Everyday Etiquette for Respecting Our Flag and The National Anthem
The U.S. flag, also known as "Old Glory" and "The Star Spangled Banner," represents our nation and her ideals, both at home and throughout the world. As such, American citizens should know how to show the flag proper respect.
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U.S. Laws
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Waving Proudly Federal law lists and explains protocols pertaining to the flag. (See U.S. Code Title 36, Chapter 10.) States also have statutes pertaining to the flag. State laws outline acceptable behavior and include adaptation of U.S. Code. State laws list fines and punishments for non-compliance, as well.
Daily Display
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Ceremony The U.S. flag is typically flown from daybreak to sunset. While being raised or lowered it must never touch the ground or be handled with indifference. On each military installation, formal daily ceremonies are conducted. The flag is raised to "Reveille" in the morning, and lowered to "Retreat" or the national anthem in the evening.
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Shoulds
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Fireworks On U.S. soil the flag is always flown above the flags of other nations, according to federal law. It should always be displayed on a staff, to the right of any other flag, with the blue field to the left of those facing it. When a flag becomes too old or worn to use, it must be burned in private, with quiet respect and honor.
Should-Nots
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"...O'er the Land of the Free..." Federal law states that a U.S. flag should never be used as a costume or as a background for commercial advertising. In addition, a flag should never be used to carry things or as a tablecloth or floormat. The only time the flag is flown upside down is to signal extreme danger or distress.
The National Anthem
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Singing the National Anthem When "The Star Spangled Banner" is played, everyone present stands to face the flag. The right hand should be raised to cover the heart, and non-military men wearing hats should hold them against the left shoulder. Military personnel salute for the duration of the anthem. If there is no flag present, participants should face the source of the music.
The Pledge of Allegiance
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Honoring Our Fallen Heroes When prompted by a leader or master of ceremonies, everyone present at a function should stand to face the U.S. flag, with right hand over the heart. As during the national anthem, when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag non-military men should hold their hats on the left shoulder and military personnel salute.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Beverly Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jeff Turner Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of *~Dawn~* Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of US Army Africa
