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FLAG Etiquette

Cessation of war has not meant the furling of flags. Instead they are in constant evidence, and the proper manner of their display constantly arises, especially on parade days.

While there is no Federal law pertaining to the manner of displaying the flag, there are many regulations and usages of national force bearing on the subject, says a bulletin from the National Geographic Society. The bulletin quotes from a communication to The Society setting forth "Flag Etiquette" as follows:

"In raising the flag it should never be rolled up and hoisted to the top of the staff before unfurling. Instead, the fly should be free during the act of hoisting, which should be done quickly. It should be taken in slowly and with dignity. It should not be allowed to touch the ground on shore, or the deck of a ship, nor should it be permitted to trail in the water or in the dust. It should not be hung where it can be contaminated or soiled easily, or draped over chairs or benches for seating purposes, and no object or emblem of any kind should be place upon it or above it."

"A common but regrettable practice at public meetings is to drape the flag like a tablecloth over the speakers table and then to place on the flag a pitcher of ice water, flowers, books, etc. Another equally careless practice, and, unfortunately, quite common, is to tie small United States flags to the bottom of a stage curtain. When the curtain is raided the flags are lifted aloft and are effectively displayed, but when the curtain is lowered, so that the stage scenes may be shifted, the flags trail in the dust of the stage floor."

"The flag should not be festooned over doorways or arches. Always let the flag hang straight. Do not tie it in a bow knot. Where colors are desired for decorative purposes, use red, white and blue bunting."

"International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of any other with which it is at peace. Such an act is considered an insult in times of peace. When the flags of two or more nations are displayed, they should be on separate staff, or on separate halyards of equal size and on the same level."

"When the national colors are passing on parade, or in review, the spectator should, if walking, halt, and if sitting, arise and stand at attention and uncover."

"When flags are used in unveiling a statue or monument, they should not be allowed to fall to the ground, but should be carried aloft to wave out, forming a distinctive feature during the remainder of the ceremony."

"Where the national flag is displayed with State or other flags, it should be given the place of honor on the right. Its use should be confined as much as possible to its display upon the staff. Where used as a banner, the union should fly to the north in streets running east and west, and to the east in streets running north and south."

"Old, faded, or worn-out flags should not be used for banners or other secondary purposes."

"When no longer fit for display, the flag should be destroyed privately, preferably by burning or other methods lacking the suggestion of irreverence or disrespect."

"Over only three buildings in America does the national flag fly officially night and day continuously-over the east and west fronts of the National Capitol and over the adjacent House of Representatives and Senate Office Buildings. The two emblems over the Capitol (storm-flag size), are replaced every six weeks, the wear and tear, due to wind and rain, being excessive."

"When the Stars and Stripes float from the flagstaff of the White House, from sunrise to sunset, it is indicative of the presence in Washington of the President."