Members of the Armed Forces
United States Armed Forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States of America. It consists of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The president of the United States is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and forms military policy with the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, both federal executive departments, acting as the principal …
How do I get rid of a damaged American flag?
Instead, contact your local American Legion post to inquire about flag retirement. Most chapters have annual retiring ceremonies where they properly dispose of damaged American flags. Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops,
What should I do with flags on veterans’ graves?
After the holiday has passed, it’s your responsibility to remove any flags you place on veterans’ graves, and to help other members of the community remove their flags.
What do you do with flags when not in use?
In keeping with the U.S. Flag Code, it’s important to store flags safely when they’re not in use. As you collect your flags, examine them for damage and stains. Place the flags that are in good condition into a dry and secure storage box for next year.
How do you use the American flag properly?
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.
Should American flag be left out in rain?
The American flag shouldn't be subject to weather damage, so be prepared to bring the flag in if rain, snow, or even a windstorm threatens—unless you have an all-weather flag.
What are the do's and don'ts of an American flag?
Don't let the flag touch the ground. Don't fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency. Don't carry the flag flat, or carry things in it. Don't use the flag as clothing.
How do you properly retire a flag?
According to the U.S. Flag Code, “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”.
How do you display a military funeral flag?
A military funeral flag is a standard United States flag, draped over the coffin of a member of the military services or veteran during his or her funeral. The blue field of white stars laid over the area of the deceased's head and left shoulder, with the stripes trailing down the length of the casket.
Can you fly the American flag at night without a light?
In the case of the American flag, yes, it is illegal. The US Flag Code states that it is illegal to fly the US flag at night without adequate light. The American flag code is part of federal law.
What do you do if a flag touches the ground?
The only time when you should destroy or retire an American flag is when it's severely soiled or damaged to the point where it's no longer fitting to display. If your American flag touches the ground, pick it up and reattach it to the flagpole.
How do you retire a flag without burning it?
Other veterans service organizations say people can also bury the folded flag in a dignified box, or recycle them — an option that's common for flags made of synthetic or nylon material that can be hazardous if burned.
When should an American flag be replaced?
If it is faded or tattered beyond repair, or dirty beyond cleaning, then it is time to replace the flag. Any flag that is tattered on the fly end can be repaired if the stripes (cut off where the tatter begins) are still longer than the field.
When should you retire a flag?
According to the United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k, the flag should be retired when it is in such condition that is "no longer a fitting emblem for display" and should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning it.
Who gets the flag from a military funeral?
the next-of-kinGenerally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it.
Can you fly a deceased veterans flag?
Although some people feel that a flag used to drape a casket should not be unfolded after it has been folded at graveside, it is actually proper—if desired—to unfold and then display a burial flag. It is entirely up to the next of kin who received the flag at the burial.
Why are flags folded into a triangle?
In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead.
What is the flag code?
Flag code stipulates that when the flag is displayed without a pole, it must be flat or suspended so that it falls free. The code also points out the obvious: the flag is never to be hung upside down or backward, but only with the blue star ground in the upper left corner.
What side is the American flag on?
Put another way, when you are facing your display, the American flag is on the farthest left-hand side . Following proper flag code for military flags is a symbol of respect for America and the honorable service and sacrifice from the United States Armed Forces.
Can you frame a flag?
If you prefer not to frame your flag, there is another option. Triangular flag display cases allow you to store a properly folded flag while still showing off a hint of its furled glory through the glass display. Triangular cases also take up less space than frames, making them a good choice for collectors.
What order should the flags be displayed?
According to the Department of Defense guidelines, the order of precedence for flag display is as follows: First: The Flag of the United States of America. If displayed with other flags, the American Flag should always be larger than the other flags or relatively the same size as the largest flag. If the flags are displayed together on poles ...
Which flags should be flown higher than the other flags?
If the flags are displayed together on poles or display stands, the American flag should always be flown higher than the other flags or displayed on the (flag’s own) right. Third: Military Flags are flown in order of establishment: (1) Army Flag, (2) Marine Corps Flag, (3) Navy Flag, (4) Air Force Flag, and (5) Coast Guard Flag.
How to Display a Military Flag With the American Flag
Are you planning to display a military flag with the American flag? Each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces has its own official flag. There’s a flag for the U.S. Army, a flag for the U.S. Marine Corps, a flag for the U.S. Navy, a flag for the U.S. Air Force, a flag for the U.S. Coast Guard and a flag for the U.S. National Guard.
Displaying on the Same Pole
You can display the military flag on the same pole as the American flag. According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should be given precedence when displayed on the same pole as one or more military flags.
Displaying on Separate Poles
Another option is to display the military flag and American flag on separate poles. You don’t have to display the military flag and the American flag on the same pole. You can display them on separate poles, assuming the American flag is on the observer’s left.
