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The Proper Standard
Displaying the Flag: Typical outdoor use
While there is no greater symbol of freedom world-wide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette: Displaying the Flag: Typical Outdoor Use.
Section 6 of the Flag Code provide guidance as to the times and occasions for displaying the Flag of the United States of America in the ordinary course out of doors. It calls for display on stationary flagstaffs that are in the open and clearly visible. In raising the flag, it should be hoisted or posted briskly. Conversely, it is to be lowered or removed ceremoniously. There are special rules regarding how to hoist and lower at half-staff.
Aside from all other rules permitting display, it is improper to display the flag on days of inclement weather. This is to say that the flag should be lowered and stowed on rainy days. It may be displayed in this circumstance, however, if adequately protected from the elements, or otherwise constructed of specific “all weather” materials.
By universal custom, the flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset. For those who know this rule, there are few feelings more disheartening than the lifeless flag standing neglected in the pitch of night, and this is the most often overlooked rule of residential patriots who would prefer avoiding daily hoisting and lowering. For them, the Rules of Flag Etiquette provide an exception for the compliant-minded: “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 displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution, in or near every polling place on election days, and in or near schoolhouses during school days.
Question: The school in my neighborhood did not hoist the flag today. What up?
Answer: We reviewed the weather conditions in your neighborhood, and learned that there were scattered showers that day. Most likely the flag was not displayed in view of the inclement weather, which is not only appropriate but required. By the way, if you have questions as to the display or nondisplay of the flag in practice by a public institution, most are very receptive to your constructive input, and you should feel comfortable broaching the subject. Most public institutions have a specific reason for their approach to flag display, or will be appreciative of learning more from the public.
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About the Blogger
We all admire those who defend the American flag, and “the republic for which it stands.” Well, Ross Simmons and his son, Hunter, are dedicated to preserving that sentiment, through that emblem’s appropriate display in the Homeland. As life members of the National Eagle Scout Association, they regularly participate in Boy Scout-sanctioned flag retirement ceremonies, and have been researching flag etiquette and teaching it to the public for years. There are a slew of requirements about how to handle, display, and show respect for the flag (or more particularly, what should not be done with Old Glory) that you might not know about, and Ross and Hunter are eager to share them.Ross says: “It wasn’t long after 9/11 when Hunter and I would find ourselves routinely disappointed about people flying tattered flags, or leaving their flags out in the rain, etc. Granted, we knew it not prompted by disrespect, but we struggled to find a way to politely approach our neighbors, and ‘correct’ them by explaining that in showing their patriotism, they were actually doing the exact opposite by doing so inappropriately.” Ergo, “The Proper Standard.”
Ross grew up in El Centro, and was the sole raiser and lowerer of the flag at De Anza Elementary School for three years as a student there. His son, Hunter, has spent seven years teaching flag etiquette to youth. Presently, Ross is a corporate law attorney practicing in Rancho Bernardo, where he lives with his wife, Marcie. Hunter is attending college at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Previous Posts
The Proper Standard: Does your athletic team wear the flag? It shouldn’t
| Thu, 18 Feb 2010 7:50 PMWhile there is no greater symbol of freedom world-wide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette: Prohibited Flags on Athletic Uniforms. (…)
The Proper Standard: Flag patches on non-athletic uniforms
| Mon, 21 Dec 2009 7:33 PMI passed a “motorcycle gang,” each member of which had a flag patch sewn on the shoulder of their leather jackets. Surely this can’t be OK?
The Proper Standard: No flags on clothing, please
| Mon, 14 Sep 2009 8:19 AMWhile there is no greater symbol of freedom world-wide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette: No Flags on Clothing, Please. (…)
The Proper Standard: Flag use and decorum in parades
| Sun, 23 Aug 2009 1:34 PMGiven my United States citizenship, and my commitment and oath to this country, what tribute, if any, should I pay to the flag of foreign countries should they be displayed on this occasion?
The Proper Standard: Displaying the Flag: Half-Staff
| Sat, 30 May 2009 1:22 PMI cannot fly my flag at half-staff. Is it appropriate for me to display the flag in this manner on days or on occasions where the flag should be at half-staff?
The Proper Standard: Displaying the Flag: Typical outdoor use
| Sat, 30 May 2009 12:39 PMThe school in my neighborhood did not hoist the flag today. What up?
The Proper Standard: The Flag and the First Amendment
| Sat, 30 May 2009 12:31 PMI believe there should be a Constitutional Amendment against flag burning in protest. What is your view of that?
The Proper Standard: Retirement of the flag
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:33 PMQuestion: I live in a city, and cannot burn anything (much less a flag) consistent with the laws of my municipality. What do I do?
The Proper Standard: Respect for the flag
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:30 PMQuestion: It is disrespectful to the flag of the United States of America to dip it to any person or thing.
The Proper Standard: Authority and References
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:14 PMQuestion: May I display a United States Flag that doesn’t comply with the federal law, but is proper at the time of its manufacture?
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