David W. Wyble Sr. is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 3, of the U.S. Marine Corps and past Department of Nevada Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter in Carson City. He has been a member of the chapter 12 years.
On which holidays should the American Flag be displayed?
It is proper to display the flag from sunrise to sunset on all days the weather permits. The flag may also be displayed at night, if illuminated by a light. But it is even more important to display the flag on national holidays and days of importance, including New Year's Day, Inauguration Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, Lincoln's birthday, Washington's birthday, Easter Sunday, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day (half staff until noon), Flag Day, Father's Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Constitution Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, election days, state and local holidays, and the state's birthday.
What are the appropriate methods of displaying a flag?
When displaying the flag, it is important to remember certain guidelines of proper flag etiquette. They are:
When on display or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. Also, it should be placed to the right of a speaker or staging area, while other flags are placed to the left.
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally from a window sill, balcony or building, the stars of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff, unless the flag is at half-staff.
The flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities or societies are grouped for display.
When the flag is displayed either vertically or horizontally against a wall, the stars should be placed at the top of the flag's right and the observer's left.
When the flag is unfurled for display across a street, it should be hung vertically, with the stars to the north or east.
When the flag is flown with flags of other nations, they are to be displayed from separate staffs of the same height, and each should be of equal size. International law forbids the display of the flag of one nation to be flown above that of another nation during time of peace.
When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be placed with the stars at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or be allowed to touch the ground.
When a color guard is marching in a parade, what should people along the parade route do?
As the flag approaches, individuals should cease talking, placing their right hand over their heart in respect until the flag passes them. Persons wearing uniforms such as police, fireman, veterans organizations, Boy and Girl scouts, etc. should stand up and salute. Others, not in uniform, should stand, remove any hat, and place their right hand over their heart.
When flown alongside a state flag, how should the two be displayed?
When on display or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. Also, it should be placed to the right of a speaker or staging area, while other flags are placed to the left.
When is a flag flown at half-staff?
During a time of national mourning, the flag can be flown at half-staff by order or proclamation of the president of the United States. When flown at half-staff, the flag should be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak before it is lowered at the end of the day. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon, then raised to the top of the staff and flown until sunset. Local customs regarding the lowering of company, city or other flags to half-staff are directed by the executive offices of those service areas.
How should a tattered flag be disposed of?
When a flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. Local veterans organizations such as the American Legion and others can be contacted for this task.
These are the general rules for flag etiquette. Those organizations and schools who would like the brochure provided as a public service can contact the Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 7. Call Past Department Commander Ed Johnson at 884-3240 with the name of your organization or school name with the amount of brochures desired.
