U.S. Flag - It's a Matter of Respect

One need only travel as far as the next home game to see that so many of our fellow citizens, for what ever reasons, do not follow proper Flag Etiquette. But look closely, it is not just the younger folks who appear oblivious; disrespect, ignorance and inattentiveness are not a matter of age.

Those of us who do try to render proper respect need to remember the necessity of being examples for our fellow citizens to follow. We need to render proper and timely salutes, standing tall and proud. We should all take advantage of the ‘teaching opportunities’ which present themselves constantly. We need to encourage the young veterans to prepare to shoulder the load, the standards, so proudly carried forward by those soldiers of past decades. And finally, we need to acquaint others with at least the following concepts:

To salute the flag, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute as specified by the uniform service. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hands over their hearts. Men with a head cover, a hat or cap, remove it with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute.

In a parade the flag should be in front of the marchers. At the moment the flag passes, all persons should show respect by standing at attention, facing the flag with their right hand over their hearts. Persons in uniform should face the flag and render their formal salute. During a parade it is appropriate to salute only the first United States Flag; subsequent U.S. Flags may be saluted at your discretion. When other types of flags are included in a color guard, the United States Flag should be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. It is never appropriate to dip the American flag. Dipping the flag is a sign of disrespect.

During the playing of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their hats with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

The flag is a symbol that represents all of America. It is not a political symbol. It is a symbol that each American should respect, for it represents the honor, courage and sacrifice of those who struggled to deliver freedom, justice and opportunity to all Americans

The flag signifies a people dedicated to liberty, justice and freedom for all. It is our companion around the world. The flag summons confidence on sight and will long be an ensign everywhere for all who love freedom and honor.