With the resolve to end terrorism at home and abroad, the federal government has been asking Americans to unite in backing President Bush’s plans to fight a war on terrorism.

Tuesday, September 18, 2001

With the resolve to end terrorism at home and abroad, the federal government has been asking Americans to unite in backing President Bush’s plans to fight a war on terrorism.

Americans have shown that unity at cemetery services, unity days and other observances – as well as by purchasing and displaying flags.

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. Flag. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol.

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Important Things to Remember

Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag.

The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election days.

It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. When carried in procession with other flags, the U.S. flag should be either on the marching right (the flag’s right) or to the front and center of the flag line. When displayed on a float in a parade, the flag should be hung from a staff or suspended so it falls free. It should not be draped over a vehicle.

When displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (left to a person facing the wall) and its staff should be in front of the other flag’s staff. In a group of flags displayed from staffs, the U.S. flag should be at the center and the highest point.

When flags of states, cities or organizations are flown on the same staff, the U.S. flag must be at the top (except during church services conducted at sea by Navy chaplains).

When other flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first and lowered last. It must be on the right of other flags and no other flag should stand higher than it.

If the flag is suspended outdoors from a rope stretched from a building to a pole, the flag should be hoisted out from the building with the union (blue field) first. When the flag is displayed other than from a staff, it should be flat or suspended so that it falls free.

When displayed against something, such as a wall, the union should be at the top and to the flag’s own right, the observer’s left – whether displayed horizontally or vertically. When displayed over a street or sidewalk, where it can be seen from either side, be sure the union is to the north on an east-west street, and to the east on a north-south street.

The same directions apply in a building lobby or corridor with entrances to the east and west or north and south. When displayed flat against the wall on a speaker’s platform, the flag should be above and behind the speaker with the union on the left side as the audience looks at it (again, the flag’s right).

When the flag hangs from a staff in a church or public place, it should appear to the audience on the left, the speaker’s right. Any other flags displayed should be placed on the opposite side of the speaker.

Whenever the flag is displayed at half-staff, it should be first raised to the top. Lowering from half-staff is preceded by first raising it momentarily to the top.

Other Things Not to Do with the Flag

Out of respect for the U.S. flag, never: dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor; display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress; let the flag touch anything beneath it like the ground, floor, water, merchandise; carry it horizontally, but always aloft; fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled; place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.

It should not be used on a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police officers and firefighters.

During the hoisting or lowering of the flag or when it passes in parade or review, Americans should stand at attention facing the flag and place their right hand over the heart. Uniformed military members render the military salute.

Men not in uniform should remove any headdress and hold it with their right hand at their left shoulder, the hand resting over the heart. Those who are not U.S. citizens should stand at attention. When the flag is worn out or otherwise no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

Summary of Public Law 94-344 courtesy the Department of Veterans Affairs, www.va/gov