Let's Have A Parade

The key word for everything we are about to learn in this portion of the flag exhibit is:
RESPECT

Showing proper respect to the flag involves many things including the responsibility of every American to learn and be knowledgeable about our flag and its rich history. We also show respect for the flag by:

How we display the flag
How we respond to the presence of the flag
How we treat the flag

In the next few areas of the Flag Exhibit we'll discover the proper ways to display the flag. The key word to remember in flag display is:

PROMINENCE

The flag of the United States should be the prominent feature whenever it is displayed. This means that the Flag should hold the "POSITION OF HONOR".

display_outside_pole.gif (4821 bytes)

The sight of the United States flag waving freely in the breeze is an inspiration to all who love freedom. A solitary U.S. flag is prominent simply by its presence. It is not uncommon, however, for other flags to be flown adjacent to or with the Flag of the United States. There are specific guidelines for displaying our National Flag with other flags, guidelines to insure that the National Colors occupy the PROMINENT position.

The position of honor is usually thought of as the position to the RIGHT. This is where we get our term "right-hand man". In medieval periods the place of honor was considered the position at the right hand of the king or ruler. This custom continues today, with the position to the right being considered the position of honor...and prominence. Thus the Flag of the United States should hold prominence over everything around it by being displayed to the right.

The problem many people have with displaying the flag to the right is in wondering:

Is the Flag displayed to the right of the VIEWER, or
Is the Flag displayed to the right of the PRESENTER.

To adequately remember the solution to this rather common question, ask yourself which is the more prominent feature...the viewer or the presenter. If the attention is focused on the presenter (whether a speaker, a color guard, or a display of flags), the position is to the right of the object(s) of that attention.

Let's Have A Parade!

When displayed in a procession or a parade with a line of flags, the United States Flag should always be the flag farthest to the right in the procession (called the marching right or the Flag's own right.) Always remember that the person carrying the United States Flag in a parade should be able to look to the right and see only the audience.

(§ 175)

If many flags are displayed in a procession it is proper for the United States flag to have prominence by PRECEDING all other flags. It should be carried in front of and centered on the remainder of the flags.

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The flag should NOT be displayed on a float in a parade unless it is flown from a staff or displayed flat against a "wall" on the float, similar to the way it is displayed on a wall behind a speaker's platform. The flag should never be draped over any part of the vehicle, including draping it across the front of the vehicle for parade purposes. When you fly the flag from a vehicle in a parade, remember the rule about prominence...the position to the right of the object of attention. This means the flag should be to the right of the driver, preferably mounted securely to the right, front fender. It is a common mistake to fly the flag from the REAR of a vehicle but remember the rule...the United States Flag should hold the place of PROMINENCE, not "runner-up". (§ 175b)

Unveiling Ceremonies

The flag should be a distinctive feature when unveiling a statue or monument. This means it should occupy the position of honor (to the right of) the monument or statue being unveiled. You should NEVER use the flag to cover or drape the monument for the unveiling ceremony. It should fly free and prominent throughout the entire program. (§ 175l)

How to Display the Flag Properly OUTDOORS

[Flag Day][About the US Code][The Flag Code][Time & Occasions for Flag Display]
[Position and manner of Flag Display-Outdoors] [Position and manner of Flag Display-Indoors]
[Flying the Flag at Half-Staff][Burial Flags][Showing Respect for the Flag][Flag Ceremonies]
[How to Fold the Flag][Obtaining A Flag Flown over the Capitol][State Flags][Military Flags]
[War Mother's Flag][MIA/POW Flag][Other Flags][Flag Specifics][Patriotic Holidays & Observancess ]
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History of the United States Flag
Our National Anthem	The Pledge of Allegiance	The American Creed
The Great Seal	Our National Symbol	Our National Flower

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