Flag protocol defines the proper placement, handling and use of flags. Some countries have added certain protocols into their law system while others prefer to have "guidelines" without civil or criminal consequences attached.
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General guidelines
General guidelines are accepted practically universally.
Much of the flag protocol is derived from common sense. That is, using it as a table cover or wrapping paper are inappropriate uses. It should be treated with respect. Many countries consider signing a flag disrespectful; adding a border would be more appropriate. Pinning or sewing items to a flag would also be ill advised.
On a mast or pole
The flag of honor, that is the nation's flag in most cases, is flown on the center mast if possible. It is also correct to fly the flag on its own right. To an observer it would be on the far left. If more than three flags are used, the proper position is as far left from the point of view of an observer. An additional flag may be placed on the right side, but is not necessary.
When two poles are crossed, the position of honor is the flag that ends on the left side from the point of view of an observer (the pole will therefore end on the right).
In a semicircle, the position of honor is the center. If a full circle is used outside an entrance to an arena or stadium, the position of honor is directly opposite the entrance. If used to line the walls of the arena, the flag should be placed directly opposite the entrance.
Hanging
When flown horizontally, as from a flag pole, the flag should be oriented so that the canton is closest to the top of the pole. If hung against a wall, the canton should be placed in the upper-left corner from the point of view of the observer.
When hung vertically, flags should be rotated so the canton is again closest to the top of the pole. If the flag is displayed against a wall, the canton should again appear in the upper-left corner, which incidentally requires that the flag be both rotated and 'flipped' from its horizontal orientation.
Other places
On a vehicle the flag should be affixed securely to the front right of the chassis.
When placed with a podium or at a place of worship the flag should hang directly behind or on a pole to the right of the speaker, from the point of view of the flag.
When carried in single file the flag of honor leads.
Multiple flags
When flags of many nations are flown the flag of the hosting country should be placed on the left with the rest following in alphabetical order in the language of the host country.
By Country
Canada
Canada has many rules when it comes to flag etiquette. The link provides official information on Canadian Flag Etiquette. [1]
France
When a French vessel meets another French ship, she is to lower and raise her ensign as a greeting. A merchant ship meeting a ship of the French Navy will greet three times.
India
The flag of India has a very distinctive protocol. [2]
Saudi Arabia
Because the flag of Saudi Arabia bears the Shahadah it is never flown at half-mast.
United States
Proper Display of the US Flag
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.
Half-staff
When the flag is displayed at half-staff, it is customary to raise it all the way up the flag pole, then lower it to the half way mark. This is also done when lowering the flag. The flag is only displayed at half-staff by presidential decree or act of Congress, the exception being Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, when the flag can be displayed at half-staff until sundown.
When displaying the U.S. Flag, it is customary for it to be above a state's flag when flown on the same pole. When flown separately, a state's flag may be at the same height as the U.S. flag, with the U.S. flag to the left of the state flag, from the perspective of the viewer. [3] [4] When flown with several state flags, the U.S. flag should be at the same height and to the flag's own right (viewer's left), or at the center of and higher than a grouping of state flags. [5] The idea that only the Texas and Hawaii flags, which are both former national flags (Texas being the Republic of Texas, and Hawaii being the Kingdom of Hawaii), may be flown at an equal height to the U.S. flag is a legend. [6]
Flag Retirement
According to United States Code found in Title 36, Chapter 10 pertaining to patriotic customs and observances:
§176(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.
These laws were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations.[7]
Alternatives to burning are being investigated. Due to the nature of current materials used to produce modern flags, namely nylon, toxic smoke is released at time of burning.
See also
External links
- "Flag Rules" from The Government of Canada
- Royal Yachting Association's advice on flag etiquette
- US Flag Etiquette
- UK flag flying protocol
- One-page illustrated guide to US flag display guidelines
Olean Flags & Banners http://www.talkingphonebook.com/listing/118860/52229/Olean+Flags+%7C+Banners/7163735296/1003+W+State/Olean/NY/14760
Author: whitedirectory
Keywords: accessories banners custom decals decorative etiquette flag flags for news posters signs state
Added: August 7, 2008
The Wheel
Channel 7 morning news visits Arkansas Flagandbanner.com to find out what the Wheel is all about and a little surprise for Kerry.
