US Flag Code

 I thought I would take the opportunity to highlight some US Flag Code.  This establishes the etiquette applied for all things pertaining to the U.S. flag.

• The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing.
• The flag should never be displayed with the union (the starred blue canton) down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
• The flag should not be used as "wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery", or for covering a speaker's desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general (exception for coffins).
• The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of  military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations.
• Flag lapel pins may also be worn (they are considered replicas) and are worn near the heart.
• The flag should never be stepped on.
• The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle, railroad train, or boat.
• When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object.
• The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
• When a flag is so tattered that it can no longer serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.  The American Legion, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA and other organizations. Regularly conduct dignified flag-burning ceremonies, often on Flag Day, June 14.

Displaying the flag outdoors:

• When flown with flags of states, communities or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight  line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right. The other flags may be the same size but none may be larger.       
• No other flag should be placed above it. The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.
• It should be illuminated if displayed at night.

Displaying the flag indoors:

• The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.
• When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.
• When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.

US Flag Code

Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem

• The Pledge of Allegiance all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with  the right hand over the heart;
• When the national anthem is played or sung;

The flag in mourning:

• On Memorial Day, the flag is displayed at half-staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.
• The flag is to be flown at half-staff in mourning for the death of designated, principal government leaders.
• The flag is to be flown at half-staff for thirty days in mourning for the death of the current or former  President of the United States.
• The U.S. flag is otherwise flown at half-staff (or half-mast, on ships) when directed by the President of the United States or a state governor.
• The U.S. Flag is to be flown half-staff on Patriot Day (Sept. 11)

Please contact me with any questions you may have pertaining to US Flag Code.

James LaFlame
Seekonk Veterans Services Officer
Office 508-336-2940
Email: jlaflame@seekonk-ma.gov