How to Salute the Flag on a Casket
Many fine men and women have sacrificed much in preserving the freedoms we hold dear within the U.S. Some have even made the ultimate sacrifice by giving of their lives for the preservation of these freedoms and rights. The U.S. flag represents these sacrifices, and as such, a proper flag etiquette must be followed. Whether the flag is on a casket, or any other object, a set of operating procedures is in place and should be gratefully observed.
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Instructions
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1
Remove any head gear (helmets or caps) from your head, no matter whether in civilian or athletic attire, and hold it at your side in your left hand. If you are in civilian attire, place your right hand over the left-side of your chest, covering your right breast, near the position of the heart. For women, the hand may be placed between the breasts and slightly to the right, covering the heart. Perform this step when the National Anthem begins playing, or when the flag is within easy view as it appears to be moving past your position.
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2
Stand at full attention, both arms straight down and against your sides, with your eyes fixed on the flag if you are in heavy athletic attire. The same rules as Step 1 apply, except for the covering of the heart with your right hand, until the end of the National Anthem, or until the flag has passed beyond about 20 feet from your location if it is being moved across your field of vision.
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3
Stand at full attention as the National Anthem begins to play, when in military attire, and perform a proper military salute from the first note to the final note of the anthem. Hold the fingers of your right hand together and straight out, and curve your thumb against the inside of your index finger. Raise the tip of your index finger to the middle of your right eye-brow, elbow straight out and perpendicular to your erect body. When the flag is on a casket that is being walked past your position, begin your military salute when the flag is six paces from your current location and maintain your salute until the flag is six paces beyond your position as it is being moved away from you. A military "pace" is 30 inches (quick time - regular speed march) or 36 inches (double time - jogging speed march) and is the general space measurement for one "step."
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Tips & Warnings
During any salute of the flag, respectful silence must be observed. Refrain from all conversation during this time, and never answer a cell phone during observation of the flag during any service which may warrant its salute or observation.
