How to Fly the United States Flag Correctly

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By Sarah Wilson CCRP
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Flag at half-staff

The National Flag Code was adopted on June 14-15, 1923 by the National Flag Conference. The National Flag Code identified acceptable ways to display, honor and retire the flag.

Many patriots become angry when the flag is improperly displayed or treated with disrespect.

I believe that many who violate the flag code have no idea that they are violating the code. For some great information on how to hang your flag, click on this link (http://www.ehow.com/how_2102390_fly-american-flag.html)titled How to Fly The American Flag and read the article by eHOW Author D. Weaver. It is very clear and easy to understand.

Since Mr. Weaver have written on the proper way to hang the flag, I’m going to focus on displaying the U. S. Flag when in mourning.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Flag

Step 1

The U. S. Flag Code clearly states that the President of the United States and state Governors are the only two people who can order the flag be flown at half staff.

The President of the United States will generally order the flag be flown at half-staff to mourn the loss of a prominent national figure such as a country’s president or a member of the cabinet.
Step 2

A U.S. Governor may order the flag be flown at half-staff in honor of a deceased member of the judiciary system usually on a state level.
Step 3

The flag is draped over a deceased soldier’ s coffin and completely covers it. When draping the flag over the coffin, the blue field (also called the union) is placed at the head of the casket over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave nor should it touch the ground.
Step 4

The Flag Code suggests the flag be flown at half staff for specific events. The recommended event and time the flag is to remain at half staff for each event is noted below:

– Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)
– Death of a President (30 days)
– Death of a Vice President (10 days)
– Current or former Chief Justice (10 days)
– Speaker of the House (10 days)
– Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Secretary of the Military Department and former Vice President, (until buried)
– Governors (until buried)
– Member of Congress (day of and day after death)
Step 5

Homeowners who cannot display their particular flag at half-staff (because it isn’t designed for it) should attach a black ribbon to the top of the flag to observe the mourning period.
Step 6

Two streamers of suitable length made of black crepe or black ribbon should be attached at the top of the pole just below the ornament.
Step 7

A flag that is displayed flat against a wall or that is hung vertically or horizontally should have the streamers affixed at each end of the top edge of the flag.