Section 1 a “Blueprint” for the 21st Century Purpose

Positioning/Timing Protocol

1. 
   The order of the ceremony is the sounding of “Taps,” the folding of the flag, and then the presentation of the flag to the family. If there is a firing party, the volleys are fired before the sounding of “Taps.” The detail leader is responsible for ensuring each step in the ceremony is executed properly, from the arrival of the funeral cortege to its departure.
   

2. 
   The bugler and color guard should be placed at the gravesite so they are in view of the family, approximately 30-40 yards from the grave. The firing party should also be in view of the family, but 45-75 yards from the grave, positioned to fire over the grave.
   

3. 
   The firing party may include three to eight riflebearers, reflecting the American military custom of firing “three volleys of musketry” over the graves of fallen comrades.
   

4. 
   The Military Honors detail should be positioned near where the hearse will stop. After the funeral procession has arrived, the funeral director will open the rear of the hearse and the pallbearers should move into position so they can move easily to the back of the hearse when needed.
   

5. 
   When the family is ready to proceed, the funeral director will signal the pallbearers to withdraw the casket from the hearse and carry it to the grave. The bugler, firing party and color guard are already in their gravesite positions.
   
6. 
   All detail participants (except for the pallbearers) will come to “Attention” and “Present Arms” as the casket is carried to the grave. All detail participants will “Order arms” after the casket has been placed on the lowering device. Pallbearers may be instructed to hold the flag over the casket, or move off as a group and stand in formation for the service.
   

7. 
   During the committal or religious service, all the detail participants may go to “Parade Rest.”
   

8. 
   When the committal or religious service is completed, the service representative and assistant will assume the clergy representative’s position at the head of the grave and all detail participants will come to the position of “Attention.” Then, the funeral director will ask the mourners to stand for the rendering of honors.
   

9. 
   Once the mourners have risen, the detail leader and all elements will execute “Present Arms,” volleys will be fired, and “Taps” sounded. Upon completion of “Taps,” all will “Order Arms” and the funeral director will request the mourners to be seated.
   

10. 
    Next the flag is folded. The two person military detail, the pallbearers, or a combination of the two can do this. Once the flag is folded, it MUST end up in the hands of the detail assistant, who will pass it to the detail leader.
    

11. 
    The detail leader will present the flag to the next of kin. (The wording accompanying the presentation should be in accordance with each Military Service’s tradition of expressing the thanks of a grateful Nation.)
    

12. 
    Following the flag presentation, the detail leader will offer condolences to the remainder of the immediate family and other mourners seated in the front row. It is appropriate and encouraged for a representative of the Authorized Provider to offer condolences after the detail leader.
    

13. 
    Once condolences have been offered, the detail leader and assistant will return to the cortege arrival point and await the departure of the cortege. The bugler, firing party and color guard are released when the detail leader departs the gravesite. They may choose to remain in place until the family departs, or can return quietly to their own vehicles.
    

It is the sacred obligation of all Americans to honor our deceased veterans by performing these time-honored duties in the best tradition of the decedent’s Service. America’s veterans like The American Legion are helping to fulfill that obligation by supplementing the effort of the Military Services.

It is well to remember that Memorial Day originated at the close of the Civil War, and therefore, Posts of The American Legion should give due recognition on the program to the veterans of earlier wars.

”In place of the following prayer, the Chaplain may deliver one of own of the same length and general tenor.

“When we recall the things they did, the hero hosts seem mighty in our midst. When peril threatened and their Country called, with what divine self-sacrifice they left their paths of peace to spring to arms, to make their breasts a barricade against the nation’s foes. No sorrow for the loved ones left behind could dim the purpose in their souls. No weariness of march and watch could keep them from their hearts’ desire. No horror of the field, or sea, or air could beat their courage down.

“They fought for us; for us they fell. Now with one accord, in deepest reverence, we do them honor. Let us not remember them in anguish; they would not wish our pity. For their sakes also let us not forget the loved ones left behind. Our tears or words of sympathy cannot bring back the comfort of those loving hands or the music of those voices stilled. Only the solemn pride of having given more than all the rest is theirs who live to weep. But all the world, because of what they gave, is debtor to them.

