Flag Etiquette 2021

FLAG Etiquette

GUIDE

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE BLACK HILLS PIONEER

MAY 2021

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BLACK HILLS PIONEER | FLAG ETIQUETTE

May 2021

Displaying the

We salute our fallen and give thanks to those who serve.

Flag

Many men and women have fought to protect the United States flag throughout our country’s history, so it’s important we uphold complete respect and care for the flag so many have sacrificed their lives to protect.

Dr. Tammy Hersch, O.D. Dr. Eryn Caudill, O.D.

1420 North Ave., Suite 1 • Spearfish, SD 605-642-0387

If you are hosting an event, parade or some sort of gathering where the flag will be present, there are some key flag etiquettes you’ll need to know:

WHEN TO DISPLAY

Never Forget... Always Honor 2312 Dakota Avenue Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605.892.0900 americinn.com

Thank ou Y

to all the men and women who have served to preserve our flag.

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Having the utmost care and respect for our flag is a responsibility all Americans should uphold and feel proud of. According to the Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1, section 4, the universal time to display the flag is sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open.

There may be a flag displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during hours of darkness.

The section continues the flag should be hoisted and lowered ceremoniously. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when the flag is an all-weather flag.

The section also states the flag should be displayed on all holidays.

The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution, polling place on election days and schoolhouses.

POSITION AND MANNER Now that we know when to display the flag, the next step is to learn how to display the flag appropriately. If you are flying the flag on a pole with other flags than the U.S. flag, the U.S. flag must be flown higher than the other flags around.

If the flag is displayed on a speaker’s platform, the flag should be displayed above and behind the speaker.

On days where the flag is flown half-staff, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before being lowered.

RESPECT FOR THE FLAG The flag of the United States should be handled with the utmost care and respect. There are some things you should never do with and to the flag.

Section 8 of the United States Code for the flag states the flag should never be displayed with the union down. The union portion of the flag is the portion that is blue and shows a star for each state. The only exception for the union being down is if you are in dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground or water. The flag should also never be carried flat or horizontally, it should always be carried aloft and free.

Never use the flag to carry, hold or deliver anything.

History Flag Day

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of

Photos Courtesy of National Archives

To better help you teach your students or children about the importance of the American flag, here is a brief history of Flag Day provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

HISTORY OF OLD GLORY During the siege of Boston, which was taken over by the British army, Gen. George Washington ordered the Grand Union Flag to be hoisted above his base at Prospect Hill. The original flag had 13 alternate red and white stripes and the British Union Jack in the upper left corner.

On June, 14 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act to establish an official flag for the new nation. Between 1777 and 1990, Congress and the president have enacted several laws changing the shape, design and arrangement of the flag as our nation has grown. Adding additional stars to reflect the new admission of each state.

LIST OF ACTS ADDED BETWEEN 1777-1990: • Act of January 1794 provided for 15 stripes and 15 stars after May 1795.

• Act of April 4, 1818, provided for 13 stripes and one star for each state, to be added to the flag on the Fourth of July following the admission of each new state.

• Executive Order of June 24, 1912, established proportions of the flag and provided for arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of eight each, a single point of each star to be upward.

TODAY’S FLAG AND ITS MEANING Just like the flag folding process holds meaning with each fold, each color of the flag carries its own meanings.

Our flag today consists of 13 horizontal stripes, seven red, alternating with six white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies; the stars represent the 50 states of the Union.

• Executive Order of Jan. 3, 1959, provided for the arrangement of the stars in seven rows of seven stars each, staggered horizontally and vertically.

• Red symbolizes hardiness and valor.

• Executive Order of Aug., 21, 1959 provided for the arrangement of the stars in nine rows of stars staggered horizontally and eleven rows of stars staggered vertically.

• White symbolizes purity and innocence

Thank You

To all the men and women who have served to preserve our flag Sturgis Veterans Club • 605-347-4682

• Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

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Teaching

Flag Etiquette to Kids As time goes on and our country gets older, the meaning behind the flag can become less important to kids.

It’s important teachers and parents today pass down the history and meaning behind our nation’s flag.

Here are some tips on lessons to teach.

