JULY NEWSLETTER
You’re a Grand Old Flag
Happy 4th of July! One of the things I enjoy most about Independence Day is the abundance of Patriotic decorations all over town. It is one of the days of the year when nearly everyone has a U.S. flag on display. Did you know that the Federal Flag Code contains rules for handling and displaying the flag? There are no penalties at the Federal level, but states can invoke their own codes and impose penalties. The flag is considered a living symbol of the freedom and liberty of the American people.
Each part of the flag has special significance. The 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the original 13 colonies. The 50 white stars on a blue field represent the 50 states and is referred to as the “union” of the flag. Even the colors have significance. Red represents valor & bravery. White represents purity & innocence. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance & justice.
In general, the flag should be displayed only from sunrise to sunset unless it can be illuminated. Only all-weather flags should be displayed during inclement weather. Any worn out flags should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.
Do you know the rules for displaying your flag? There are rules for every location, situation, and combination of flags and flag displays and they can all be found in the Federal Flag Code. Most homeowners or renters will have an upright flagpole or one projecting from the house. In both cases, the union should always be placed at the peak of the pole (unless flying at half-staff). No other flags should fly above it (except during Naval church services held at sea – not a common occurrence for most homeowners so you probably won’t run into that situation – HA!).
So, when should the flag be flown at half-staff? Generally, a proclamation by the President or Governor determines when and for how long to fly the flag at half-staff. There are some occasions with set durations such as 30 days after the death of a president or former president whereas the death of other officials or tragic events call for various durations at half-staff. One annual event, Memorial Day, should always be marked with the flag flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to the top of the staff until sunset to honor the nation’s battle heroes. In any case, whenever the flag is to be flown at half-staff, it should be briefly run up to the top of the staff before being lowered slowly to the half-staff position.
Did you know there are many things you should NOT do with the flag? Out of respect for the flag, you should never:
· Dip it for any person or thing to signify honor
· Display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress
· Let it touch anything beneath it
· Carry it horizontally
· Place anything such as letters, designs, or insignias on it
· Use it to hold anything
· Use it as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery except as a patch
on a uniform
· Use it for advertising or promotional purposes
· Print it on boxes, napkins, or anything else intended to be
discarded
· Drape it or draw it back in folds – use red, white, & blue bunting
instead hung with the blue on top
I guess it’s a good thing there aren’t any penalties for these infractions because I see some of them every day. I don’t know if they teach this stuff in schools any more or not. As a Cub Scout leader, I know we certainly covered these basics and many more including the painstaking process of cutting apart a flag and burning it as part of a respectful retirement ceremony. Talk about an emotional ceremony! Pass the tissues…
Regardless of whether you display Old Glory or not, I hope you have a safe and fun 4th of July!
Until next time – remember these lyrics:
You’re a grand old flag
You’re a high-flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave
You’re the emblem of
The land I love
The home of the free and the brave
Every heart beats true
‘Neath the red, white and blue
Where there’s never a boast or brag
Should old acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the grand old flag
- Sue
