| "Old Glory" |
| The flag of the United States is considered to be a living thing, not merely a symbol of the nation- but the spirit of the nation itself. There are some rather specific rules about the flag and how it should be treated. |
| The American flag has two parts- the Stars (The Union) and the Stripes. Each star represents a state, and the 13 stripes each represent one of the original 13 colonies (Massachuetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia) |
| Showing respect to the flag... |
| The American flag is never dipped; other flags (state and regimental) are dipped to it. The flag should always be displayed with the Union (stars) upright. The flag hung upside down is a sign of distress. It should not touch the floor, the ground, water, or anything placed beneath or displayed in a manner allowing it to be damaged or soiled.. The flag should when carried or hung be allowed to fly freely It should not be turned into clothing, bedding, etc, used to cover ceilings, or used as bunting. It should always be allowed to fly freely, not held in bunches or folds. It should not be used as a covering for, container for, or recepticle for any object. It may be used to cover a coffin with specific guidelines. It should not be used to veil a statue or placque. It should never be used for advertising purposes or imprinted on items intended for temporary use. No mark, words or alteration is permitted on the flag. It may be worn as a patch on uniforms of a patriotic or military organisation, and only used on athletic uniforms when members of a national team officially representing the United States. If worn as a lapel pin, it is to be worn on the left hand side over the heart. When on parade, it is in the right, or the center and in front, of other flags. No flag may be flown on the same staff, and the American flag must be higher than any other flag (except when flown with flags of other nations, in which case it will be flown at an equal height). It mustn't be draped over a car, railroad train, etc- instead it is to be flown on a staff clamped to the right front fender. It may only be displayed in good weather unless weatherproof, and in daylight unless properly illuminated. The flag should be displayed on national holidays, in schools, in police buildings, courts, public institutions, and polling places. The Pledge of Allegiance should be recited respectfully, with the right hand over the heart. Hats should be removed during the Pledge. Persons in military unifrom should face the flag and render it a salute. When the flag passes on parade, or when it is raised or lowered, those watching should stand, remove hats, and cover their heart with their right hand. Those in military uniform should salute while standing at attention. The flag must not be altered, mutilated or shown disrespect. When no longer fit for service, it must be destroyed in a dignified manner such as burning or proper burial. |
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