CR E AT E A LESSON PL A N Teachers have the best chance to teach their students about the American flag and appropriate etiquette. It’s also important to encourage other teachers and even parents of your students to teach their kids about the flag.

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Get together with principals and other teachers or parents in your school system who can create a special flag day event for all students.

Invite leaders to speak to the student body of the importance of the flag and what it has meant to them in their lives.

Encourage students to participate in some kind of group project together or individual projects to share what they have learned about the flag and what it has taught them.

T E ACH A MER ICA N HISTORY

T E ACH STAT E FL AG ET IQUET T E

Take the time as you are teaching your students and kids about the flag to teach them about the rest of the United States history and how the flag ties into it all. They should learn how the U.S. began and how it evolved into the America we know today.

Find online sources and software that can show a visual timeline of the states and how they changed.

Flag Day isn’t the only time to learn about the U.S flag but it also is the time teach your students about your state’s flag and its history. Each state flag has its own history and its own design. Be sure to mention how your state flag was created.

Explain how Congress approved the design of a national flag on June 14, 1777.

Thank you to the brave men & women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Let us remember those who courageously gave their lives.

“Oh Long May It Wave O’er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!”

– Francis Scott Key

B E L L E PA C K A G E L I Q U O R

• 1845 5T H AV E., B E L L E F O U R C H E • 605.892.4125

Veterans of Foreign Wars Black Hills Post #5969 10 Pine Street, Deadwood • 605-722-9914

Flag Folding Basics

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As a part of showing the United States flag the utmost respect, the flag should be folded a certain way and stored or kept safely.

The American Legion demonstrates how to appropriately fold the flag.

First, you begin by straightening the flag to full length and folding lengthwise once.

Fold it lengthwise a second time to meet the open edge, making sure the union of stars portion remains outward in full view. A triangular fold is then started bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge.

After you’ve folded the first triangle, the outer point is then turned inward, parallel with the open edge, to form a second triangle. Continue the triangular folding through the blue union portion of the flag until the end is reached with only the blue showing.

If you didn’t know, the way the flag is folded carries a meaning.

Legion.org shares the meaning behind the traditional way the United States Flag is folded.

AmericanLegion.org says the

flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. In the U.S Armed Forces, during the ceremony of retreat, the flag is lowered, folded and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead. The following morning the flag is brought out and represents the symbol of the nation’s belief in the resurrection the body.

The flag is not just a cloth that represents our country and all it’s glory. The flag has meaning behind its colors and its design. The flagfolding process, if done correctly, should only be folded about 12 times.

The proper way to destroy a worn out non-serviceable flag is by burning. Although the flag code suggests individuals should do so discretely so it is not perceived as a protest or desecration.

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This Memorial Day, we REMEMBER and HONOR all those who have SERVED and SACRIFICED for our FREEDOM.

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BLACK HILLS PIONEER | FLAG ETIQUETTE

Remember...

Freedom is not Free We dedicate our thanks to those who dedicated their lives to this great country.

Their courage, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We salute the military heroes we have lost, and those who continue to protect our freedom today.

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Flag at

May 2021

Half-Staff If you have a flag pole in your yard or are planning to install one in your yard, there are things you should know about flag positioning.

Here is some information on the proper way to handle a halfstaff flag.

WHAT IS HALF-STAFF The mourning flag or “halfstaff” means the position of the flag is half the distance between the top and the bottom of the staff. USA.gov says the president, through a presidential proclamation, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to be flown at half-staff.

Most of the time, it is marked to mourn the death of a government official, military member, first responder or in honor of Memorial Day or other national holiday of remembrance. The heads of departments and agencies may also order the flag to be flown at half-staff on buildings, grounds or naval vessels under their jurisdiction.

According to VeteransAffairs. gov, before March 1954, no regulations existed for flying the flag at half-staff. On March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times.

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W HE N TO FLY H A LF-STA FF According to Veterans Affairs, the flag should be flown halfstaff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels throughout the United States and its’ territories and possessions after the death of the president or former president. It is to fly at half-staff for 10 days after the death of a vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the Supreme Court, or of the death of the speaker of the House of Representatives.

