American Flag and Flag Etiquette handout

The Flag of the United States of America

THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

After the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Americans realized they needed a national flag to take the place of all the individual banners carried by the various regiments—a flag that would symbolize the newly created union of states. Finally, on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the following brief resolution: “RESOLVED, that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white: That the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” 

Captain Samuel C. Reid, U.S. Navy, who commanded the General Armstrong during the War of 1812, suggested to Congress that the stripes be fixed at 13 to represent the original colonies and that a star be added to the blue field for every state coming into the union. Congress passed this into law on July 4, 1818; one star for each new state would be added to the flag on the next Fourth of July following the state’s admission. 

DISPLAYING THE FLAG 

When the national flag is displayed flat, either horizontally or vertically, on a wall or in a window, the union (blue field) should be at the top and to the observer’s left when facing the flag. When displayed from a staff projecting from a windowsill, balcony, or the front of a building, the union (blue field) should be at the staff’s peak (unless the flag is at half-staff). When displayed on a stage or platform, the national flag should be to the speaker’s right. Any other flag is on the speaker’s left. When suspended, the flag should be vertical with the union to the north over an east–west street, and to the east over a north–south street. The flag should be hoisted out union (blue field) first. Flag decals and stickers may be correctly displayed on the inside of motor vehicle side windows. 

FLAG CARE 

Be sure flags are dry before storing them. Colors affixed to staffs should be carefully furled, placed in a flag case or boot, or wrapped in plastic—and then stored upright, preferably in a cool, dry, dark place. Iron-on patches make rips and holes easy to repair. They can be bought in fabric departments in colors and various materials to match the flag. Follow the directions on the fabric package. Outdoor flags should be correctly folded and sealed in plastic bags that are moisture- and bug-proof. Store in a safe, cool, and dry place. 

WEARING THE FLAG 

• A flag patch may be attached to such uniforms as those of athletes, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations. The national flag should not be used as a costume or athletic uniform.

• Flag lapel pins should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. 

• Reproductions of the national flag in any medium such as jewelry, pins, buttons, or printed materials must show the union (blue field) on the top and to the observer’s left when facing the flag. 

FLYING THE FLAG AT HALF-STAFF 

When flown at half-staff, the flag is hoisted to the peak for an instant, then lowered to the half-staff position (half the distance from the top to the bottom of the staff). Before the flag is lowered for the day, it is raised again to the top, then lowered. 

If your flag is on an outrigger flagpole or mounted on a wall and cannot be flown at half-staff, it is appropriate to drape a purple and black mourning ribbon across the flag. 

The flag is flown at half-staff all day on the following days: 

• December 7—Pearl Harbor Day 

• May 15—Peace Officers Memorial Day 

• July 27—Korean War Veterans Armistice Day 

On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff only until noon. Then it is raised to the top to be flown until sunset. 

The U.S. president may also order that the flag be flown at half-staff following the death of someone important to the government, or a state governor. State governors can declare that the flag be flown at half-staff in their state when a former governor of that state dies. 

FLAG HOLIDAYS 

You are encouraged to fly the flag on the following holidays: 

New Year's Day	Inauguration Day	Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents Day	Easter Sunday	Patriots Day
National Day of Prayer	Mother's Day	Armed Forces Day
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)	Flag Day	Father's Day
Independence Day	Labor Day	Constitution Day
Columbus Day	Navy Day	Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day	Christmas Day	Election days

DESTROYING WORNOUT FLAGS 

When the national flag is worn beyond repair, burn it thoroughly and completely on a modest but blazing fire. This should be done in a simple manner with dignity and respect. Be sure the flag is reduced to ashes unrecognizable as a former flag. 

CUB SCOUT FLAG CEREMONY PROTOCOL 

*Flag Bearer(s):  Cub Scouts who carry the flag(s)—one flag per boy. Hold the staff at a slight angle in front of the body. The bearer of the United States flag marches at the front right of the column (if marching in single file). A flag bearer stands silent and at attention throughout the ceremony and does not say the Pledge of Allegiance nor sing the national anthem. 

*Color guard: These Cub Scouts guard the honor of the flag and watch to see that the flag does not touch the ground. They stand behind the flag bearer, or to each side if in a line of more than one flag. Two per flag is traditional, but any number may be used. They stand silent and at attention throughout the ceremony and do not say the Pledge of Allegiance nor sing the national anthem.

*Color guard commander (or Caller): This designated Cub Scout “calls out” the parts of the ceremony. He stands in front and to one side of audience.

*Flag placement: The United States flag is placed to the speaker’s right when on the stage (or to the audience’s left). The second flag (if used) is placed on the opposite side. 

SUGGESTED COLOR GUARD COMMANDER SCRIPT— OPENING CEREMONY 

• Color guard, attention! Will the audience please rise? 

• Hand salute! (Cub Scout salute if in uniform, hand on heart if not in uniform.) 

• Color guard, advance! (Wait for color guard to reach the front and face the audience.) 

• Everyone, please join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. (Recite the pledge together.) 

• Two! (This is the signal that everyone may put their hands down.)

• Cub Scout sign! (All raise their right hands, making the Cub Scout sign.) 

• Cub Scouts, please join me in saying the Scout Oath. (Recite the Oath together)

• Two! 

• Color guard, post the colors! Color guard, dismissed. The audience may be seated.

 COLOR GUARD COMMANDER SCRIPT— CLOSING CEREMONY 

• Will the audience please rise? 

• Color guard, advance. 

• Color guard, retrieve the colors.* 

• Audience, salute. (Wait until flags leave the area)  Two.

• Color Guard dismissed.  Audience dismissed.

* Note that the word is “retrieve,” not “retire.” 

HOW TO FOLD A FLAG 

• Fold the flag in half lengthwise. 

• Fold in half lengthwise again, being careful that the blue field is on the outside. 

• As one person holds the flag by the blue field, another makes a triangular fold in the opposite end and continues to make triangular folds until the entire flag is in a triangle. 

• Tuck the loose edge of the flag into the pocket formed by the folds so that only the blue field and white stars are visible.