Book on united states flag etiquette half staff days

The united states and other countries commonly lower a flag to halfmast or halfstaff during a time of grief, mourning or remembrance. Special rules do not let the flag touch the ground. When flown at half staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half staff position. On pearl harbor remembrance day, the flag can be displayed at halfstaff until sundown on memorial day, the flag is flown at halfstaff until noon, and then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day.

Code, which instructs that any time a flag is flown at half staff, it should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half. Half staff on special days, the flag may be flown at half staff. The us flag code, flag etiquette questions and answers. The united nations flag should not be displayed above, in a position of superior prominence, to the united states flag except at united nations headquarters. This article remains the ed material of the national flag foundation and is presented here by permission. Flag code perhaps the most important guideline involves how citizens should behave around the stars and stripes. Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency. On memorial day it is flown at half staff until noon and then raised.

On memorial day, the flag should be hung at halfstaff until noon, when it. The book includes details of the laws relating to the u. It is found in many areas of our lives, including when we are near the united states flag. Flag etiquette and rules american flag and flagpole co. When we honor the flag, we honor our country, our people, and ourselves. Us flag half staff dates scheduled days when the us flag is at half staff. Displaying the flag with other flags on american soil. New jersey kia killed in action flag display rules.

Flag day, which commemorates the adoption of the united states flag in 1777, is officially celebrated on june 14. Flag day, which commemorates the adoption of the united states flag in 1777. Fly at half staff on peace officers memorial day unless it is also armed forces day. Most half staff days suggest that the american flag is at half staff from sunrise until sunset on the days of the order. Halfmast and halfstaff refer to a flag flying below the summit of a ship mast, a pole on land, or a pole on a building. The american flag, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag s own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag. They set forth the existing rules, customs and etiquette pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the united states of america. United states code the flag american flag and flagpole co. The american flag, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flags own right, and its staff should be. In fact, the united states has an entire flag code to govern how american flags are handled and. Just like the dinner table, flag etiquette is put into place to be polite and to show respect for the flag. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending. It consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red top and bottom alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton referred to specifically as the union bearing fifty small, white, fivepointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal.

The flag of the united states is the emblem of our identity as a sovereign nation, which the united states of. Such days as may be proclaimed by the president of the united states. Oratory church of st aloysius gonzaga, oxford, with the flag of the holy see flying at half mast the day after the death of pope john paul ii. The flag shall be flown at halfstaff 30 days from the death of the president or a former president. United states flag code formulated shortly after the attack. Flag code defines the legal etiquette for the care, use and display of the american flag. Flag if you like to display your american flag 24 hours a day, yearround, there are a few things you should know.

The president can order that the flag be flown at half staff at any time for any duration of time mourning. Half mast is a term used in reference to nautical flag poles, or mast. The american flag should be displayed on all days and especially the holidays listed below. This report presents, verbatim, the united states flag code as found in title 4 of the united states code and the section of title 36 which designates the star spangled banner as the national anthem and provides instructions on how to display the flag during its rendition. The flag of the united states for the purpose of this chapter shall be defined. The code applies only on american soil flying the flag at halfstaff the term halfstaff refers to the. The united nations flag may not be displayed above or in a position of superior prominence to the united states flag except at united nations headquarters. The flag must be flown at halfstaff on all buildings on the death of any officer listed below, for the period indicated. The flag is only displayed at halfstaff by presidential decree or act of congress, except on two days. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which americans pledge their allegiance. In knoxville, a flag day ceremony will be held at 11 a. Scheduled days when the american flag is halfstaff. The flag shall be flown at half staff thirty days from the death of the president or a former president.

The president, through a presidential proclamation, a state governor, or the mayor of the district of columbia can order flags to fly at half staff. Jul 04, 2015 the united nations flag should not be displayed above, in a position of superior prominence, to the united states flag except at united nations headquarters. The flag shall be flown at halfstaff 30 days from the death of the president or a. Half mast is a term used in reference to nautical flag. The flag book of the united states smith, whitney on.

The us flag code, flag etiquette questions and answers, half staff. The flag displayed with another against a wall, from crossed staffs, should be on the right the flags own right, with its staff in front of the other staff. The royal standard, the flag of the british monarch, is never flown at half mast, because there is always a living monarch. December 27, 2006 this is to advise you that the united states flag and maryland state flag will now be flown at half staff for a period of 30 days until sunset on january 24, 2007, in honor of president gerald r. Us flag half staff dates scheduled days when the us flag is at halfstaff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. The us flag code, flag etiquette questions and answers, half. The united states flag code stipulates that as the symbol of a living country, the. When this happens, american flags are flown at half staff for 30 days. Federally observed dates of the above holidays which may be different from the actual dates. Learn about the american flag and how to display it. There are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. Jun 12, 2019 flag day, which commemorates the adoption of the united states flag in 1777, is officially celebrated on june 14. Flag etiquette, the us flag code questions and answers.

