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THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The Stars and Stripes, whose birthday we observe on 14 June was created on that date, in 1777, when the Continental Congress resolved: "That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternated red and white; that the union be thirteen starts, white in blue field, representing a new constellations." Some of the early flags used by the Army had the stars arranged in circles and some were in rows. There was no prescribed arrangement for the stars.
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The first Navy Stars and Stripes, flown by the man-of-war Guerriere when she sailed from Boston on 25 July 1818 for Cowes, England, had the stars arranged in staggered formation in alternate lines and rows of threes and twos on the field of blue. However, on 9 September 1818, the Board of Navy Commissioners received a directive from President Monroe that "the flag of the United States shall conform to the pattern, herewith transmitted, viz: twenty stars in a blue union, and thirteen stripes, red and white, alternately, according to the Act of Congress passed on the fourth of April last; of which you will please to give due notice to the Naval Commanders, and the necessary direction for making the Flags."
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Following an Act of Congress on 13 January 1794, this was the flag of our country from 1795 until 1818. The addition of the two stars and two stripes came with the admission of Vermont, 4 March 1791, and Kentucky, 1 June 1792, into the union. This type of flag figured in many stirring episodes. It inspired Francis Scott Key to write the "Star-Spangled Banner"; it was the first flag to be flown over a fortress of the Old War, when Lieutenant Presley N. O'Bannon, of the Marine Corps, and Midshipman Mann, of the Navy, raised it above the Tripolitan stronghold in Derne, Tripoli, on 27 April 1805; it was our ensign in the Battle of Lake Erie; and was flown by General Jackson at New Orleans. Fearing that too many stripes would spoil the true design of the flag, Congress passed a law on 4 April 1818, returning the flag to its original design of thirteen stripes and providing for a new star to be added to the blue field as additional states came into the Union. Thus, for nearly a quarter of a century, this flag with its fifteen stars and stripes was the banner of our growing Nation.
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FLAG LAWS AND REGULATIONS
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The design of the United States flag may be altered only by an act of Congress or a Presidential order. Federal laws control certain uses of the flag; for example, no trademark can be registered if it contains the flag. The States also have their own flag laws and impose penalties of those who violate them.
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HOW TO DISPLAY THE FLAG
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1. When the flag is displayed flat, either horizontally or vertically, on a wall or in a window, the union (or blue field) should be uppermost and to the flag's own right (to the observer's left when facing the flag).
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2. When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union should be at the staff's peak (unless the flag is to be displayed at halfstaff).When suspended across a street, the flag should be vertical, with the union to the north in an east-west street. When suspended from a rope between a house and a pole at the edge of a sidewalk, the flag should be raised out from the building toward the pole union first.
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3. When displayed with another flag from crossed staffs, the National flag should be on its own right, with its staff in front of the staff of the other flag.
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4. When other flags are displayed from staffs with the National flag, the latter should be at the center, or at the highest point of the group.
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5. When pennants or other flags are flown on the same halyard with the National flag the latter should always be at the peak. Only the UN flag at UN Headquarters or the church pennant during services at sea may be flown above the National flag. (Note: This information was not confirmed on release of this publication.)
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6. When the flags of two or more nations are displayed they should be flown from separate staffs of the same height.
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7. When the National flag is carried in a line of flags in a procession of a parade it should be on the marching right.
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8. When carried with a line of other flags, the National flag should always be carried in front of the center of that line. Any time the National flag is being carried it should fly aloft and free; never held flat or horizontally.
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9. Never use the National flag as drapery. Bunting of blue, white, and red is the proper decoration for a desk or the front of a platform.
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10. When displayed on a stage, on a platform, in the chancel of a church, or in front of an audience or congregation at the same level, the National flag should be placed in a staff in the position of honor to the speaker's right. Any other flag should be at his left.
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11. When it is to be flown at half-staff, the flag is first raised to the peak and then lowered to the half-staff position. When being lowered for the day it should first be raised to the peak.
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12. When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be placed so the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave nor be allowed to tough the ground.
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The Department of Defense and the military services have issued instructions, regulations and manuals prescribing the use and display of the flag. They are: DOD Instruction No. 1005.6, "Half-Staffing of the National Flag"; AR 840-10, "Flag and Guidons"; Navy Manual DNC-27, "U.S. Naval Flags and Pennants; Description, Uses, Customs"; Air Force Manual 900-2, "Flags, Uses and Display of"; U.S. Marine Corps Flag Manual, MCO P10520.3; U.S. Coast Guard Regulations, Part 8, Section 20-8-2, "Display of Flags and Pennants.
