| Flag Etiquette The Flag of the United States of America Nothing evokes such strong emotion as seeing the flag, either a ceremony honoring a great event or draped over a coffin as a sign of mourning for a hero or loved one. Its unfurled banner, which symbolizes the love and pride that we have as a nation, is a poignant reminder of America's greatness and our fortune to live in a country which values freedom above all else. It signifies the commitment made by our fallen comrades who battled bravely to defend the honor of this sacred emblem - our American unity, our power, and our purpose as a nation, and it exemplifies the devotion of our leaders who continue to uphold its promise of liberty, justice and freedom for all. Our nation reveres the flag, not out of a sense of unquestioning worship but out of a deep sense of our national heritage. Strengthened by our noble deeds, splendid accomplishments, and untold sacrifices, the flag reflects America's pledge to uphold democracy and work for peace throughout the world. It is America's strength in honor, as dignified in the stars and stripes of the flag, which helps to establish the moral character of our national foundation. The flag, endearingly referred to as "Old Glory," represents all people of America. We, the people, are America. It is little wonder that the people of America are moved when saluting the flag is it passes by, reminding us that we are a part of this great land. We are "one nation under God." With Liberty and justice for All
Almost a year passed after the Declaration of Independence was signed before a new flag was adopted by the Congress. But variations in the flag were persistent, and changes continued during much of the 19th century. The Flag Act of 1818 fixed the number of horizontal stripes at 13, and gave the President the authority to determine the star arrangement. The now-familiar stars and stripes were not carried into battle by the United States Army until the Mexican War. Finally, in 1912, an executive order was established which defined the design of the flag, including the star arrangement. Later, when Alaska and Hawaii entered the Union, stars representing those states were added to the flag, adapting the traditional horizontal arrangement. American involvement in the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II stimulated patriotic sentiments and interest in the flag. In 1942, Congress established rules and customs concerning the flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. The years since World War II have seen the refinement of various laws and regulations concerning the flag. Today, it has become an accepted part of the decoration of most public buildings and a symbol regarded as appropriate to almost any setting where citizens gather. Pledge to the Flag
After first appearing in a copy of the Youth's Companion in 1892, as a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America, the pledge to the flag received the official recognition of Congress on June 22, 1942. The phrase, "under God," was added to the pledge by Congress on June 14, 1954, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who said that "in this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war." When rendering the pledge of allegiance, persons should stand at attention, face the flag, and, if in uniform, salute, or otherwise place the right hand over the heart. Persons wearing the caps of veterans' service organizations, such as the Disabled American Veterans, are expected to salute. Others, such as Boy or Girl Scouts in uniform, should render respect to the flag in accordance with the traditions of the organization whose uniform they are wearing. Our National Anthem The "Star Spangled Banner" has been designated as the national anthem of the United States of America. During the playing of the anthem when the flag is displayed, persons not in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with their right hand over their heart. Those in uniform should begin saluting the flag at the first note of the music, and hold the salute until the last note of the anthem is played. Again, this applies to those wearing veterans' organizations caps or the uniforms of other patriotic organizations. Displaying the Flag
Respect for the Flag The Flag Code, a national guideline on ways in which the flag is to be respected, states that no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America. Specific ways, in which the flag should not be used, according to the code, are:
When a flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. Flying Our Flag It is proper to display the flag from sunrise to sunset on all days the weather permits. The flag may also be displayed at night if illuminated by a light. But it is even more important to display the flag on national holidays and days of importance, including: New Year's Day Other days the flag may be flown at half mast may be proclaimed by the President of the United States. This information is provided as a public service by the:
US Flag Code:
Flag Folding FYI A properly proportioned flag will fold 13 times on the triangles, representing the 13 Original Colonies. When finally complete the triangular folded flag is emblematical of the tri-corner hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded no red or white stripe is to be evident leaving only the honor field of blue and stars. Flag Retirement Ceremonies As stated above, the prefered method for retiring a flag is by burning in a dignified manner. Many local SAR, DAR, VFW, and other groups hold such ceremonies and will collect the flags being retired. Here is one version of the ceremony that we have flag_ritual.pdf.
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Even before the American Revolution, flags
bearing the familiar red and white stripes, which symbolize the
unity of the original 13 colonies of America, began to appear.
These stripes were later combined with the British Union Jack
to produce the Continental flag that flew over George Washington's
headquarters during the siege of Boston.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
When displaying the flag, it is important
to remember certain guidelines of proper flag etiquette. They
are:
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting
horizontally from a window sill, balcony, or building, the
stars of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff
unless the flag is at half staff. 
When the flag is displayed either vertically
or horizontally against a wall, the stars should be placed
at the top of the flag's right and the observer's left.
vertically, with the stars to the north or east.
When the flag is used to cover a casket,
it should be placed with the stars at the head and over the
left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave
or be allowed to touch the ground. 
The flag should not be dipped to any person
or thing, and can be flown upside down only as a distress
signal. 
When lowering the flag, make certain that no part of
it touches the ground. It should be received by waiting hands
and arms. To store the flag, ceremoniously fold it length wise
in half, then repeat with the blue field on the outside. Finally,
while one person holds it by the blue field, another then makes
a triangular fold in the opposite end, continuing to fold it in
triangles until only the blue shield shows.
