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The Proper Standard
Flag use and decorum in parades
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: Flag Use and Decorum in Parades.
Surely there are few sights more stirring for citizens of our country than that of our national flag flown during a parade. Civic pride is appropriately provoked by the pomp and pageantry of such times, and too, these community gatherings and celebrations are fitting occasions to reflect on the many gifts of our citizenship, and the sacrifices made by those who secured them. Still, the flag of the United States must be afforded its proper and fitting place apart from and above the ancillary festivities.
In parades themselves, the flag of the United States is generally to be carried in the front. Accordingly to Section 7 of the Flag Code, if it is carried with another flag or flags, the flag of the United States “should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag’s own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.” “No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America. Flag Code, Section 7(c). (Section 7(b) cautions that generally, the flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff.)
Section 9 provides that the salute to the flag should be rendered at the moment the flag passes. All persons present should face the flag and stand at attention, and except for those in uniform, should place their right hand over their heart. Those in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
Question: I will soon be traveling abroad and will have occasion to be a spectator at a parade in a foreign country. Given 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?
Answer: The provisions of the Flag Code apply to the display and respect shown for flag of the United States, so have no literal application. However, Section 9 of the Flag Code provides that “[a]liens should stand at attention” during any ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review. This symbolizes that, while we do not ask foreign nationals to pledge their allegiance or otherwise afford undue reverence to our flag in deference to their own citizenship elsewhere, certainly it is expected that they show their respect for our national emblem and the country for which it stands during their time here. Applied by analogy, as a citizen in the United States, we believe that the Flag Code recognizes world custom, and you should stand at attention at any time the foreign flag is hoisted or lowered, without formal salute, and do the same at the moment the flag passes in a parade or in review.
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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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Hey good stuff…keep up the good work! :)
Cool site, love the info. I do a lot of research online on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks,
Thanks, Bill. This means a lot, a whole lot, particularly on a day when the flag has relevant, poignant meaning as it does today. God bless America. It truly is a labor of love…and gratitude, for all we have. Stay in touch because there are many topics in the pipeline. If we can support your research on specific issues, be sure to raise them…we’ll just need some lead time. We have a shared philosophy of being true to the Code, rather than bow to the popular course. Naive perhaps, but our belief is that all people do the right thing, once they know what that is.