Flag Etiquetteand Customs

OBJECTIVES

Following completion of this session you will be able to:

•Understand the development of our Nation’s flag

•Recognize the proper ways to display the flag

•Discuss standards of respect for the flag•Understand the origins of Flag Day• Identify some of the military’s customs

Development of the Flag

The American Flag evolved over the years to what we see today. Following independence, just a few details are known about the actual origin of the Flag:

•Exact designer is unknown•Congressman Francis Hopkinson (NJ) had a

part in the overall design•Betsy Ross of Philadelphia is credited with

making the first American Flag

Milestones of the Flag

Important milestones in the development of the American Flag include:

•14 JUNE 1777 – Flag Act officially passed

•4 APRIL 1888 – 13 stripes and 1 star composed the Flag

•21 AUGUST 1959 – Arrangement of the stars changed with Hawaii’s presence as a new state

Colors of the Flag

The colors we see on the American Flag were strategically selected. The red, white and blue stand for the following:

RED: courage and hardiness

: innocence and purity

BLUE: justice and vigilance

WHITE

Stars and Stripes

Did you know the stars and stripes were each carefully selected for the Flag? In 1777 the House of Representatives noted the following:

“ The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired for time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.”

•The 13 stripes: one for each of the original colonies

•The 50 stars: one for each state

When to Display the Flag

Displaying the American Flag is a sign of patriotism and pride. Additionally, other times to display the Flag include:

• During daylight hours• When the weather is good (no storms)• Designated holidays or special days (Flag Day, 4th

of July, Memorial Day, etc.)• At night (only if illuminated – the Flag should

never fly in the dark)

How to Display the Flag

There are established protocols on displaying the Flag. They include:

• The Union (blue field) should always be at the top, left-hand side (if hanging flat)

• The Union (blue field) should be at the peak (unless at half staff)

• The American Flag should fly above other flags (i.e. state/territory flags, businesses or organizations, etc.)

• When displayed with flags of other nations, all should be flow at the same height

• The American Flag should be the first raised and last lowered each day

Origins of Flag Day

The establishment of Flag Day (14 JUNE) came about over many years. The following timeline notes significant developments:

• 1885: BJ Cigrand (known as the Father of Flag Day)

• 1893: COL J. Grandville Leach (gave Flag Day its official name)

• 1893: First Flag Day celebration held in Philadelphia, PA

• 1916: Official Flag Day proclamation signed• 1949: June 14th officially designated as Flag Day

Standards of Respect

While displaying the Flag is great, there are some things to remember to ensure you are showing the most respect:

•The Flag should never be dipped•The Flag should never be used as drapery•The Flag should never be used for advertising•The Flag should never be used as a costume•You should never draw or write on the Flag•You should never use the Flag to wrap things up•The Flag should never touch the ground

Retiring Worn Flags

Over time individual Flags can become worn and faded. Worn flags should be replaced. When a Flag is no longer in great condition, the following can happen:

•A retirement ceremony will take place (typically for flags flown over significant buildings)

• Flags may be burned in a dignified manner•American Legion Posts or Scout Troops will

conduct ceremonies•Ceremonies will be held on Flag Day

Flag Folding Ceremonies

Did you know there are actually Flag Folding Ceremonies? These are done to show significant honor and respect for the American Flag.

•Often conducted by Honor Guard of Flag Detail•Can include both patriotic and religious principles•Always conducted formally and ceremoniously•Designated as a special way to honor the Flag•Each fold of the Flag holds special meaning

Common Military Customs

• Service Members addressed by rank or by “Sir” or “Ma’am” – shows respect

•During ceremonies flags for Generals displayed designating service component and rank as a General

•Hats should always be removed when entering a building, at patriotic ceremonies or when the Flag passes by during an event

•During the National Anthem, right hand should be placed over your heart

Why is the Flag patch ‘backwards’ on Military Uniforms?

Have you ever seen a uniform and wondered why the Flag appears to be backwards? Here’s the reason this is done:

•Army Regulation 670-1 outlines this practice

•Done to give the effect the Flag is flying in a breeze when worn on the right sleeve

OBJECTIVES

Following completion of this session you will be able to:

•Understand the development of our Nation’s flag

•Recognize the proper ways to display the flag

•Discuss standards of respect for the flag•Understand the origins of Flag Day• Identify some of the military’s customs

Pledge of Allegiance

Before we wrap up this course, let’s finish with the Pledge of Allegiance…

“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.”

QUESTIONS

What questions are there at this time?