(Chelsea Update would like to thank Legion Post Commander Keith Burba for the information in this story.)
With Memorial Day fast approaching, the American Legion Herbert J. McKune Post 31 in Chelsea often receives questions regarding flag etiquette.
Flag etiquette is outlined by Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1. The brief article below addresses commonly asked questions to clarify concerns and remove some of the confusion regarding how and what honors are given to the flag. More information regarding the flag not covered in this article is available in it’s entirety here: https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title4/chapter1&edition=prelim
What is the significance of displaying the flag at half-staff?
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. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. Only the president or a state governor may order the flag to be displayed at half-staff.
When the flag is not flown from a staff, how should it be displayed?
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, and 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). The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag in a parade
During a ceremony when the flag is hoisted or lowered the flag, or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, those present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
Citizens of other countries should stand at attention.
All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered as the flag passes.
Can the U.S. flag be displayed in inclement weather?
If a flag is an all-weather (nylon or other non-absorbent material) flag it is permissible to display the flag during inclement weather. Flags not of an “all- weather” material should not be displayed during inclement weather.
Is it proper to fly the U.S. flag at night?
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 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. A light specifically placed to illuminate the flag or having a light source sufficient to illuminate the flag so it is recognizable as such by the casual observer is appropriate.
Herbert J. McKune Post 31 accepts flags for retirement and they may be reached at [email protected]
