Sep
11
Wearing the flag
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I get a lot of emails about the US flag patches worn on the shoulders of our servicemen. The cameras are constantly catching snippets of our men and women in uniform. In case you are one of the few who hasn’t noticed, the flag on the right shoulder appears to be flying backwards. Believe it or not this is correct.
The blue star field always takes the forward position of a moving object. So if you have two shoulders, the left-hand side would have the flag position we are all accustom to, but the right-hand side would appear to have the flag backwards. The same applies to the right and left side of automobiles, boats, planes and anything else that moves forward. Imagine the wind blowing the flag as you move ahead and that would be the appropriate flag representation.
See our American Flag Etiquette page.
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Jan
20
Parade flag etiquette
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What happened to people and the respect for the flag? On Dec. 4, the Color Guard marched in the Christmas parade in Millsboro, which we led with the colors. While marching along, it seemed no one saluted the flag. The worst part was that even the men and women in uniform (police officers and firemen) didn’t even come to attention as we passed. The proper thing to do is take your hat off and hold your right hand over your heart, or salute if you are in uniform while standing.
So many people just sat there and watched us go by. How do you expect your children to learn the respect for the flag if you do not teach them what to do? A lot of good men fought for the freedom we have, so show respect for the flag the next time it passes by you in a parade.
Delaware Wave - Joe Ironside
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Jun
21
How to fold an American flag
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Care should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground. The Flag is carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night.
Continue reading on flag folding for detailed and illustrated instructions and meaning.
Flag and BannerHome
Jun
17
For flags that can’t be lowered, such as those on many homes, the American Legion says attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag is an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag.
For a wall-mounted flag, three black mourning bows should be attached to the top edge of the flag, one at each corner and one in the center.
Works well with a Mourning pulldown flag which has a widely known meaning.
Flag and BannerHome
Jun
12
Observe some simple flag etiquette. For example, its not appropriate to drape or wear the American flag. It is designed to fly on a flagpole and isn’t a decoration. Not to worry, you can use Bunting to create the patriotic look you desire.
If you are carrying a flag on foot you will want to ensure you don’t over exert yourself. A Parade belt can turn a potential endurance test into a pleasant experience.
Parade flags are more formal and are often categorized with indoor flags. Notice the yellow fringe around this American Parade flag, and this automobile parade flag. Other formal wear includes parade gloves. Special parade flagpoles might be appropriate depending on the formalness of the parade.
If you are with a large group you might want to consider having low cost handouts. Miniature flags are popular.
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May
19
It is always permissible and desirable to fly the American flag but displaying it every day is particularly appropriate to show support for our troops when the nation is at war.
While it is considered inappropriate to fly the American flag in inclement weather, it is permissible to fly the flag at night if there is enough light in the area so that the flag can be plainly seen.
There is no special “war time” protocol for displaying the American flag during periods of military conflict, although there are situations that arise that generate questions.
The flag should normally be at full staff. It should be half-staffed for a designated half-staff holiday*, or by proclamation of the President. The Governor of a State, territory or possession of the United States also may
proclaim that the national flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a present or former official of that State, territory or possession as a mark of respect to their memory.
When a US flag cannot be lowered because it is mounted either on an indoor flag set or on a small pole made for porch or window display, tying a black bow above a full- staffed flag properly indicates mourning.
Use of a yellow ribbon has been an unofficial American tradition for over 100 years. Displaying a yellow ribbon indicates thoughts and prayers for the safe return of American forces on duty away from home. No official
guidelines for its display exist but yellow ribbons are often tied to trees and light poles or displayed in miniature on the left lapel of jackets or other clothing. When displayed with an American flag the preferred position of the yellow ribbon is tied in a bow above a full-staffed flag.
Note that displaying a black or yellow ribbon above the American flag is not considered a breech of Flag Etiquette because the ribbon does not represent another country or organization.
*Designated half-staff holidays are Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15), Korean War Veterans Day (July 27th), Patriot Day (Sept.11) and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7th).
Information courtesy of the Flag Research Center, Winchester, MA. and the National Flag Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA. For more detailed information regarding Flag Etiquette contact the National Flag Foundation at 800-615-1776.
Posted by dlorah
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Feb
17
U.S. flag insignia to be worn by all
Filed Under etiquette | 2 Comments
Worn stars forward as if flying in breeze as soldier moves forward
Previously the U.S. flag insignia on the uniform was a privilege to only deploying troops. Now all soldiers can wear the U.S. flag insignia on the right shoulder of their uniform.Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker approved the uniform item Feb. 11, but finding 30 million flags is another issue. The Army is giving deploying troops priority, others have until October 2005.
Currently there are not enough flags in the inventory, which is why Soldiers have a substantial amount of time to get the flags sewn on, Morales said. Deploying troops have the priority. Everyone else will have to wait until the Defense Logistics Agency has more in stock, he said. An estimated 30 million flags need to be procured, he added.
Army news service - By Sgt. 1st Class Marcia Triggs
Eventually all enlisted soldiers will receive 5 flags without purchase. Soldiers may purchase the U.S. flag insignia on their own, they will not be reimbursed.
See also U.S. flag insignia: Army Uniforms and Regulations
Posted by jeff
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