The flag should also be flown at half-staff at all federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels on the day of and the day after the death of a U.S. senator, representative, territorial delegate or resident commissioner. The president may order the flags to be flown at half-staff to mark the death of other officials, former officials or foreign officials. The president may also order the flags to be flown half-staff after tragic events.

When flown half-staff, the flag should be run up to the top of the staff before being lowered slowly to the half-staff position.

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FLAG FACTS Flag Day should be celebrated with honor and fun. You should be proud of the flag and what is represents for our country.

Here are some flag facts you can tell everyone on Flag Day, according to the National Flag Foundation.

Flag Day is June 14, 2021.

• Our country has existed for 245 years, and in those years there have been a lot of different types of flags. Did you know there have been 27 different versions of the American flag? The 1777 original flag had 13 stripes and 13 stars to represent the original American colonies. As states were added to the United States, a star was added to the flag.

• Earth is not the only place to have seen our nation’s flag. Six American flags have made been on the moon. All flags to have seen the moon came from the Apollo missions. Missions 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 all ended with an astronaut placing a flag on the moon.

• There have been many different flags throughout the existence of the United States. Our current flag’s design, however, has lasted more than 50 years. It might be due to the fact that no states have been admitted since Alaska and Hawaii in 1959.

• The current design of the American flag wasn’t made by a professional at all. It was made by a 17-year-old high school student. Robert G, Heft, of Lancaster, Ohio, submitted the design in a contest in 1958. It was chosen from among 1,500 different designs by President Dwight Eisenhower. That goes to show no matter how old or who you are, you can make an effect in this country somehow.

• In our flag etiquette section, we talked about how the flag should mostly be flown throughout until sunset. While it is federal law that the flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset, there are measures that can be taken to show the flag for 24 hours.

Make sure you properly illuminate the flag so it can be seen in the dark.

The Spearfish Post 164 American Legion Family thanks and honors those who courageously gave their lives in combat and also those who bravely fight today.

Memorial DayNever Forget Their Service

Remember those who have served...

Honor those who are serving!

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BLACK HILLS PIONEER | FLAG ETIQUETTE

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If you have a flag that needs to be retired and replaced, there are some flag rules you should be aware of when it comes to retiring Old Glory.

Here are some tips for when the time comes to retire the flag.

C L E A N YOU R F L AG It is not easy to tell whether you should dispose of your flag or not. © ADOBE STOCK Sometimes your flag may just be a little dirty from being outside in the weather.

Cleaning your flag regularly can restore it to its original appearance, regular cleaning can also extend the life of the If you have a flag that needs to be retired, here are some tips to help you do so respectfully. flag considerably. Check the label on Burning the flag when it is no longer serviceable is not a form of protest or disrespectful. The United States Flag your flag packaging to see if your flag Code, Title 4, Section 8 states “The flag, when it is in such condition that is no longer a fitting emblem of display, can be machine washed or if it requires should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” hand scrubbing. Washed flags should also be hung to dry or laid flat.

If you do decide to retire your If you live in a neighborhood that doesn’t allow you Try and keep best care of your flag at flag by burning, here are a few things to note: to have open fires, there are some options for you: all times, repair small tears or stains • Do so away from people and in a closed area so as not • Get in contact with your local Boy Scout chapter, on the flag as soon as you notice them to make people think it is a form of protest.

Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion. to extend the life of the flag. Note the • Tearing the flag before burning it can help make it All these groups can retire the flag. end farthest away from the staff called easier and quicker to burn. Note some gases may be • Investigate your city to see if there are any drop off the “fly” is usually the first end of the released as you burn it, so be careful not to stand too boxes. Some cities have mailbox-type bins where you flag to be damaged; try and take best close to the fire when it burns. can drop retired flags. care of this end as you can.

W HE N TO R ET IR E T HE F L AG

A SALUTE TO OUR

STARS & STRIPES AND TO

THOSE WHO SERVED AND

THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO SERVE. 115 E. Hudson St., Spearfish, SD 57783 605.717.7325 | WWW.GREATPEAKSREALTY.COM

WE HONOR THE MEMORIES OF the brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

Their courage, commitment and selflessness will always be remembered with gratitude. We will never forget that freedom is not free.

