A flag etiquette primer

Many townships have undertaken the immense effort to create a flag that represents the unique characteristics of their communities. On a regular basis, officials ask MTA about the proper etiquette for township and United States flags. How should flags be displayed, either at the township hall or in an event, such as MTA's Parade of Flags? What is--and isn't--allowed when it comes to the U.S. flag?

While the use of the township flag is up to the discretion of each township, the uses and traditions prescribed to the U.S. flag can dictate how and where the township flag should also be handled and displayed. The following guidelines are dictated by the Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give reverence to the U.S. flag. Follow these guidelines for your township flag as well, to ensure that this symbol of your community gets the respect it deserves.

Displaying the flag outdoors

When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony or building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag--state, township, etc.--the U.S. flag must always be at the top. When flown with other flags on separate flagpoles that are the same height and in a straight line, the U.S. flag is always placed to its own right. No other flag may be larger than the U.S. flag or placed above it, and the U.S. flag is always raised first and lowered last.

Ordinarily, the U.S. flag should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. If displayed at night, it should be illuminated.

Displaying the flag indoors

When on display, the U.S. flag is always positioned to its own right. Other flags should be to the left. The U.S. flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities or societies are grouped for display.

Flagpole adornments are for military use only. The gold eagle is for the use of the president of the United States only, and only in time of war. The gold spear ball is for military recruiting centers only. The gold acorn is for military parades only.

Parading the flag

When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the U.S. flag may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

The flag in mourning

To place the flag at half-staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day, the flag is displayed at half-staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.

The flag is to be flown at half-staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders, and upon presidential or gubernatorial order. Unacceptable Uses for U.S. Flag

The Flag Code also contains specific instructions on how the U.S. flag is not to be used. You may wish to follow these rules for your township flag as well. 

• The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speaker's desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Use bunting of blue, white and red stripes for these purposes.
• The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
• The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform. A flag patch may be used on military, fire or police uniforms.
• The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure or drawing of any kind.
• The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying or delivering anything.
• When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag, it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
• The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. A worn or tattered U.S. flag should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.