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Respecting the flag essential |
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Friday, 13 June 2008 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — As local residents head out to raise their American flags in honor of Flag Day, a members of a veteran’s group says proper etiquette should be a top priority.
VFW Post 9289 Commander Dean Monroe said etiquette for the flag is necessary when flying it. To help spread the message, Monroe said VFW members hand out literature containing proper flag etiquette with every flag.
“We are having a flag giveaway today (Friday),” Monroe told The Evening Leader. “Respect for the flag is very important. (Improper etiquette) is disrespectful to the flag.”
Prior to Flag Day held June 14, 1923, there were no set guidelines governing the display of the flag. However the National Flag Code was adopted, with the purpose of providing citizens rules and regulations on how to properly display the flag.
“When the flag passes during a parade, you should stand, uncover and cross your heart with your right hand,” Monroe said. “Military vets not in uniform can salute the flag.”
When displaying the flag, either vertically or horizontally against a wall, the union should be to the observer’s left. The procedure should be followed when displaying a flag inside of a window.
When a flag is displayed over the middle of a street, it should be flown vertically with the union to the north on an east and west street and to the east on a north and south street. When flown in the lobby of a building, the flag should be suspended vertically with the union to the left of the observer.
There also are some common myths surrounding uses of the flag. The flag should never be used for advertising purposes and should not appear on items like paper plates, napkins or any other objects that are discarded. The flag also should not be used in clothing or athletic uniforms.
However a flag lapel pin can be worn, as long as it appears on the left lapel near the heart.
“I see a lot of porch flags that a lot of times aren’t high enough,” Monroe said, noting the flag should not touch anything beneath it. “After a long winter, I notice some are tattered. Those should be retired.”
Monroe said the VFW retires dozens of flags each year. Monroe encouraged residents to drop off old flags when they purchase new ones.
“We have a flag retirement, usually in July,” Monroe said. “The Boy Scouts are part of it and so is the lady’s auxiliary. We go through the proper ritual by taking the flag down and installing it at half mast. The fire is already pre-lit and we retire the flags. Right now, we have probably 300 to 400 to retire.”
Monroe said purchasing the right type of flag is essential. Flags come in nylon and polyester and deciding between the two depends upon the use of one’s flag.
“Nylon flies better with a slight breeze but doesn’t hold up as long,” Monroe said. “Nylon is best if you are going to take it up and down. If it is going to fly for a while, polyester will hold up longer.” |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 18 June 2008 )
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