BLACK HILLS PIONEER | FLAG ETIQUETTE

May 2021

Flying the Flag at

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One Flag, One Land, One Heart, One Hand,

Night

One Nation Evermore

According to the United States Flag Code, American flags should be flown from sunrise to sunset. However, with enough illumination, it is perfectly acceptable to represent your patriotism throughout the night.

801 W. Main St., Lead 605-584-1401

The flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if well lit during the hours of darkness. The Congressional Research Service reports that the dignity accorded to the banner is preserved by lighting that prevents its being enveloped in darkness.

If you feel your flag should wave during nighttime hours, it’s important to have a sufficient light source to display its recognizable stars and stripes. Here are some ideas to consider when creating a patriotic display.

C R E AT E A L IGH T S OU RC E If you’re flagpole is not around an electrical source, you have a few different options to provide light. Remember your budget when you decide which avenue is the best for your yard.

• Extension cord One way to achieve a beam of light is investing in a light bulb rated for outdoor use.

Check your local hardware store for a spike-mounted beam so you can easily transport it out of your way during daytime hours.

You also could choose a heavy-duty extension cord designed to handle the electricity required for extended periods of time.

• Outdoor outlet If you would rather have a permanent light fixture in your yard to display Old Glory, assistance from a licensed electrician is a must. They can tap into your

home’s current electrical source and install an approved outdoor outlet.

• Solar lights Modern solar power is incredibly efficient as a light source; just be sure it has the power and durability to maintain its shine overnight.

A L L-W E AT HER F L AG If you intend to wave your flag 24 hours, it’s crucial to have a banner that can withstand the extended use and inclementoutdoor elements. According to the U.S. Flag Code, “The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.”

An all-weather flag provides you with a banner that is made of highquality materials while being able to flow in the breeze.

During your search, look for flags made from a nylon material for extra-long use or heavy weight cotton to maintain a traditional appearance while boosting durability.

r this embe e tim o rem e the e e k ta ay t mad efens fe. e d e li lD as Ple moria o hav ice in ay of Me se wh sacrif our w tho mate and ulti iberty of l

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We support those who defend our freedom.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

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Oh Say, Can You See? On Sept. 14, 1814, amateur poet and attorney Francis Scott Key watched members of the U.S. military raise the American flag over the British bombardment of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

He was inspired to capture the moment in verse. He penned “The Star-Spangled Banner” while he was detained on a ship by the British during the bombardment of the fort.

According to the Library of Congress, Key’s song wasn’t declared the official national anthem until 1931 during Woodrow Wilson’s presidency. The song carried a strong sense of American pride long before it was officially recognized.

A FA M I L I A R M ELODY While “The Star-Spangled Banner” represents great emotion, the melody was borrowed from a

song written by a group in London in the mid-1760s. The Anacreontic Society was a group of amateur musicians that hired a composer named John Stafford Smith to create music written for the group’s president. The tune “To Anacreon in Heaven” was meant to give the society a song to showcase their amateur singers and an excellent vocal range for those more accomplished. Once the melody made its way to North America, it was borrowed to create the campaign song for John Adams’ campaign.

H ISTORY I N SPORTS The anthem, flag and American sports

have a long and meaningful relationship.

It was Sept. 5, 1918, during the first game of the World Series between the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs when the tradition of playing the song during sporting events began. The country was in the midst of World War I and Chicago suffered a bombing only a day earlier.

The mood was somber.

During the seventh-inning stretch, the United States Navy band played “The Star-Spangled Banner” everyone sang along. The sense of much-needed unity was so powerful that baseball stadiums began incorporating the anthem as a part of the game.

Flag Day Ceremony

6 PM • Monday, June 14 • Spearfish VFW Post 5860 3102 E. Fairgrounds Loop

VFW Post 5860 invites you to join us as the Boy Scouts of America and the Spearfish Honor Guard pay our respects to our country’s flag with a flag retirement ceremony.

The Ceremony will begin at 6pm.

At dusk the flag will be lowered from the post flag pole and retired with all due respect.

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC PLEASE COME AND JOIN US

Thank You We would like to thank our military and their families for their continued efforts and sacrifices ensuring us the protection and freedoms this country was founded on.

