag should be raised quickly and lowered grandly with pride.

When carried in a parade or procession, the flag should be on the flag’s own right. If there is a line of flags, the American flag should be in front in the center of that line.

No other flag should ever be placed above the American flag or on the same level to the right except during church services at sea. The exception is the flag of the United Nations. If the US flag is part of a display of flags from several counties, all flags should be the same size and height.

When displayed on a motor vehicle, the flag may be affixed to the chassis, fender, or antenna, all on the driver’s right.

The flag must never touch the ground or merchandise or landscape below it.

Do not display the flag in the rain unless it’s been specifically designed for use as an all weather flag.

The flag should not be left to hang over the hood or sides or back of a vehicle or train or boat.

Do not display a flag that is stained or needs repairs. Wash it and/or repair it.

Do not display the flag with the union upside down, unless you are in real distress.

MORE RULES

A tasteful pin may be worn over the heart on the left side or a flag patch may be worn on a uniform.

To store the flag or put it to rest at night, it should be folded twice lengthwise then folded into triangles.

When the flag is tattered and in poor condition, the best and most fitting way to destroy it is by burning.

Do not dip the flag to any other person or thing.

Do not use the flag as a tablecloth or bunting.

I once heard a woman call into a radio station saying she would fly the flag every day for the rest of her life. What a wonderful idea for us all!

Resource: United States House of Representatives and the United States Printing Office