“Comrades, on this Memorial Day let us pledge ourselves anew to patriotic service. Let us make ourselves the friend and brother, son and father, of those who will not see their own again in mortal flesh. Let us grasp with fearless hands the Flag so nobly borne before, and, like those others, plant it always on the battlements of righteousness.

“All who stand with us today, will you not consecrate yourselves with us to emulate their sacred service that those who rest in heroes’ graves may not have died in vain?

“Let us stand with bowed heads in solemn memory of our heroic dead.”

“The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by the audience.

In case there are no exercises elsewhere, those at the cemetery may be lengthened to include Memorial Day Service for Public Hall of Grove.

Order of March:

1. Colors

2. Music

3. Firing Squad

4. American Legion

5. Others On arrival at the cemetery, the procession is drawn up in hollow square, or other suitable formation.

Sergeant-at-Arms deposits flowers.

In the case of naval Posts, it may be desired to scatter flowers on sea or a stream instead.

Officer in charge of Firing Squad shall cause the salute to be fired in the manner prescribed by the Infantry Drill Regulations in force at the time.

Post returns in the same order of march as before.

This ceremony is intended for public halls or groves where public services are held.

The audience is seated. After the preliminary parade, the Post enters, in uniform or wearing ceremonial badges, and files into the reserved space, or seats. The Commander takes designated place upon the platform with the Chaplain, guests and speaker.

Commander: “(Post, Name and #), Department of ..............., The American Legion, attention to orders.”

The Adjutant shall read orders.

After the rewarding of orders, the Post will be seated.

Commander: “Comrades and friends: We meet to celebrate the anniversary of our Country’s independence. The Vice-Commander will read portions from the Declaration made by our forefathers on July 4, 1776.”

The Vice-Commander shall then read:

“When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed and that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over the states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

“We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”

“To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America: to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to Posterity the principles of Justice, Freedom and Democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.”

Music.

The Commander will introduce the speaker of the day.

It is optional for the Post to have children in patriotic dress to sing “America,” “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean,” or other patriotic music at this point.

Chaplain: “Let us stand in silence in memory and in honor of the soldiers of the Revolutionary War and those after them who have fought that Liberty might endure.”

“The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The Post files out and is dismissed.
Veterans Day

Public Hall or Grove

The Post files in and is seated in reserved space or seats. The Commander, Chaplain and other officers or members with speaking parts take their places on the platform. Four officers give the active parts or other members designated by the Commander.

“We beseech Thee to bring the blessings of understanding to the families and friends, in this and other lands, of those who have given their lives that men may be free. Grant, O God, that those closest to the fallen may mingle the pain of their losses with the ennobling light of sacrifice for civilization—sacrifice for a better world for this and other generations yet unborn.

“Grant us too, O God, the courage to so live with the family of nations around the world that the end of strife will be the beginning of enduring peace. Grant us patience in planning with our fellow men and women a world in which nations may resolve their differences by peaceful means.

“Touch Thou the souls of people in every land with the enduring light of wisdom so they may form a brotherhood which will strive to further the arts of peace under laws and ethics blessed by Thy love.

“Grant us now Thy continued blessing upon unity and strength, that makes victories possible in war, that we may win greater victories of peace.

“Amen.”

“We remember how men and women set aside their civilian pursuits to serve their nation’s cause, defending the freedom of mankind and preserving our precious American heritage.

“We believe our strength on the field of battle, on the supply lines which nourished our armed might, lay in the justice of our cause against the forces of evil. We believe our determination made us better warriors because we fought with our minds and our hearts as well as our bodies.

“We recognize service to our country and her cause does not end with the termination of military service. We continue our endeavors in behalf of an honorable world peace with a feeling of profound gratitude to God, and to the men and women who gave their lives as their part of the cost of this noblest of causes.

“Out of blood and sweat we learned of purpose, sacrifice, tolerance, bravery and discipline. These are solid foundation stones upon which a great nation is built. In our continuing quest for an honorable world peace we must cultivate these virtues.”

