The U.S. Flag always occupies a position of honor

1. Carried in a procession, the U.S. Flag:

is to the marching right of other flags or is in front of other flags.

2. When displayed, the U.S. Flag:

should be to the flag’s own right (the audience’s left).




when grouped with other flags, (i.e., State, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts of the USA, Council, etc.), should be at the center, in front of, or higher than the other flags.




when with another flag on crossed staffs, should be on the flag’s own right, and it’s staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.




when with the flags of two or more nations, should be flown form separate staffs of the same height. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

3. The U.S. Flag flies (is being held or on the flagpole) longer than other flags.

Indoors, it is posted last, presented first.
Outdoors, it is raised first, lowered last.

The spoken or sung portion of the ceremony takes place while the flag is flying.

1. Indoors, after the flag has been “posted” in the stand.
2. Outdoors, while the flag is flying from the pole
3. If the Pledge of Allegiance is to be said, it should be done before other pledges and/or promises (i.e., the Girl Scout Promise)

The National Flag should be raised and lowered by hand.

1. Do not raise the Flag while it is furled (folded) 2. Unfurl, then hoist quickly and smoothly to the top of the pole
3. Lower it slowly, and with dignity

Flying the Flag at half mast

1. Raise the Flag quickly to the top of the pole, then lower it slowly to the half mast position. 2. When retrieving the flag, before lowering the flag, raise it quickly to the top of the pole and then proceed to lower slowly with dignity.

Saluting (placing hand over the heart) the Flag

1. The moment the Flag passes in front of you 2. From the moment the first grommet is attached on the flagpole, until the Flag has reached the top. 3. From the moment the Flag starts to be lowered from the flagpole, until both grommets are in the hands of the Flag Bearer. 4. The Color Guard may salute only after immediately raising/posting or retrieving the Flag.

The Flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset, unless it is illuminated.

Only an All Weather Flag should be flown when it is raining.

Reminders:

1. The Flag should never be displayed with the Union (blue field) down, except as a signal of dire distress.
2. Do not use the Flag as a portion of a costume, clothing, handkerchief, or other decorative item.
3. Take every precaution to prevent the Flag from becoming soiled. It should not be allowed to touch the ground, nor to brush against objects.
4. A flag that has become soiled may be washed according to the care instructions for that particular type of material.
5. A flag that has become tattered or worn should be destroyed by a dignified method, preferably by burning.

A complete Flag Code, Public Law 829-77th Congress, is available from the United States Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. Important excerpts from the code are available in a booklet available from your local American Legion.