How to Fly The U S Flag When Mourning

When to fly the flag at half staff and who have the authority to order the flag be flown at half staff.

Slide1: How To Fly The United States Flag When Mourning by Sarah Wilson, EHOW Author June 30, 2008

Slide3: The National Flag Code was adopted on June 14-15, 1923 by the National Flag Conference. The National Flag Code identified acceptable ways to display, honor and retire the flag. The National Conference membership was comprised of Navy and Army personnel who wanted to establish guidelines for the treatment of the U.S. Flag. All in attendance at the conference adopted the guidelines.

Slide4: Many patriots become angry when the flag is improperly displayed or treated with disrespect. I believe that many who violate the flag code have no idea that they are violating the code.

Slide5: For some great information on how to hang your flag, click on this link (http://www.ehow.com/how_2102390_fly-american-flag.html) and read the article by eHOW Author, D. Weaver. It is very clear and easy to understand. Since Mr. Weaver have written on the proper way to hang the flag, I’m going to focus on displaying the U. S. Flag Code when in mourning.

Slide6: The U. S. Flag Code clearly states that the President of the United States and state Governors are the only two people who can order the flag be flown at half staff. The President of the United States will generally order the flag be flown at half-staff to mourn the loss of a prominent national figure such as a country’s president or a member of the cabinet. Pres. Harding 1921-1923

Slide7: A U.S. Governor may order the flag be flown at half-staff in honor of a current or former member of the judiciary system upon their death.

Slide8: The flag is draped over a deceased soldier’s coffin and completely covers it. When draping the flag over the coffin, the blue field (also called the union) is placed at the head of the casket over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave nor should it touch the ground.

Slide9: The Flag Code suggests the flag be flown at half staff for specific events. The recommended event and time the flag is to remain at half staff for each event is noted below: Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) Death of a President (30 days) Death of a Vice President (10 days) Current or former Chief Justice (10 days) Speaker of the House (10 days) Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Secretary of the Military Department and former Vice President, (until buried) Governors (until buried) Member of Congress (day of and day after death)

Slide10: Homeowners who cannot display their particular flag at half-staff (because it isn’t designed for it) should attach a black ribbon to the top of the flag to observe the mourning period.

Slide11: Two streamers of suitable length made of black crepe or black ribbon should be attached at the top of the pole just below the ornament.

Slide12: A flag that is displayed flat against a wall or that is hung vertically or horizontally should have the streamers affixed at each end of the top edge of the flag.

Slide13: Most states have separate laws governing the treatment of the U.S. flag inlcluding any act that is considered disrespectful. Half-staff describes a flag flying approximately halfway up a flagpole (though anywhere from one-third to two-thirds of the way up is acceptable). The President can order the flag be flown at half-staff at any time and for any duration. Even though it is not listed in the flag code, some say it is acceptable to fly the flag at half-staff on Patriot Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Slide14: ………..and May God Bless Our Nation!!!! Now you know the acceptable practices for flying the flag at half-staff and we can honor our heroes in the manner that many fought and died. God Bless You!

Slide15: THE END See the entire article at eHOW.com for additional “TIPS” on flag etiquette when mourning.

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