President or representative of the American Legion Auxiliary: “The waging of war involves more than just the combatants who fight to the death on the field of battle. The fighting forces begin at the fireside and in the hometowns. The repercussions of war’s terrible brutality have chilled the heart and dimmed the hopes and dreams of many a loved one left behind on the homefront.

“While the horrors of the battlefield may not have been our experience, we have lived with the terrifying loneliness created to answer an aggressor’s challenge.

“In waging war, we have moved forward with a unity of purpose which made us strong, forgetting pettiness, egotism and pride. Our hearts beat in tune with those in other nations fighting for freedom and the dignity and opportunity of mankind. In our constant quest for an honorable world peace, there is need for unity of purpose if we truly are to move toward a brighter tomorrow.”

First Officer: “If there be glory in war, it is the almost incredible spirit which it engenders. Those who offered their lives, sacrifice their all, with magnificent abandon. Heroism becomes contagious. Yet, too, in warfare, greed and brutality are epidemic. Too often it is these later which persist in the peace that follows. Let us strive to see the same spirit of self-sacrifice is cultivated in peace as has been exhibited in war.

“It behooves us to rear new standards of success, to inspire youth in peace as youth was inspired in war. Public honor must be given, where public honor is due; not to the manipulator of a market, the seeker after profit, power or position; but rather, let us honor the heroes of science who alleviate human suffering and carry to greater heights the standards of civilization.

“Let us honor those who in public service seek not how much they may secure from the nation but how much they can give. Let us honor those who devote their lives to that education, which will lead our children on to live and laugh and learn and love, as we have only dreamed of doing. Let us honor those veterans who carry into ordinary affairs of life a noble idealism and sincere capacity for self-devotion. Let us translate the devotion of war into a devotion of peace. Let us will to live as well as die for our Country.”

Woman Veteran: “The hurts of war fall alike upon those who wear the same uniform, no matter how they may differ in race, creed or culture. Those who fight together suffer together to achieve a common aim.

“In the similarity of battle dress, there is a common denominator. The common purpose, the sharing of danger and suffering which brings in time of war a tolerance which adds strength to the cause.

“As we put aside the brown and blue and green fabrics that made us one people on the battlefields, we can hold in our minds that tolerance we have achieved. In tolerance there is progress—progress toward a better and a happier world.”

Second Officer: “Courage is one of the virtues born of war—the courage of individuals in the face of danger and the courage of nations to protect the weak and punish the aggressor.

“There is bravery to be shown in peace as well. May we recapture the courage which turned the wilderness into cities, that bound men together under government.

“We can turn slums into comfortable homes; turn uncertainty into certainty. We can reach new heights of civilization and opportunity for the men and women of this nation if we have the courage to expect and work for a better way of life.

“There can be romance in this challenge also. The bravery that fights for political, social, economic and spiritual gains may be more difficult to practice—may be unsung when achieved—but it is all the more worth striving for.”

‘The game is more than the player . . .

And the ship is more than the crew.’

“There is a greater discipline we must now pursue if we are to preserve this virtue of obedience in our quest for an honorable world peace. That is obedience to the laws we, ourselves, make—the voluntary discipline of citizenship.

“Under our system of government we may change the laws by majority rule. We may persuade our neighbors to new theories or new courses. We may advocate in free elections the choice of veterans or plans. As good citizens we follow the choice of the majority, whether that choice be the individual’s or not.

“This is the virtue of discipline which must be ours in peace. This is the lesson we must learn at home, in school, on the playing fields, in organizations, in the community, and the nation. It is the lesson of voluntary obedience to the decisions of the majority.

“We must not be unmindful either of the conclusions of other peoples with whom we have joined in the quest for an honorable world peace, this is the higher order of disciplines.”

Commander: “In time of peace we can use the ennobling virtues of war and put behind us its ugliness and suffering. In peace we shall go forward together to scale new heights of achievement in unity of purpose, in sacrifice for the common good, in tolerance for those of different faiths and creeds, in bravery to fight for social and economic gains, and in the discipline of good citizenship. We shall move forward in the sight of God as a strong nation in a peaceful world.”

