"Our flag is our national ensign, pure and simple, behold it! Listen to it! Every star has a tongue, every stripe is articulate."
Robert C. Winthrop (1809 – 1894), senator from Massachusetts
Americans have prominently displayed the flag since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. However, in their efforts to demonstrate their patriotism, many Americans have unintentionally desecrated the flag through improper display and disposal.
The flag code adopted by the National Flag Conference in 1923 provides guidelines for civilian use and display of our nation’s symbol. The flag should be treated with utmost respect because of its role in representing our freedoms and strengths, explained Tommy Grainger, Commander of the American Legion Post 100. "It represents everything we believe in. It shows where your heart is." Therefore, West Florida Electric Cooperative offers the following Flag Code guidelines to ensure you treat the American flag in the dignified manner it deserves:
Unless the flag is made of nylon or other non-absorbent material, do not display it in inclement weather.
When the American flag is displayed with another flag against a wall, the American flag should be on the right, the flag’s own right, with its staff in front of the other flag ’s staff.
When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be of approximately the same size and flown from separate staffs of the same height. International usage forbids the display one nation’s flag above that of another nation in time of peace.
When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium on a podium, the American flag should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the speaker’s right as he faces the audience. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium off the podium, the American flag should hold a position of honor at the audience’s right. 7369001
Displaying the flag at half-staff indicates public mourning of the death of an individual or individuals, such as the U. S. president or a former president, vice president, supreme court justice, member of Congress, secretary of an executive or military department, etc. Only the president or a state governor may order the flag to be half-staffed.
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, the flag may be continually displayed if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. The American Legion interprets "proper illumination" as a light specifically placed to illuminate the flag or a light source illuminating the flag sufficiently that it is recognizable as such.
Exercise care in handling the flag to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. Flag Code section 176b states that the flag should not touch anything beneath it such as the ground, but you are not required to destroy the flag if it does touch the ground. The Flag Code does not prohibit washing or dry-cleaning the American flag.
When a flag has served its useful purpose, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning. Individual citizens should do this discreetly so the act of destruction is not perceived as a protest or desecration. Many American Legion Posts conduct Disposal of Unserviceable Flag Ceremonies on June 14, Flag Day.
For additional information, log on to the National American Legion’s Web site at www.legion.org.
Article contributed by Communication Intern Millie Kindig
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