For remembrance of post members, if there is a second flag pole, the post flag can be flown at half staff. Flying the flag at half staff is an area of flag etiquette that most people want to make sure they get right. When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag of a state, community, society or scout unit the flag of the united states must always be at the top except that. Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite. The dates marked in red color indicate when you should fly your flag at half staff. When you consult the flag etiquette section at the united states flag store you will learn that flying the american flag at half staff or half mast for flags on ships is a symbol of grief and mourning. Flag etiquette the following flag laws and regulations are contained in the public law as amended july 7, 1976 by the 94th congress of the united states. Click here to view our flag frequently asked questions. On memorial day the flag displayed at half staff until noon and at full from to sunset. Below are highlights of the proper etiquette and respect to be given to our flag.

Most englishspeaking countries use the term halfmast in all instances. The flag of the united states is the emblem of our identity as a sovereign nation, which the united. Cars, flag precedence state flags, half staff for foreigners. On memorial day it is flown at halfstaff until noon and then raised. When to fly your american flag, national halfstaff days. The next time you see our countrys flag, think of the unique and wonderful freedoms we enjoy as americans. Only the president of the united states or congress can authorize the flag to be flown at half staff. In united states, this refers officially only to flags flown on ships, with halfstaff used on land. The dates marked in red color indicate when you should fly your flag at halfstaff did you know that half mast is a popular term used for flying a flag at half staff, but is not the correct term. Flying the flag at halfstaff is an area of flag etiquette that most people want to make sure they get right. The flag of the united states of america, often referred to as the american flag or u. Scheduled days when the american flag is half staff. Whatever your flag question is, the united states flag store has the answer as well as interesting flag facts. American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding, and caring.

After the death of a president or a former president, flags should be flown at halfstaff for thirty days. The flag is only displayed at half staff by presidential decree or act of congress, except on two days. The flag shall be flown at half staff 30 days from the death of the president or a former president. American legion offers medical and other benefits through the national legion. 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. The american flag must always be displayed in a position of prominence. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. United states department of defense directive 1005 united states department of defense directive 48 united states department of defense instruction 48. Peace officers memorial day, may 15th sunrise until sunset memorial day, last monday in may sunrise until noon patriot day, september 11 sunrise until sunset. The code applies only on american soil flying the flag at halfstaff the term halfstaff refers to the position of a flag halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Fly the american flag at half staff the united states flag flies at half staff or half mast when the nation or a state is in mourning.

In many countries this is seen as a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or, in some cases, a salute. When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be placed with the stars at the head and over the left shoulder. Ford, the 38th president of the united states, who passed away december 26, 2006. The united states and other countries commonly lower a flag to half mast or half staff during a time of grief, mourning or remembrance. When raising the american flag to half staff on a vertical pole, always raise it briskly to the top of the flagpole for a moment. Half staff on special days, the flag may be flown at halfstaff.

To request flag etiquette brochures for your organization, contact the office at 65120124 or by email at secretary. When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. The american flag is displayed even above church flags except on rare occasions. According to the flag etiquette code, only the president or your state governor can order the u. Did you know that half mast is a popular term used for flying a flag at half staff, but is not the correct term. United states flag etiquette proper methods of display excerpts from the us flag code flying the flag outdoors. The flag should fly at halfstaff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the united states and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president.

I have also included some nonacceptable methods in dealing with our flag. To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. United states flag etiquette us flag etiquette veterans. A specific etiquette applies both as to the designated days of the year when doing so is planned and encouraged and when unexpected circumstances call for it. When we respect the flag, we respect the men and women who sacrificed to build this country and protect its freedom. On memorial day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset. Federal law relating to display and associated questions. The flag shall be flown at halfstaff thirty days from the death of the president or a former president. The office of the minnesota secretary of state provides information and resources for citizens interested in flag etiquettethe protocol for handling and displaying the flag of the united states and other flags. On pearl harbor remembrance day, the flag can be displayed at half staff until sundown on memorial day, the flag is flown at half staff until noon, and then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day. The american flag, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flags own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag. Standards of respect parading and saluting the flag the salute. Section 1 the following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of.

It is to fly 10 days at halfstaff after the death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the. Code, which instructs that any time a flag is flown at halfstaff, it should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half. Following the death of the vice president, the chief justice, a retired chief justice of the united states or the speaker of the house of representatives, the flag should be flown at halfstaff for 10 days. Memorial day is the exception where the american flag is at half staff from sunrise until noon.