A: There are no provisions in the Flag Code to suggest otherwise. It would be
a fitting tribute to the memory of the deceased veteran and their service to a
grateful nation if their casket flag were displayed.
A: The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement,
except when an all weather (nylon or other non-absorbent material) flag is
displayed. However, most all flags are made of all weather materials. (Ref
Flag Code 6(c))
A: This gesture is a sign to indicate the nation mourns the death of an
individual(s), such as death of the President or former President, Vice
President, Supreme Court Justice, member of Congress, Secretary of an
executive or military department, etc. Only the President of the United States
or the Governor of the State may order the flag to be half-staffed. The honor
and reverence accorded this solemn act is quickly becoming eroded by those
individuals and agencies that display the flag at half-staff on inappropriate
occasions without proper authority to do so. (ref: Flag Code 7(m))
A: It should be displayed vertically, whether indoors or out, and suspended so
that its folds fall free as though the flag were staffed. The stripes may be
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 of a home or a place of business, the flag should
be displayed in the same way; that is, with the union or blue field to the
left of the observer in the street. (Ref Flag Code 7(i))
A: The Flag Code suggests that, "when a flag has served its useful purpose, it
should be destroyed, preferably by burning." For individual citizens, this
should be done discreetly so the act of destruction is not perceived as a
protest or desecration. Many American Legion Posts conduct Disposal of
Unserviceable Flag Ceremonies on June 14, Flag Day. This ceremony creates a
particularly dignified and solemn occasion for the retirement of unserviceable
flags. (ref: Flag Code 8(k))
A: Flag Code section 176b states that the flag should not touch anything
beneath it such as the ground. This is stated to indicate that care should be
exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or
damaged. You ARE NOT required to destroy the flag when this happens. As long
as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or dry-cleaning
(which is acceptable practice) is required, you may continue to display the
flag as a symbol of our great country. (ref: Flag Code 8(b))
A: The Flag Code does not require any specific method, however, there is a
tradition that has developed over time. This method produces a triangular
shaped form like that of a three corner hat with only the blue union showing.
There is a diagram available on Folding the Flag that lists the steps
involved.
A: Records indicate that fringe was first used on the flag as early as 1835.
It was not until 1895 it was officially added to the National flag for all
regiments of the Army. For civilian use, fringe is not required as an integral
part of the flag, nor can its use be said to constitute an unauthorized
addition to the design prescribed by statute. It is considered that fringe is
used as an honorable enrichment only.
A: The "right" as the position of honor developed from the time when the
"right hand" was the "weapon hand" or "point of danger." The right hand,
raised without a weapon, was a sign of peace. The right hand, to any observer,
is the observer's left. Therefore, as used in the Flag Code, the flag and/or
blue field is displayed to the left of the observer, which is the flag's "own
right." (ref: Flag Code 7(d),(i)
A: The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only
from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open.
However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed
twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
(ref: Flag Code 6(a)) The American Legion interprets "proper illumination" as
a light specifically placed to illuminate the flag (preferred) or having a
light source sufficient to illuminate the flag so it is recognizable as such
by the casual observer.
13: What should be the position of the flag when displayed from a staff in
a church, public auditorium or other public meeting place, whether indoors or
outdoors, on platform, or on the floor at ground level?
A: 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, public auditorium or meeting place, the flag 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. Prior to
the Flag Code changes in 1976, the display procedure was somewhat different.
Now the staffed flag should always be placed to the right of the speaker
(observer's left) without regard to a platform or floor level. (ref: Flag Code
7 (k))
A: There are currently no penalties for the physical desecration of the flag.
The American Legion and other members of the Citizens Flag Alliance continue
working towards securing a Constitutional amendment to protect the flag from
physical desecration.
