Flag Etiquette

With Memorial Day just around the corner there will be a lot of flags on display. I love it when everyone has their flags out: it makes me feel proud of our country and the unity of those around me. There are certain etiquette rules that should be followed during this time  however, so I thought I would share them straight from the US Flag Orginization's Web Site.

• When the flag is displayed from a staff the union should be at the peak of the staff.
• When on display with another flag of any kind, the US flag must be on the top.
• When a flag is displayed over a street, it should be vertical with the union facing either East or North: if displayed over a sidewalk the union should be furthest from the building.
• When flown with other flags on different staffs the US flag should always be on its own right, and no other flag can be higher or larger. It should also be the first flag raised and the last flag lowered.
• If the US flag is flown with other National flags, all flags should be the same size, same height and should be raised and lowered simultaneously.
• When on display indoors, such as at a podium or banquet hall, it should always be displayed on the right side of the room  or podium (the flags right), all other flags should be on the left.
• When displaying a flag on the wall, from a window or draped fro the edge of a building the union should always be on the flags top or right, so the stars are on the viewers left.
• Only display flags that are of good condition. A torn or weathered flag should not be displayed.
• In times of distress a flag may be displayed upside down to show that you need assistance.

One of my favorite places to be is the National Cemetery where my father is buried. Every year the local High School goes around and places a small flag on every single grave site. What an amazing service that they provide! It is so awe inspiring to drive through there and see all of the flags everywhere, along with the "Street Of Flags". Very beautiful.

I hope to see a lot of flags out on display Monday. I am so grateful to all of the men and women who have given their lives for us to have the extremely comfortable lives we live and to have the rights and freedoms that we do. We will fly our flag with pride.