Who can give the military salute?
Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
What is the code for conduct during the passing of the flag?
Conduct During the Passing of Colors. Here is the wording of 4 U.S. Code § 9 "Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag". During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who ...
What is the protocol for presenting a flag?
The general flag presentation protocol involves the flag recipient and flag holder. The latter holds the folded flag at waist height and positions the straight edge to face the former. Then, the flag is leaned towards the recipient and solemnly presented.
How many folds are there in a military flag?
As mentioned, proper military flag folding includes 13 folds. The final result is a shape that resembles the tri-cornered hat of the Patriots from the American Revolution.
Why is the national flag lowered at the last retreat?
At the last retreat ceremony, the national flag is lowered, folded into a triangle, and kept under close watch through the night. This procedure is a tribute to the nation’s honored deceased. The next day, it is taken out and flown again at the ceremony of reveille to symbolize the resurrection of the body.
What do the 13 folds on the US flag mean?
As you can see, the flag folds represent the same religious principles that the U.S was founded on. Some sources also say that the 13 folds refer to the first 13 colonies prior to Independence: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.
What are the traditional honors of grave site military funerals?
Traditional honors of grave site military funerals often proceed with a silent flag folding and presentation, three rifle volleys, and a performance of “Taps”.
How many times is the casket flag folded?
In addition, casket flag folding is a ceremonial tribute to a veteran and his or her family. In any case, the flag is folded 13 times into a tri-cornered shape. You can learn more about how to fold a military flag in this article. Read on!
How long can you be jailed for desecration of the flag?
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. Access the U.S. Flag Code Guide.
How to fold a flag in a triangle?
Step 1. Fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. Step 2. Folded edge is then folded over to meet the open edge. Step 3. A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. Step 4.
What does the POW/MIA flag stand for?
The POW/MIA flag features a silhouette of a POW before a guard tower and barbed wire in white on a black field. “POW/MIA” appears above the silhouette and the words “You Are Not Forgotten” appear below in white on the black field. This black and white flag stands as a stark reminder of Americans still prisoner, missing or otherwise unaccounted for in Southeast Asia and is now accepted nationally and internationally as the symbol of vigilance and remembrance for all POW and MIA’s.
How long can the flag be displayed?
However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
What direction do the stars face on the street union?
Over a Street Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street. Half Staff. On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised. Special Rules.
What is the American flag?
The American flag has a long history, and the members of our organization have spent nearly as long defending and honoring our nation's most iconic symbol of freedom. Whether you're looking for the historic details of how the U.S. flag came to be, or the rules and regulations that encompass her daily flight, we're here to ensure you can find the information you need.
Where is the POW/MIA flag on the flag pole?
flag. In a line of march, the POW/MIA flag is carried to the immediate left of the U.S. flag.
Why do flags dip?
Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
Where should the flag pin be worn?
Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. (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.
Can a flag be placed on a flag?
The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
Can a flag be fastened?
The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
Can the flag touch anything?
The flag should never touch anything beneath it , such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
Is the flag a costume?
No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
What is the federal flag code?
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.
Can you dip the flag for any person?
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.
What to do if flags are tattered?
If you discover any flags that are tattered or damaged, set them aside in a separate box. Don’t throw them in the trash, as this is against the Flag Code and considered disrespectful to the flag.
Who to check to remove flags from cemetery?
Make sure you check with the cemetery director or volunteer group to determine when you’ll be placing and removing the flags.
Why do we put a flag on a veteran's grave?
It’s a simple action that goes a long way in demonstrating your support for veterans, both living and deceased.
How to honor veterans?
You can honor veterans on special dates like Memorial Day by visiting national monuments like Arlington National Cemetery. But you can also take part in the national tradition of remembering veterans by placing a flag in your own home town.
What to do if you are buried in a military cemetery?
If you have a loved one who’s buried in a military cemetery, call and speak to the cemetery’s administrative office. Ask them about any flag ceremonies that are taking place and how you can take part or attend.
What to avoid in a graveside?
It’s best to avoid leaving other graveside decorations, like stuffed animals, stakes and streamers, and anything made of plastic. These items can easily come apart or get stuck in the ground and cause problems for the groundskeepers, as well as distracting other mourners.
Where do the flags go on Memorial Day?
At Arlington National Ceremony, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment places American Flags at the gravesites of fallen service members just before Memorial Day. It’s a tradition known as “Flags In,” and it’s taken place every year since the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment was designated as the official “ceremonial unit” in 1948.
Conduct During The Passing of Colors
Conduct During The National Anthem
- Here is the wording of 36 U.S. Code § 301 "National anthem" (a) Designation.—The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem. (b) Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem— (1)when the flag is displayed— (A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthe…
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