How to Honor and Display the American Flag*
The Flag of the United States of America
Nothing evokes such strong emotion as seeing the flag, either a ceremony
honoring a great event or draped over a coffin as a sign of mourning for a
hero or loved one.
Its unfurled banner, which symbolizes the love and pride that we have as a
nation, is a poignant reminder of America's greatness and our fortune to
live in a country which values freedom above all else. It signifies the commitment
made by our fallen comrades who battled bravely to defend the honor of this sacred
emblem -- our American unity, our power, and our purpose as a nation. And it
exemplifies the devotion of our leaders who continue to uphold its promise of
liberty, justice, and freedom for all.
Our nation reveres the flag, not out of a sense of unquestioning worship but out
of a deep sense of our national heritage. Strengthened by our noble deeds,
splendid accomplishments, and untold sacrifices, the flag reflects America's
pledge to uphold democracy and work for peace throughout the world. It is
America's strength in honor, as dignified in the stars and stripes of the flag,
which helps to establish the moral character of our national foundation.
The flag, endearingly referred to as "Old Glory," represents all people of America. We,
the people, are America. It is little wonder that the people of America are moved when
saluting the flag as it passes by, reminding us that we are a part of this
great land. We are "one nation under God."
With Liberty and Justice for All
Even before the American Revolution, flags bearing the familiar red and white stripes, which
symbolizes the unity of the original 13 colonies of America, began to appear. These stripes
were later combined with the British Union Jack to produce the Continental flag that flew over
George Washington's headquarters during the siege of Boston.
Almost a year passed after the Declaration of Independence was signed before a new flag was adopted
by Congress. But variations in the flag were persistent, and changes continued during much of the
19th century. The Flag Act of 1818 fixed the number of horizontal stripes at 13, and gave the
President the authority to determine the star arrangement. The now-familiar stars and stripes were
not carried into battle by the United States Army until the Mexican War.
Finally, in 1912, an executive order was established which defined the design of the flag,
including the star arrangement. Later, when Alaska and Hawaii entered the Union, stars representing
those states were added to the flag, adapting the traditional horizontal arrangement.
American involvement in the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II stimulated patriotic
sentiments and interest in the flag. In 1942, Congress established rules and customs concerning the
flag and the Pledge of Allegiance.
The years since World War II have seen the refinement of various laws and regulations concerning
the flag. Today, it has become an accepted part of the decoration of most public buildings and a
symbol regarded as appropriate to almost any setting where citizens gather.
Pledge to the Flag
"I 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."
After first appearing in a copy of the Youth's Companion in 1892, as a celebration of the 400th anniversary
of the discovery of America, the pledge to the flag received the official recognition of Congress on June 22, 1942.
The phrase, "under God," was added to the pledge by Congress on June 14, 1954, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower,
who said that "in this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and
future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our
country's most powerful resource in peace and war."
When rendering the pledge of allegiance, persons should stand at attention, face the flag, and, if in uniform,
salute, or otherwise place the right hand over the heart. Persons wearing the caps of veterans' service
organizations, such as the Disabled American Veterans, are expected to salute. Others, such as Boy or Girl Scouts in
uniform, should render respect to the flag in accordance with the traditions of the organization whose uniform they are wearing.
Our National Anthem
The "Star Spangled Banner" has been designated as the national anthem of the United States of America. During the playing
of the anthem when the flag is displayed, persons not in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with their right
hand over their heart. Those in uniform should begin saluting the flag at the first note of the music, and
hold the salute until the last note of the anthem is played.
Again, this applies to those wearing veterans' organizations caps or the uniforms of other patriotic organizations.
Displaying the Flag
When displaying the flag, it is important to remember certain guidelines of
proper flag etiquette. They are:
Respect for the Flag
The Flag Code, a national guideline on ways in which the flag is to be respected, states
that no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America. Specific ways in
which the flag should not be used, according to the code, are:
When lowering the flag, make certain that no part of it touches the ground. It should be received
by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag, ceremoniously fold it length wise in half, then repeat
with the blue field on the outside. Finally, while one person holds it by the blue field,
another then makes a triangular fold in the opposite end, continuing to fold it in triangles
until only the blue field shows.
When a flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should
be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.
Flying Our Flag
It is proper to display the flag from sunrise to sunset on all days the weather permits. The flag
may also be displayed at night if illuminated by a light. But it is even more important to
display the flag on national holidays and days of importance, including:
Other days the flag may be flown at half mast may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.
When on display or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be
positioned to its own right. Also, it should be placed to the right of the
speaker or staging area, while other flags are placed to the left.
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally from a window sill,
balcony, or building, the stars of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff
unless the flag is at half staff.
The flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when
a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.
When the flag is displayed either vertically or horizontally against a wall, the
stars should be placed at the top of the flag's right and the observer's left.
When the flag is unfurled for display across a street, it should be hung vertically, with
the stars to the north or east.
When the flag is flown with flags of other nations they are to be displayed from
separate staffs of the same height, and each should be of equal size. International law forbids
the display of the flag of one nation to be flown above that of another nation during time of peace.
During a time of national mourning, the flag can be flown at half mast by order or
proclamation of the President of the United States. When flown at half mast, the flag should be
hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half staff position. The flag should be
raised to the peak before it is lowered at the end of the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be
displayed at half mast until noon, then raised to the top of the staff and flown until sunset. Local
customs regarding the lowering of company, city, or other flags to half mast are directed by the
executive officers of those service areas.
When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be placed with the stars at the head
and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or be allowed to
touch the ground.
New Year's Day Inauguration Day M. L. King, Jr's Birthday Lincoln's Birthday Washington's Birthday Easter Sunday
Mother's Day Armed Forces Day Memorial Day
Flag Day Father's Day Independence Day
Labor Day Constitution Day Columbus Day
Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day
Election Days State Birthday State and Local Holidays
* The information in this page is taken from the DAV brochure
"How to honor and display the American Flag." The brochure is available from DAV Headquarters, DAV Departments and Chapters, and from DAV
offices around the country.
Copyright
2000-2007, DAV Department of Virginia