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RENDERING HONOR TO THE FLAG
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The flag of the United States is the symbol of our nation. The union, white stars on a field of blue, is the honor point of the flag. The union of the flag and the flag itself, when in company with other flags, is always given the honor position, which is on the right. Rules for displaying the flag follow:
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The flag of the United States will be displayed outdoors at all Army installations.
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Only one flag of the United States will be flown at one time at any continental United status (CONUS) Army installations except as authorized by the commanding generals of major Army commands.
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The flag will be displayed daily from reveille to retreat. If illuminated, it may be displayed at night during special events or on special occasions deemed appropriate by the commander.
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The flag of the United States is the only flag that may be flown from a flagpole over an Army installation. An exception is the Minuteman flag that, if awarded, may be flown beneath the flag of the United States.
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In unusual circumstances not covered in the Army regulations, the judgment of the senior Army individual present will be used to determine whether the flag shall be displayed on a specific occasion.
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When the flag is being raised in the morning (Reveille) or lowered in the evening (Retreat), you should stand at attention on the first note of the National Anthem or "To the Colors." (Colors refers to the flag of the United States and can also include the unit flag). Give the required salute. If you are involved in some duty that would be hampered by saluting, you do not need to salute. You normally face the flag when saluting, unless duty requires you to face in some other direction. At the conclusion of the ceremony, resume your regular duties.
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Whenever the National Anthem, "To the Colors," or "Reveille" is played, and you are not in formation and not in a vehicle, come to attention at the first note, face the flag, and give the required salute. If no flag is near, face the music and salute. If you are in formation, salute only on the order "Present arms". If you are in civilian clothing, stand at attention and place your right hand over your heart. Vehicles in motion should stop. If you are in a car or on a motorcycle, dismount and salute. If you are with a group in a military vehicle or bus, remain in the vehicle. The individual in charge will dismount and salute.
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When you are passing or being passed by colors which are being presented, paraded, or displayed, salute when the colors are six paces from you. Hold the salute until the colors are six paces behind you.
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NOTE: The above honors also apply to the national anthems of foreign countries during ceremonies or parades.
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FLAGS, GUIDONS, STREAMERS, TABARDS, AND AUTOMOBILE AND AIRCRAFT PLATES
REFERENCES: Army Regulation 840-10, Field Manual 22-5
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1. What are the names, sizes and occasions for the display of the Flag of the United States?
-Garrison: 20 ft x 38 ft; flown on Holidays and other important occasions as designated by Presidential Proclamation
-Post: 8 ft and 11 3/8 in x 17 ft; flown daily
-Field: 6ft 8 in x 12 ft; displayed with the Positional Flag
-Storm: 5ft x 9ft 6in; flown in inclement weather
-Internment: 5ft x 9ft 6in; for deceased military personnel and veterans
-Grave Decoration: 7 in x 11 in
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2. Where can the National Flag be flown at night?
As of 1966 the National Flag is flown at night by special legal authority in the following places:
-US Capital - Washington, D.C.
-Fort McHenry - National Monument
-Historical Shrine, Flag Square - Baltimore, MD
-Francis Scott Key's grave
-World War Memorial - Worchester, MA
-Moon
-Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
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3. How many stripes does the flag have and how are they arranged?
13 stripes; 7 red and 6 white, the first and last stripes are red
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4. How are the stars arranged on the flag?
Four (4) rows of five (5) and five (5) rows of six (6)
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5. What are the three (3) other names used in the military services for the flag?
-Colors: flag carried by dismounted troops, Supreme Commanders, and certain General Officers
-Standard: flag carried by mounted or motorized units
-Ensign - flag flown on ships, small boats, and airships
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6. What is known as the hoist of the flag?
The length of a flag
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7. What is known as the fly of the flag?
The width
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8. How is the National flag disposed of when worn out?
When a flag is no longer suitable for display, it will not be cast aside or used in any way that may be viewed as disrespectful. If not preserved, it will be destroyed privately, preferably by burning or by some other method which lacks in any way irreverence or disrespect to the flag.
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9. How is the National Flag posted at half-mast?
The flag is raised all the way to the top of the mast then lowered to the half-way point.
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10. While you are standing and watching a military parade, while in uniform, and the flag is approaching, what do you do?