Salon 14A Deadwood Addictive Beauty Bar 250 US HWY 14A ~ 605-578-1790 Hours of Operation Sun. & Mon.: Closed | Tues. & Thurs.: 10 am - 7 pm Wed. & Fri.: 10 am -5 pm | Sat.: 10 am - 2 pm

Where the Flag is ALWAYS DISPLAYED

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Presidential proclamations and laws can authorize flying the flag 24 hours a day. Consider taking a vacation to see the locations deemed historic enough to constantly showcase Old Glory.

FORT MCHENRY NATIONAL MONUMENT AND HISTOR IC SHR INE — Baltimore, MD

ON THE GR EEN OF THE TOW N OF LEX INGTON — Lexington, MA

Presidential Proclamation No. 2795, July 2, 1948 Visit the historic location where Francis Scott Key penned the standing verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner” after witnessing the American flag raised in victory during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. The staff still stands in the exact spot it did in 1814.

Public Law 89-335, Nov. 8, 1965 This site was host to the opening shots of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, on April 19, 1775 -- the beginning of the Revolutionary War. The former battle grounds are now a public park where several memorials are featured.

U N I T ED STAT E S M A R I N E COR PS M EMOR I A L — Arlington, VA Presidential Proclamation No. 3418, June 12, 1961 The flag constantly flies at this emotional tribute to the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives for their country since 1775. The memorial is a historic statue which captures the moment an American flag was raised after an intense battle for Mount Suribachi in Iwo Jima during World War II.

Honoring Their Sacrifice.

Remembering Their Lives.

Celebrating Their Memories.

On Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women of our military who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States of America. Their patriotism, courage, sacrifice and immeasurable contribution to our nation will never be forgotten.

T H E W H I T E HOUSE — Washington D.C. Presidential Proclamation No. 4000, Sept. 4, 1970.

In some countries, a flag will only fly over a president or monarch’s residence to signify they are inside.

In America, the banner flies 24 hours a day.

THE MOON — Space In 2012, NASA excitedly reported that all but one of the six American flags on the moon are still standing.

Their stars and stripes have reportedly faded, but it marks the achievements of our country’s astronauts.

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We REMEMBER and HONOR all the brave heroes who serve to hold our FLAG HIGH. 3226 Fairground Lp., Spearfish, SD 605-641-9095 • Wed.-Sat. 2pm-10pm

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Pledge of

Allegiance “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.”

In classrooms across the country, millions of students partake in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

STAFF SGT. BERNARDO FULLER/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Unfortunately, many have merely memorized the words without understanding the significance it has to their country and freedom. If you are a parent or mentor, it’s important to educate our youth about its significance.

unrecognized by Congress. According to the American Legion, it wasn’t until 1942, when the Pledge was officially included in the United States Flag Code and 1945 when the official name of the Pledge of Allegiance was adopted.

A BR I EF H ISTORY

I TS I M PORTA NCE

The Pledge of Allegiance gained its first major publicity through an official program called the National Public Schools Celebration of Columbus Day. It was September 8, 1892 when the prose was printed in the Youth’s Companion leaflet and distributed to schools throughout the country.

While it has seen a few revisions since its original form was penned

by Francis Bellamy, it became a staple in classrooms while remaining

When discussing the Pledge of Allegiance with younger children, explain that it is an opportunity to display their loyalty as a citizen to our country. It should be considered an act of unity for students to stand together and pay their respect to America’s banner.

Children should be encouraged to learn more about the meaning of the Pledge, rather than only recite the words. It is intended to inspire curiosity

You’re a grand old flag You’re a high flying flag And forever in peace may you wave.

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605-642-7142

about the country’s history and help build a stronger sense of patriotism.

PROPER ET IQU ET T E Much like the National Anthem, there is a proper way to show your respect to the flag during the Pledge. Here are the steps, from the U.S. Flag Code.

• The pledge is to be recited by standing at attention; • Face the flag and place the right hand over the heart; • People in uniform must face the flag, remain silent and take the military salute; and • Those not in uniform must remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand, place it on their left shoulder, in such a way that their right hand is over the heart.

Hero

- a person admired for courage, achievements and noble qualites.

This Memorial Day, we salute the heroes of our Armed Forces past and present for their courage and dedication to our country.