flag etiquette Archives - Professional Courtesy, LLC

Flags at Half-Staff Etiquette

December 5, 2018 by procourtesy

Flags at Half-Staff Etiquette

This week our country is mourning the loss of a former president, George Herbert Walker Bush, who died last Friday. When our leaders die we as a country, seem to come together well to remember their life and accomplishments. And it also gives us a chance to witness the pomp and circumstance that is afforded a president of the United States when they die.

President Trump declared an official day of mourning today, the day of the funeral in Washington and all flags are being flown at half-staff out of respect. Those flags will remain at half-staff for 30 days. Being honored with flags at half-staff is reserved for a select few and at times has been confusing as to who orders the gesture. So, I have reprinted my column from the News Sentinel from March of 2016 when I was asked about the protocol for flags being flown at half-staff for first ladies when they die.

Here is that column…

March 18, 2016
Flag at Half-Staff Etiquette

Q. Karen, I noted that American flags were at half-staff in honor of former first lady, Nancy Reagan when she died. Is this usual? I don’t remember it happening in the past for other first ladies. Who decides when flags are to be flown at half-staff ?

A. There is no set protocol for funerals and ceremonies when a first lady dies like there is when a former or sitting president dies. Funerals for former first ladies are usually private affairs. But President Obama ordered American flags be lowered to half-staff, out of respect to Mrs. Reagan, at federal buildings, military posts, U.S. Naval vessels and diplomatic missions until sunset the day of her burial.

The same was done for Lady Bird Johnson when she died in 2007, but it was not done when Betty Ford died in 2011 or for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1994 or Pat Nixon in 1993. However, there was a 30 day period of mourning at the White House for Mrs. Nixon and Mrs. Kennedy when they died.

The order or “proclamation” of flags being lowered to half-staff is done at a time when the entire country is in mourning, as when a former or sitting president dies or there has been a national tragedy like 9/11. It is also ordered at times for other officials or foreign dignitaries. The order comes from the President of the United States.

In the event of the death of a former or sitting official of any state or territory of the United States, the governor of that state can order flags to be flown at half-staff on federal and other government buildings in that state for a designated period of time.

For anyone else to order flags flown at half-staff is technically, a breach of flag etiquette. The strict rules and codes are designed to insure proper respect for our flag.

The period of time that flags fly at half-staff is usually anywhere from a 30 day period for presidents to 10 days for vice presidents. It depends on the status of the person or persons who died.

There are other days of the year when flags are flown at half-staff. For instance, Memorial Day…flags are ordered to be flown at half staff from sunrise to noon on that day every year, to honor war heroes. Also, September 11, which is now designated as “Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.”

The flag should be raised briskly to the top of the staff before being lowered to half-staff.

For more information on the rules and regulations for flying the American flag you can go to many web sites that list the official codes.

American Flag Etiquette

July 2, 2014 by procourtesy

American Flag Etiquette
With the Fourth of July coming up in two days, here is a little American Flag etiquette for you from the U.S. State Department website.

Guidelines for Display of the Flag

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the
U.S. flag. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own
flag codes and may impose penalties. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is
a living symbol.
In response to a Supreme Court decision which held that a state law prohibiting flag burning was
unconstitutional, Congress enacted the Flag Protection Act in 1989. It provides that anyone who
knowingly desecrates the flag may be fined and/or imprisoned for up to one year. However, this law
was challenged by the Supreme Court in a 1990 decision that the Flag Protection Act violates the
First Amendment free speech protections.
Important Things to Remember
Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the
flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject
to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an
all-weather flag.
It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions.
The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during
school days, and polling places on election days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered
ceremoniously.

The flag should never be draped or drawn back in folds. Draped red, white and blue bunting should be used
for decoration, with the blue at the top and red at the bottom.
The flag may be flown at half-staff to honor a newly deceased federal or state government official by order of
the president or the governor, respectively. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until
noon.

Other Things Not to Do with the Flag
Out of respect for the U.S. flag, never:

dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.
display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress.
let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise.
carry it horizontally, but always aloft.
fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled.
place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.
use it for holding anything.
use it as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be used on a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations,
military personnel, police officers and firefighters.
use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper napkins, boxes or anything else intended for temporary use and discard.

During the hoisting or lowering of the flag or when it passes in parade or review, Americans should
stand at attention facing the flag and place their right hand over the heart. Uniformed military
members render the military salute. Men not in uniform should remove any headdress and hold it
with their right hand at their left shoulder, the hand resting over the heart. Those who are not U.S.
citizens should stand at attention.

When the flag is worn out or otherwise no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed
in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

For more information regarding the American Flag go to:

http://answers.usa.gov/system/templates/selfservice/USAGov/#!portal/1012/article/5002/The-American-Flag-and-its-Protocol

Flags at Half-Staff Etiquette

American Flag Etiquette

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