Author: CarolynFAB
Keywords: Kerry McCoy July 4th Arkansas flag and banner's flagandbanner.com
Added: July 28, 2008
Flag Sales Up
Fox 16's reporter Kelly Dudzick interviews Kerry McCoy, owner of FlagandBanner.com. Flag sales are not down despite economic issues.
Author: CarolynFAB
Keywords: american flag etiquette economy American flagandbanner.com internet sales patriotism
Added: July 14, 2008
KARK
KARK Ch. 4's reporter Tracy Douglass talks with Kerry McCoy for Arkansas Flagandbanner.com about decorating for 4th of July and flag etiquette.
Author: CarolynFAB
Keywords: flag etiquette american patriotism arkansas and banner flagandbanner.com kerry mccoy
Added: July 14, 2008
Bob Dylans 115th Dream.
if ya dont like it, ya not listening. I was riding on the Mayflower When I thought I spied some land I yelled for Captain Arab I have yuh understand Who came running to the deck Said, "Boys, forget the whale Look on over yonder Cut the engines Change the sail Haul on the bowline" We sang that melody Like all tough sailors do When they are far away at sea. "I think I'll call it America" I said as we hit the land I took a deep breath I fell down, I could not stand Captain Arab he started Writing up some deeds He said, "Let's set up a fort And start buying the place with beads" Just then this cop comes down the street Crazy as a loon He throw us all in jail For carryin' harpoons. Ah me I busted out Don't even ask me how I went to get some help I walked by a Guernsey cow Who directed me down To the Bowery slums Where people carried signs around Saying, "Ban the bums" I jumped right into line Sayin' "I hope that I'm not late" When I realized I hadn't eaten For five days straight. I went into a restaurant Lookin' for the cook I told him I was the editor Of a famous etiquette book The waitress he was handsome He wore a powder blue cape I ordered some suzette, I said "Could you please make that crepe" Just then the whole kitchen exploded From boillin' fat Food was flying anywhere And I left without my had. Now, I didn't mean to be nosy But I went into a bank To get some bail for Arab And all the boys back in the tank They asked me for some collateral And I pulled down my pants They threw me in the alley When up comes this girl from France Who invited me to her house I went, but she had a friend Who knocked me out And robbed my boots And I was on the street again. Well, I rapped upon a house With the US flag upon display I said, "Could you help me out I got some friends down the way " The man says, "Get out of here I'll tear you limp from limb" I said, "You know they refused Jesus, too" He said, "You're not Him Get out of here before I break your bones I ain't your pop" I decided to have him arrested And I went lookin for a cop. I ran right outside And I hopped inside a cab I went out the other door This Englishman said, "Fab" As he saw me leap a hot dog stand And a chariot that stood Parked across from a building Advertising brotherhood I ran right through the front door Like a hobo sailor does But it was just a funeral parlor And the man asked me who I was. I repeated that my friends Where all in jail, with a sigh He gave me his card He said, "Call me if they die" I shook his hand and said goodbye Ran out to the street When a bowling ball came down the road And knocked me off my feet A pay phone was ringing It just about blew my mind When I picked it up and said hello This foot came through the line. Well, by this time I was feed up At tryin'g to make a stab At bringin' back any help For my friends and captain Arab I decided to flip a coin Like either heads or tails Would let me know if I should go Back to the ship or back to jail So I hooked my sailor suit And I got a coin to flip It came up tails It rhymed with sails So I made it back to the ship. Well, I got back and took The parkin' ticket off the mast I was ripping it to shreds When this coastguard boat went past They asked me my name And I said, "Captain Kidd" They believed me but They wanted to know What exactly that I did I said for the Pope of Eruke I was employed They let me go right away They were very paranoid. Well, the last I heard of Arab He was stuck on a whale That was married to the deputy Sheriff of the jail But the funniest thing was When I was leavin' the bay I saw three ships a-sailin' There were all heading my way I asked the captain what his name was And how come he didn't drive a truck He said his name was Columbus I just said, "Good luck".
Author: majorsnag
Keywords: Dylan 115th Dream
Added: July 11, 2008