Other speakers may be introduced by the Commander:

“The Star-Spangled Banner”

This ceremony is a suggested outline to be followed when an American Legion organization may wish to retire, not destroy, colors which have become unserviceable.

“Sergeant-at-Arms, you will have the Color Guard advance and present the colors for final inspection.”

The colors are brought to the Commander’s rostrum in proper form.

Sergeant-at-Arms: “We have the honor to present for inspection and retirement the colors which have served our Post for (name number) years.” (Sergeant-at-Arms steps to one side.)

Commander: The members of the inspection team will examine the colors.” (The two inspectors can be Post officers.)

First Inspector: “The colors have become faded and worn as a result of use in Post functions. I recommend they be retired.”

Second Inspector: “These colors have become unserviceable in a worthy cause and they should be honorably retired from further service.

Commander: “Sergeant-at-Arms, prepare the colors for retirement.”

Sergeant-at-Arms instructs the Color Guard to prepare to retire the colors.

The Commander gives three raps of the gavel.

Commander: “The Chaplain will offer prayer.”

Chaplain: “Almighty God, Captain of all hosts and Commander over all, bless and consecrate this gathering.

“We thank you for our country and its Flag, and for the liberty for which it stands.

“We thank you for The American Legion and its banner, and the privilege you have given us to serve our country in its hours of need and to continue to serve our country in time of peace. Amen.”

Commander: “Sergeant-at-Arms, retire the colors.”

It is presumed most Posts will desire to retain their old colors in a trophy case or some other place where they can be properly displayed or stored.

This is a very desirable ceremony to present as part of a Flag Day observance.

The Post assembles in meeting, out-of-doors, at night. Members are aligned in two parallel rows about twenty feet apart, facing each other. Officers at their stations as shown. A small fire is burning opposite the Commander and beyond the rows of members.

Sergeant-at-Arms: “Comrade Commander, we wish to present a number of unserviceable Flags of our Country for inspection and disposal.”

Commander: “Comrade Sergeant-at-Arms, advance with your detail and present the Flags for disposal and inspection.”

”Sergeant-at-Arms calls detail to attention. They form at the Post of the Sergeant-at-Arms, take the Flags which are to be inspected, march abreast down center until opposite the Second Vice-Commander, turn right and halt two paces in front of the Second Vice-Commander. The Sergeant-at-Arms steps one pace forward and salutes.

“A Flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze, or a beautiful banner of finest silk. Its intrinsic value may be trifling or great; but is real value is beyond price, for it is a precious symbol of all that we and our comrades have worked for and lived for, and died for—a free nation of free men and

women, true to the faith of the past, devoted to the ideals and practice of Justice, Freedom and Democracy.

“Let these faded Flags of our Country be retired and destroyed with respectful and honorable rites and their places be taken by bright new Flags of the same size and kind, and let no grave of our soldier, sailor, or airman dead be unhonored and unmarked. Sergeant-at-Arms, assemble the Color Guard, escort the detail bearing the Flags and destroy these Flags by burning. The members shall stand at attention.”

“We thank you for our Country and its Flag, and for the liberty for which it stands.

“To a clean and purging flame we commit these Flags, worn out in worthy service. As they yield their substance to the fire, may your Holy Light spread over us and bring our hearts renewed devotion to God and Country. Amen.”

Commander: “Hand salute.”

Color Guards present arms. Post Standard is dipped. All officers and members, except those on the Flag detail, salute. Members of the Flag detail dip the unserviceable Flags in kerosene and place them on a rack over the fire. Bugler sounds “To the Colors.”

The Color Guard shall resume its station and detail is dismissed.

Color Guard advances down center and places Colors. Members of the detail resume their places among the members.
Diagram – Dignified Disposal of Unserviceable Flags

Flag Presentation

1. 
   Open ceremony with Chairman or Master of Ceremonies calling gathering
   

EXAMPLE—The audience will please come to order. We are gathered here for an important patriotic and solemn purpose. To witness the presentation of the Flag of our country, “Old Glory” to ..............., by ............... .

