Proper flag etiquette

To the editor:

The following article is one that has been displayed at the "Knights of Columbus" Hall since the Persian Gulf War. It was recently suggested to have the article reprinted in The Gazette prior to Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4, and Veterans Day.

PROPER ETIQUETTE

FOR DISPLAYING FLAG

The rule for proper display and use of the United States flag, was established by generally accepted custom and by Public Law 94-344 approved by Congress and signed by the President of the United States.

Rules covered by the code are indicated (parenthetically) by reference to the corresponding code section and paragraph. Example (Sec. 2, a).

* It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs 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.

* The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

* The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.

* The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution.

* When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window sill, balcony or building front, the union of the flag should always be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When suspended over a sidewalk from a rope between a building and a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out from the building, union first. When displayed over the middle of the street, the flag should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street, or to the east in a north and south street.

* When carried in a parade front with other flags, the U.S. flag should always be to the marching right of the other flags or to the front and center of the flag line. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

* During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention, with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

* During the rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.

* The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress, with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

* When a number of flags of states or cities, or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs with the U.S. flag, the latter should be at the center and highest point of the group.

* Do not let the flag of the United States touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, water or merchandise.

* When 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, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

* When bunting is displayed vertically, the blue will be to the observer's left, white in the center and red on the right.

* The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used or stored in such manner as will permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged.

Vince Famulare

Bellevue Knights

of Columbus