Flag etquette fact I learned today (1 Viewer)

[Joey Skinner]

If your flag is fixed to a staff and can't be raised and lowered, to indicate mourning tie a black ribbon the width of one stripe and length of the flag to the top of the pole below the finial. This is the kind of flag that most people have and since Flag Day and the Fourth of July will fall during the mourning period for President Reagan,I thought it would be a good idea to let people know the proper way to display their flag if they can't fly it at half mast. Also please replace tattered and worn flags.

 

[Kirk Gunn]

Interesting - will do.

Thanks !

 

[Jeff Gatie]

When replacing a worn or tattered flag, please burn the old one (seriously). It is improper etiquette to throw a flag in the trash, proper respect requires burning.

**** no political statement meant or implied, just giving recommended procedure ****

 

[Malcolm R]

I think you can also give tired, worn flags to local veterans organizations (American Legion, VFW) and they will dispose of them properly.

 

[Rob Gardiner]

Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts troops will also do the deed.

 

[Mark Shannon]

Just remember that when you are burning the flag, be sure it is done in a respectful way, rather than just hanging it and letting it burn.

Joey, by saying the 'width of one stripe', I suppose you are referring to American Flags. Do you know what the proper rule would be for flags of other countries? Or would it jsut be the same?

 

[Ted Lee]

i saw something on tv about the way you're supposed to raise and lower the flag as well.

i don't recall exactly, but something about you raise it quickly, but lower it slowly (in a solemn manner).

also, i can't stand the people who drive around in cars with tattered flags. i appreciate the sentiment but c'mon ... if you're gonna display the flag, keep it neat.

 

[Craig Robertson]

also when flying at half staff, you raise the flag all the way to the top then lower back down to halfway. when striking colors you raise the flag to the top and then bring it down.

 

[Malcolm R]

Full details on Flag Etiquette here. (Link to American Legion).

 

[Joey Skinner]

Mark, I was referring to USA flag etiquette (forgot this is an international forum). Here are Canadian flags rules.

 

[Eric_L]

Actually, you should cut it into small pices first, then incinerate it.

 

[Seth--L]

Isn't it also considered proper etiquette not to fly a flag at night unless there is light shinning on it throughout the night?

 

[Gerald LaFrance]

I believe so.
also will the Girl scouts dispose of a flag like the boy scouts do??

 

[Yee-Ming]

It would appear most rules regarding flying of flags are universal (at least based on what I learned in handling the Singapore flag back in school), e.g. up at sunrise, down at sunset, a national flag goes up first and comes down last etc.