by Brenda Lee Chew

Created on: June 17, 2009

Properly Display of the American Flag

The American Flag is a symbol of our nation. It stands for pride and hope and history. There are certain rules and guidelines for the proper display of the flag.

First off, the flag should always be lighted, whether by sunlight or artificial lamps. When displaying the nation's flag with other state flags, the American flag should be at the highest peak and always to the right. This means that if you are looking at the flags, the America n flag will be on the farthest left.

When it is appropriate for the flag to be flown at half mast, the flag shall be raised all the way to the top of the pole first, and then lowered to half mast. Only the president and governors of state have the right to command flags to be flown at half mast on government buildings. When the flag is flown at half mast, it is always done so out of reverence to a deceased person, usually one of importance.

When a flag is displayed other than on a flag pole, it is to be flat, with the union (blue with stars) to the flag's right. In other words, the union will be to the extreme top left from an observer's point of view. Anyone can have the American flag draped over their casket, as long as it is done in the proper manner. The union is to be draped over the top and left shoulder. The flag is not to be lowered into the grave, nor is it to touch the ground and be buried.

When the American flag is flown in concordance with other nations, it is to be flown at the same height as the flags of other nations. This is an agreement made so that no nation will be above another nation.

The flag should never be used as clothing or apparel. There is a section that speaks against this explicitly. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It is disrespectful for anyone to attach extra pictures, letters, words, figures, or drawings to the American flag.

The flag should never be displayed with the union down unless it is a case of dire emergency. The only people who have any right to wear the American flag, in the form of a patch, are those in uniform such as police officers, fire fighters, and military personnel. When a flag is deemed no longer fitting for use as display, it is to be destroyed in a respectable manner, such as burning.

Here are a few things that most people do not know about the proper treatment of flags. I for one was always taught that if the flag touched the ground, even by accident, then a person had to burn it. This is not true. Most of the flags that are used for display purposes are washable and should be washed if they become soiled.

Basically, if it seems in any way disrespectful towards the nation and the flag, then it probably is. And you should not do it. Our flag is a symbol of our nation, and should always have a position of respect and honor.

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