Protocol on Military Flag Flying
Flying the flag in the military requires strict adherence to the protocol outlined in the U.S. National Flag Code. On June 14, 1923, the National Flag Conference members adopted a set of protocols governing how the flag is displayed.
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History
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Revolutionary War battle re-enactment During the Revolutionary War, the Colonies flew any number of banners. The Continental Navy flew a banner with a green pine tree and the motto "An Appeal to Heaven," and the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont flew a green flag with blue canton and white stars. The first official flag for the United States was commissioned by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.
Size
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The U.S. government has authorized three flags for military use: the "Post" flag (10 feet by 19 feet), which is flown Monday through Saturday in pleasant weather; the "Storm" flag (9 feet by 6 feet), flown in inclement weather only; and the "Garrison" flag (20 feet by 38 feet), flown on Sundays, national occasions and holidays.
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Morning Colors
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The U.S. flag is hoisted at 8 a.m. every day. A few minutes before raising, a bugler sounds "Attention" and all personnel in uniform are required to stop, stand at attention and salute (if not in formation). Military members not in uniform, civilians and motor vehicles traveling on base must also stop and stand (or sit if in a motor vehicle) at attention. Once the flag reaches the top of the pole, "Carry on" is sounded, which ends the salute and signals a resumption of activities.
Evening Colors
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Right before sunset, a military detail marches to the flagpole to begin the ceremony to lower the flag. As the sun begins to set, the bugler sounds "Attention" and the same protocol for personnel followed in the morning is followed for evening colors. Unlike morning colors, where the flag is raised briskly, evening colors requires that the flag be lowered slowly and with reverence. Once the flag is lowered, it is folded into the familiar triangle shape.
Display With Other Flags and Banners
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U.S. flag and POW banner When on the same flagpole, the U.S. flag is affixed so that it is at the top and all other flags and banners below. When the flag is carried in procession with another flag, its place is on the marching right. In a line of flags, the U.S. flag is carried in front and positioned at the center of the line.
Half-Staff
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U.S. flag at half-staff on land To display the U.S. flag at half-staff on land (half-mast aboard ship), first raise it to the top of the flagpole and then lower it to the half-staff position, the middle of the flagpole. To retire the flag at the end of the day, raise the flag to the top and then lower and remove it as with evening colors.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit American Flag image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com civil war image by Wd Photo from Fotolia.com pow mia and us flag image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com flag lowered to half staff . image by Tom Oliveira from Fotolia.com
