STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - When trying to show patriotism this
Memorial Day, don't disrespect the American flag by making a common
mistake.
In 1942, Congress passed a resolution that has come to be known as the U.S. Flag Code, which details advisory rules for the proper display of the Stars and Stripes and the ways we should behave when in its presence.
So, here's a short primer on the etiquette all U.S. citizens should know when it comes to Old Glory. They're not suggestions -- it's the law, though penalties for breaking it are not enforced.
ON THE WALL
When hanging the flag vertically on a wall, window or door, the Union (blue section) should always be on the observer's left, as it is when displayed horizontally.
ON YOUR HOUSE
When on a flagpole coming from a house, the union of the flag should be higher than all other parts of the flag and placed at the highest point of the flagpole.
ON A FLAGPOLE
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, unless it is an all-weather flag.
If displayed at night, a flag must have a light illuminating it.
NO DRAPING
The flag should not be displayed on a float except from a staff, nor draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle.
DOESN'T TOUCH THE GROUND
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
IT'S NOT A COSTUME
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose, nor embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs, printed on paper napkins or boxes, nor used as any portion of a costume.
DON'T DISPLAY WORN OUT FLAGS
When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem, it should be destroyed in a dignified and ceremonious fashion, preferably by burning.
NOTHING FLIES HIGHER
When flown with other flags, the flags of other nations are flown at the same height, while flags of states and other institutions are flown lower.
In 1942, Congress passed a resolution that has come to be known as the U.S. Flag Code, which details advisory rules for the proper display of the Stars and Stripes and the ways we should behave when in its presence.
So, here's a short primer on the etiquette all U.S. citizens should know when it comes to Old Glory. They're not suggestions -- it's the law, though penalties for breaking it are not enforced.
ON THE WALL
When hanging the flag vertically on a wall, window or door, the Union (blue section) should always be on the observer's left, as it is when displayed horizontally.
ON YOUR HOUSE
When on a flagpole coming from a house, the union of the flag should be higher than all other parts of the flag and placed at the highest point of the flagpole.
ON A FLAGPOLE
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, unless it is an all-weather flag.
If displayed at night, a flag must have a light illuminating it.
NO DRAPING
The flag should not be displayed on a float except from a staff, nor draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle.
DOESN'T TOUCH THE GROUND
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
IT'S NOT A COSTUME
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose, nor embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs, printed on paper napkins or boxes, nor used as any portion of a costume.
DON'T DISPLAY WORN OUT FLAGS
When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem, it should be destroyed in a dignified and ceremonious fashion, preferably by burning.
NOTHING FLIES HIGHER
When flown with other flags, the flags of other nations are flown at the same height, while flags of states and other institutions are flown lower.
Comments
Post a Comment