Showing respect for our flag

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There are some citizens and others who want to be shown respect in this nation. Maybe if they showed our nation’s flag simple respect then they may receive simple respect in return. As Memorial Day approaches I would like to share a few examples of the United States of America Flag Etiquette. These small simple respects to our flag will also show respect to others who hold our flag in such high regard, for several reasons including its symbolism.

When raising and lowering the flag, the flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly. The flag should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset and if displayed at night it should be illuminated.

The flag is saluted as it is raised and lowered. To salute the flag, a person comes to attention. Those in uniforms give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform, salute by placing their right hand over the hearts. Individuals wearing hats should remove them. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge. The Salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.

When the flag is lowered, no part of the flag should touch the ground or any other object, it should be received by waiting hands and arms. A salute is given when lowering the flag until it is removed from the pole.

When the flag is carried in a procession or in a parade, the US flag leads the parade as the highest in procession. The US flag is to the right of the marchers when other flags or “colors” are also in the parade. When the flag passes by you during a parade, it is proper to face the flag and salute until it passes.

When rendering the Pledge of Allegiance, citizens stand at attention, face the flag and place their right hand over their hearts. When the National Anthem is played or sung citizens stand at attention, face the flag and place their right hand over their hearts at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The military salute may be given by individuals in uniform, active members of the Armed Forces and Veterans who are not in uniform.

These are simple acts of respect in this nation to our. By showing these simple respects, those who do not share the same regard for our flag may actually experience respect by those who do.

Kelly Hopkins

Sr. Vice Commander

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6710

Wilmington

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