Executive Director’s Commentary
By Don Eversmann, F240000
March 2002
During the 30 years I served in the United States Navy, I was well schooled regarding respect for the U.S. flag and the protocol surrounding it. With the recent display of patriotism exhibited in the United States as a result of the September 11 tragedy, I have been pleased to see an increased number of American flags flying. It is this sense of unity and pride that has made our country strong and motivated many to give their lives in defense of its freedoms.
It concerns and upsets me when I see our flag displayed in an inappropriate manner or used long after the fabric has become worn (torn and shredded, in some cases). Recently, Eastern Area vice president Skip Skipper, F119793, shared a similar concern and indicated that our chapters could be aided if FMCA were to publish information about proper flag etiquette. He suggested we make it part of the Chapter President’s Handbook. The Executive Committee supported his proposal, and I am pleased to say that American flag etiquette and Canadian flag etiquette are now part of that manual.
In working with Skip and the Chapter Services Department to research flag etiquette and develop reference material for the chapters, it became quite evident that most of us, whether American or Canadian, might benefit from a little refresher as we personally display our country’s national ensign. So, this month’s “Executive Director’s Commentary” is devoted to providing a reminder of the proper etiquette that should be extended to the flags of our respective countries. Please display your country’s flag with pride and extend to it the respect that we all have for our countries and the freedoms that we hold dear.
American Flag Etiquette
The American flag should be displayed daily and especially on all holidays. It is the universal custom to display the national flag only from sunrise to sunset; however, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when it is an all-weather flag.
The flag should never be dipped toward any person or object, nor should the flag ever touch anything beneath it — ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
The flag should never be carried horizontally, but always aloft and free.
Never place anything on the flag.
Always store the flag in a manner that will prevent it from being torn, soiled, or damaged.
When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning, privately.
Displaying the American flag
When the flag is displayed from an angled or horizontal staff, the blue field, also known as the union, should be at the peak. When the flag is displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, the blue field should be at the top and to the left of the observer. When displayed in a window, the flag should be hung so that the blue field is on the left when you see it from the street.
If you display the flag next to other flags or pennants, place it on the right side of a single flag or at the center of a group and slightly higher than the other flags. If more than one flag is on the same staff, the American flag should be at the top. The American flag should always be hoisted first and lowered last.
When the flag is displayed on a speaker’s platform, it is placed to the speaker’s right. Other flags are placed to the speaker’s left. If displayed in the body of the assembly, the flag should be on the assembly’s right as they face the front.
When displayed from a car, the staff should be fixed or secured firmly to the vehicle, ideally on the right side. The flag should never be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a car.
When flags from two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown on separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag, or when the flag is passing in parade, all should face the flag. Hats should be removed and you should place your right hand over your heart.
Folding the American flag
Bring the striped half up over the blue field. Fold it in half again. Bring the lower striped corner to the upper edge, forming a triangle. Then fold the upper point in to form another triangle. Continue until the entire length of the flag is folded. When you get near the end, with nothing but the blue field showing, tuck the last bit into the other folds to secure it.
Canadian flag Etiquette
The Canadian flag should be displayed daily and especially on all holidays. The flag should be displayed only in a manner befitting the national emblem; it should not be subjected to indignity or displayed in a position inferior to any other flag or ensign. The flag always takes precedence over all other national flags when flown in Canada. The only flags to which precedence is given over the Canadian flag are the personal standards of members of the Royal Family and of Her Majesty’s representatives in Canada.
The flag should always be flown aloft and free.
It is improper to use the flag as a table or seat cover or as a masking for boxes, barriers, or intervening space between floor and ground level on a dais or platform.
Always store the flag in a manner that will prevent it from being torn, soiled, or damaged.
When a flag becomes tattered and is no longer in a suitable condition for use, it should be destroyed in a dignified way by burning it privately.
Displaying the Canadian flag
When the flag is displayed from an angled or horizontal staff, the upper part of the leaf should be up and the stem down. When the flag is displayed horizontally against a wall, the upper part of the leaf should be to the left and the stem should be to the right as seen by spectators.
If you display the flag crossed with another flag, the Canadian flag should be on the left of the observer facing the flags; the staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag. In a group of three, the Canadian flag should be in the center. The other flags should be in alphabetical order to the left and right. When more than three flags are displayed, the Canadian flag should be on the left of the observer facing the flag; the following flags should be in alphabetical order. An additional Canadian flag may be flown at the end of the line. The Canadian flag should be raised first and lowered last, unless the number of flags permits their being raised and lowered simultaneously.
When the flag is displayed on a speaker’s platform, it is placed to the speaker’s right. When displayed on a car, the flag must be on a pole firmly fixed to the chassis on the front right.
When flags from two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag, or when the flag is passing in parade, all should face the flag. Hats should be removed and people should stand at attention; all should remain silent. Those in uniform should salute.
Folding the Canadian flag
The flag is folded from the top down (to the stem of the leaf). Start at the left side of the flag, leaving the short rope attachments out. The flag is then folded the second time from top to bottom, and then folded in a triangular manner from left to right. Care must be taken to make sure that the top short rope is marked. When the flag has been folded, the rope is wrapped around the flag and the lower rope is tucked into it with a loop. The flag is now ready for raising the next day. The top rope (not tucked under) is clipped to the flagpole rope, and the flag is raised to the top of the pole still folded. The bottom rope is clipped to the other end of the flagpole rope. When the flag is raised, the rope is pulled and the flag unfurls.