Respecting the Flag: Advice From the VFW

By Bruce McPherson

Post Commander, VFW Meade Memorial Post 5172, Odenton

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the official United States flag by the continental congress in 1777.  It was formally established by an act of Congress in 1949.

Coincidentally, June 14 is also the birthday of the United States Army which was established by the same continental congress in 1775. So the Army is actually two years older than the flag.

Many people get confused when displaying the US flag with other flags.  The way to remember where to place the American flag, is “to its own right." So for example, on a speaker platform take the perspective of the flag being on the reviewing stand, facing the audience, and it will be on its own right (the audience’s left.)  When marching in a parade with other flags, the US flag should always be on the right, unless it is ahead of the others, when it will be in the center.

When in doubt about the proper display of the US flag, consult the US Flag Code, which was adopted on Flag Day, June 14 1923 as Title 36 of US Code. You can find the full text of the US Flag Code at www.usflag.org

Finally, used flags should not just be thrown away. Burning is the preferred method. If you cannot do this yourself, give the used flag to a local veteran’s organization such as the VFW for proper destruction.

Have a Happy Flag Day and Happy 236th Birthday US Army. !!