With the Fourth of July so near it is an excellent time to discuss the proper
display and handling of the United States flag. The specifications for displaying
the flag are not mandatory, but have become generally accepted practices to
show respect to one of the most important symbols of our country. The United
States Code Title 4, Chapter 1 provides guidance on the display and use
of the U.S. flag. Some information from this article was obtained from the National
Flag Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting respect for the
flag.
Q: What is the proper time and place for displaying the U.S. flag?
A: The U.S. flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on a stationary
flagpole. The term “sunrise” and “sunset” are general terms
and most public institutions will display the flag from the start to the end
of the business day, for example from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The flag should not be
displayed for the entire 24 hours of a day, except when a certain patriotic
effect is desired and only when properly illuminated at night. The flag should
be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public
institution.
Q: Should the city display the flag if it is raining outside?
A: According to the U.S. Code, the flag should not be displayed during
inclement weather unless a weather-proof flag is used, for example a nylon-type
flag. This measure is to prevent damage to a cloth-type flag.
Q: What is the proper position and manner of display for the U.S. flag?
A: The position of center and right is generally the place of honor. For example,
in a parade the flag should either be at the center or on the right-hand side
of the other flags — from the flag’s direction. The flag should be
flown at the highest point when displayed with flags of states or cities on
the same pole or halyard. International protocol dictates the flag be flown
on a separate staff and at the same height as flags from other countries during
times of peace.
On a speaker’s platform, if displayed flat against the wall, the flag
should be displayed above and behind the speaker. The blue-field of stars, known
as the union, should be either uppermost or to the observer’s left. When
on a staff, the flag should be displayed to the speaker’s right and any
other flag to the speaker’s left.
Q: When should the city fly the flag at half-staff?
A: The U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff:
- on Memorial Day the flag should be flown at half-staff until noon and then
raised to the top for the rest of the day. The flag should also be flown at
half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces
Day;
- by order of the president upon the death of principal figures of the United
States government or the governor of a state;
- upon the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, according to presidential
orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent
with law; or
- upon the proclamation of the governor of any state upon the death of a present
or former official of the government of that state, territory or possession.
Many times the city will want to lower the U.S. flag in the event of the death
of a mayor, council member or city employee. While understanding the motivation
for lowering the flag, the National Flag Foundation discourages this act. The
flag should not be lowered except by presidential proclamation.
Q: What is the proper procedure for flying the U.S. flag at half-staff?
A: The flag should be lifted to the highest peak on the flagpole, held for
a moment, and then lowered to the half-staff position. At the end of the day,
the flag should be raised to the top and then lowered.
Q: What are some specific considerations to take into account to respect
the flag?
A: The U.S. Code covers several items that should be considered when showing
respect for the flag. The following are some of the most important items for
cities. The flag should:
- never be displayed upside down, except as a signal of severe distress involving
danger to life or property;
- never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, water or the floor.
When lowering the flag, attendants should take care that the flag does not
touch the ground;
- never be carried horizontally. The flag should always be aloft and free
to wave;
- never be used to cover a ceiling;
- never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying or delivering
anything; and
- form a distinctive feature of the ceremony for the unveiling of a statue
or monument, but never serve as a covering for the statue or monument.
Q: How should the city dispose of a worn flag?
A: There are proper procedures to follow when disposing of a flag. The best
course of action for cities, however, is to contact a local veteran’s group
to dispose of the flag. Many groups perform this service to ensure that worn
flags are properly and respectfully disposed of.
Q: Does state law address flags?
A: Code of Iowa Chapter 1B covers the use and display of the state of
Iowa flag and the U.S. flag. It orders that the state flag shall always be displayed
as “subservient to and placed beneath” the U.S. flag. It also states
that it is the duty of the custodian of a public building to raise the flag
of the United States and Iowa every secular day when weather conditions are
favorable.
Code Chapter 718A addresses the desecration of the flags. This section
contains a lengthy definition of desecration. A person is presumed to be guilty
of desecration of a flag if the person has in his or her possession an article
as described in this section. The individual is guilty of a simple misdemeanor.
The chief of police is responsible for enforcement and may be subject to removal
for failure to enforce this section.
For more information on the proper display and use of the U.S. flag, cities
can contact a local veterans’ association or call the League at (515) 244-7282.
To learn more about the U.S. flag, city officials can visit the National Flag
Foundation at www.americanflags.org.