2. 
   Let us stand while .... pronounces the invocation. (Post Chaplain or local minister)
   
3. 
   Reading—”Your Flag and My Flag,” by Wilbur D. Nesbit (Chairman introduces
   

4. Purpose of Presentation—A brief explanation of purpose of presentation, the organization or person presenting the Flag and the organization or individual to whom the Flag is to be presented. (By chair or other designated person.)

5. Presentation of Flag—Person making presentation should have Flag ready. Be sure Flag has been properly folded in form of colonial hat with only the blue field and stars thereon showing. (See “Flag and Flag Etiquette” in index.) Person who is to receive the Flag is called from the front of audience, and after a few well-chosen words by the presenting person, receives the Flag.

EXAMPLE—It is a great privilege and pleasure to have the honor of presenting this beautiful symbol of our country, the Flag of the United States of America, “The Stars and Stripes,” to .....…...., on behalf of ......…... . May it always fly over our land, representing a government instituted by our founding fathers that will always champion Freedom and Justice.

6. Acceptance of the Flag—Person receiving Flag makes acceptance speech.

EXAMPLE—With sincere thanks and appreciation, I accept this beautiful and precious Flag on behalf of ............... . Thank you.

7. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be recited by everyone present. (Legionnaires will remove their caps.)

8. Mass singing— “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America,” or other appropriate patriotic song.

6. 
   Benediction.
   

Note—This suggested program is for a brief ceremony. Should a more elaborate program be desired, such as raising the Flag on a flagpole, etc., hold presentation ceremonies as indicated above and extend program following item #6 and before mass singing and the benediction.

If a flag raising is included in the ceremony, it’s recommended an Honor Guard consisting of at least seven (7) riflemen, two (2) Color Bearers carrying the American Flag and American Legion Colors, and two (2) Legionnaires to raise the Flag be marched to the flagpole. (A 150 feet distance is recommended, although this will vary as circumstances permit.)

After the Flag is raised, and/or National Anthem is played, the Honor Guard should fire one volley as a salute to the Flag.

If a band is not available to play the National Anthem, a bugler could be substituted to play “To the Colors.”

******************************************************************


The Flag Code

Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1

As amended by P. L. 80, 106^th Congress, 1st Session, October 25, 1999.
As Adopted by the National Flag Conference, Washington, D.C., June 14-15, 1923, and Revised and Endorsed by the Second National Flag Conference, Washington, D.C., May 15, 1924. Revised and adopted at P.L. 623, 77th Congress, Second Session, June 22, 1942; as Amended by P.L. 829, 77th Congress, Second Session, December 22, 1942; P.L. 107 83rd Congress, 1st Session, July 9, 1953; P.L. 396, 83rd Congress, Second Session, June 14, 1954; P.L. 363, 90th Congress, Second Session, June 28, 1968; P.L. 344, 94th Congress, Second Session, July 7, 1976; P.L. 322, 103rd Congress, Second Session, September 13, 1994; P.L. 225, 105th Congress, Second Session, August 12, 1998; and P.L. 80, 106th Congress, First Session, October 25, 1999.
§ 4. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, ''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, with liberty and justice for all,'' should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the United States of America is established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the Government of the United States. The flag of the United States for the purpose of this chapter shall be defined according to sections 1 and 2 of this title and Executive Order 10834 issued pursuant thereto.

(a) It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

(b) The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

(c) The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed.

(d) The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, the third Monday in January; Lincoln's Birthday, February 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother's Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.

(e) The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution.

(f) The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days.

(g) The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.

The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

(a) The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (i) of this section.

(b) The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

(c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.

(d) The flag of the United States of America, 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.

(e) The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.

(f) When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right.

(g) When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

(h) When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the windowsill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.

(i) When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

(j) When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

(k) When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.

(l) The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument, but it should never be used as the covering for the statue or monument.

(m) The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection -

(1) the term ''half-staff'' means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;

(2) the term ''executive or military department'' means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and

(3) the term ''Member of Congress'' means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

(n) When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

(o) When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer's left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east.

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

(a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.

(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

(f) The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.

(g) The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.

(h) The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
§ 9. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag

During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.

Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the United States of America, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, whenever he deems it to be appropriate or desirable; and any such alteration or additional rule shall be set forth in a proclamation.