Fly the flag proudly—and correctly

The approach of summer holidays inspires many Americans, who share the Branson area values of faith, family and flag, to display the U.S. flag at their home, business, or at public areas such as cemeteries and churches. When doing so, it’s worth taking a few minutes to review basic pointers for flying the Stars and Stripes correctly and with honor. 

Since veterans have a significant investment of time and personal sacrifice in defending the values represented by the American flag, we reached out to a few area veterans for their thoughts about displaying the flag. For several, the condition of the flag is a big concern, with the public display of a worn, tattered, or stained flag particularly disturbing. Flags that have served their useful life should be properly retired, preferably by burning in a discreet or solemn ceremony to avoid being misconstrued as a protest. Veterans’ organizations or Scout troops sometimes hold such ceremonies. 

When it is time to replace the flag, the American Legion has a helpful video available at https://emblem.legion.org, with guidance on choosing the appropriate size, construction type and material for your setting. 

Another important point of consideration has to do with the place of ceremonial honor and the phrase “the flag’s own right.” At a church or public event, the U.S. flag should be in the place of honor to the speaker’s right—which would be the observer’s left. Any other flags or pennants should be to the U.S. flag’s left, with nothing to the flag’s right. Local veteran “Mac” McAllister, USN Ret., shared that he sees this problem frequently when folks display the flag on a vehicle or boat and fail to consider the “flag’s own right” in their placement. 

Another recent concern, mentioned by one veteran, has been the display of a flag with the union (blue field of stars) down. The U.S. Flag Code specifies the union should be displayed in the up position, except as a signal of dire distress involving extreme danger to life and property. Using the down position to express political dissatisfaction can be quite triggering to veterans who have actually had to use that signal for its intended purpose. 

In a grouping of flagpoles, the U.S. flag should be on the highest pole. In a three-flag grouping including a state flag and a business or other flag, the appropriate position for the U.S. flag is on the center pole if that is highest, and to its own right if poles are the same size. No other flag in a grouping should be larger than the U.S. flag. When multiple flags are on the same pole, the U.S. flag must be the highest, the only exception being an official church pennant flown above the U.S. flag during church services for Navy personnel being conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea. 

Around Memorial Day, flags are frequently used at cemeteries. It is important to remember that the U.S. Flag Code forbids using the flag for general decoration. If flags are placed to honor the graves of veterans, respect can be shown by using a support stake or piece of PVC pipe to make sure the flag does not touch the ground or become muddied during inclement weather. 

We at the Globe hope this brief overview is helpful for those planning summer celebrations. For specific situations or concerns not mentioned here, taking time to consult the U.S. Flag Code can help avoid unintentional violations. The Code is easily available at several websites including https://us-flag.net/code/ and https://www.military.com/flag-day/us-flag-code.html, and the American Legion shares a condensed Q & A version at https://emblem.legion.org. 

Enjoy your celebrations, as we celebrate our freedoms as Americans and those have served to defend them.