When the flag is about six (6) paces away, I come to the position of attention and salute. When the flag is about six(6) paces past me, I'll drop the salute or otherwise drop my hand.
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11. What is known as the halyard?
The rope
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12. What is known as the truk (pronounced truck)?
The ball at the top of the mast
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13. What is known as the mast?
The flag pole
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14. When can the flag be flown upside down?
Only in time of National Distress or in an emergency
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15. How is the National Flag lowered from the half-mast position?
The flag is raised to the top of the mast and then lowered
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16. According to Army Logistics, as of 30 Oct 79, the Flag Rule changed. Changes in Public Law have reversed the position in which the United States Flag should be displayed. What is this change?
When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag should be placed to the right of the speaker as he faces the audience. Previously, the flag was positioned at the speaker's left.
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17. What do the colors of the flag represent?
-Red: Blood, hardiness and valor
-White: Purity and innocence
-Blue: Honor for vigilance, perseverance and justice
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18. What is the height of the flag pole on which the National Flag is flown?
The height will be fifty (50), sixty (60), or seventy-five (75) feet.
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19. What is a Guidon?
A company, troop, or battalion identification flag
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20. What flags can be flown above the US flag?
The church pennant (during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea) and the United Nations Flag (Note: Information not confirmed)
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21. How is the flag displayed on the casket of a deceased military person?
The union is at the head and over the left shoulder
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22. Is the flag lowered into the grave?
No
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23. How is the flag removed from a casket of a deceased military person and what is its disposition?
It is carefully folded into a triangle with the union up and presented to the next of kin
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24. After the flag has been lowered, (for retreat) how is it folded?
Never let it touch the ground and folded into a triangle with the union up (known as the cocked hat)
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25. What do we mean by the flag is "cased" ?
When inserted in a special canvas cover
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26. What do we mean by ruffles and flourishes?
Honors with certain music which is played to the person being honored and part of the parade or review of troops
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27. What do the red and white stripes of our flag stand for?
The thirteen original colonies
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28. What is another name given to the blue field of our flag?
The Union
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29. When can the flag be displayed at half-staff?
Memorial Day and upon the death and funeral of military personnel and high civilian dignitaries
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30. What three places is the American Flag flown at half-mast at all times?
-Arlington National Cemetery
-Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
-USS Arizona Battleship at Pearl harbor
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31. In a parade, where is the unit guidon carried?
One step to the rear and two steps to the left of the company commander
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32. When did we begin to use the 50 star flag?
4 July 1960
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33. What are some of the legal holidays when the Garrison Flag is displayed (weather and military operations permitting)?
-New Year's Day (1 January)
-Washington's Birthday (22 February)
-Memorial Day (30 May)
-Independence Day (4 July)
-Labor Day (lst Monday in September)
-Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October)
-Veterans Day (11 November)
-Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November)
-Christmas Day (25 December)
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34. What is the difference between a Flag, Colors, and a Standard?
-The Flag is the emblem of our country and displayed on flag poles at Post and other Headquarters authorized to display them
-The Colors is the flag when carried in formation by dismounted troops
-The Standard is the flag when carried in formation by mounted or mechanized troops
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35. In a parade, where are the organizational colors carried?
Always to the left of the national colors
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36. Who is authorized a Distinguished Flag, Boat Flag, and Automobile Flag?
-Flag officers in the rank of Brigadier General and above
-Civilian officials of cabinet rank (e.g., Secretary of Defense)
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37. What is the birthday of the US Flag?
14 June 1777
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38. When and by whom was the US Army Flag approved?
12 June 1956, by Executive Order 10670. It is the senior flag of the US Army
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39. How many campaign streamers does the US Army Flag have?
173
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40. What are the four colors of the Army Flag?
Scarlet, Blue, White, & Yellow
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41. When are Guidons displayed?
Guidons will be carried by units participating in parades and reviews or displayed as directed by the Commander
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42. Where are the streamers attached in a guidon?
Below the spearhead of the flagstaff
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43. How many personnel are required by a detachment or separate platoons in order to have a guidon?
20 or more military personnel
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44. In the Army Flag, where are the words "United States Army" located?
Between the device and the ultramarine blue numerals "1775"
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45. Who is responsible to ensure that National Flags on display are presentable?
Commanders
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46. How is the United States Flag displayed in a rostrum or stage?
It will be placed above and behind the speakers stand
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47. Which Army regulation covers Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and automobile and aircraft plates?
Army Regulation 840-10
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48. How is the Flag of the United States always carried?
The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free
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