The Proper Standard

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Flag Against A Wall

PROPER.

"When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left." Sec. 7(i). Photo (C) 2015 by W. Simmons

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Patriot Day

On December 18, 2001, President Bush signed Public Law No: 107-89, designating September 11th as Patriot Day. Flag Code Sec. 6(d) designates Patriot Day as one where the US flag is to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown, not just until noon as is done on Memorial Day. In addition the people of the United States are asked to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in remembrance of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service. In observance of the holiday, display the United States flag at Half Staff from sunrise until Noon. "The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff." Flag Code Section 7(m)

Welcome Message

What follow are our opinions of what are proper or (more commonly) improper displays and/or uses of the flag of the United States of America. Truly, most of our fellow citizens take patriotism to heart, and most issues are inadvertent, accidental or unknowing. When we encounter circumstances such as those, we approach the issue politely and practically, and ask that they be remedied. We invite you to do the same. Most people are receptive and correct the problem; admittedly and unfortunately, some are not and do not. Pursuing the appropriate respect for, and display and use of our national emblem often-times requires courage, but it pales relative to that shown by those who sacrificed everything to enable us to do so.

Remember, we're not saying the Flag Code is always "correct," politically or practically. We're saying that citizenship calls for respectful compliance. Disagree with the Flag Code if you must, but pursue a change in the law rather than ignore it. Our ability--indeed, our obligation to participate within the system, after all, is the very essence of the flag, and the republic for which it stands.