Proper Display and Care of the U.S. Flag

It is great to see the displays of patriotism in Orange County with the U.S. flag being flown more than ever. And, as many know, flying the flag comes with many responsibilities. Scouting has taught young men how to display, handle, care for and dispose of the flag properly throughout its existence. In keeping with this spirit, which has always been part of Scouting, the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America is pleased to share the following suggestions--adapted from “Your Flag,” published by the Boy Scouts of America--to help the public properly display and care for this symbol of our nation’s unity, glory and resolve.

1. The U.S. Flag Code, adopted in 1923 and amended in 1976, says: “It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset.... However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.”

2. Flag decals and stickers may be correctly displayed on the inside of motor vehicle side windows.

3. Flag lapel pins should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

4. Reproductions of the national flag in any medium such as jewelry, pins, buttons or printed materials must show the union (blue field) on the top and to the observer’s left when facing the flag.

5. When the national flag is displayed flat, either horizontally or vertically, on a wall or in a window, the union (blue field) should be at the top and to the observer’s left when facing the flag.

6. When displayed from a staff projecting from a windowsill, balcony or the front of a building, the union (blue field) should be at the staff’s peak.

7. When displayed on a stage or platform, the national flag should be to the speaker’s right. Any other flag is on the speaker’s left.

8. When flags or pennants of states, cities or societies are flown with the national flag on the same halyard, the U.S. flag should fly at the peak, above all others.

9. If other flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the U.S. flag should always be to the right of all others and should be hoisted first and lowered last.

10. Flags of other nations must be flown from separate flagpoles of equal height, and all flags should be approximately equal in size with the U.S. flag. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

11. When suspended, the flag should be vertical with the union to the north over an east-west street and to the east over a north-south street. The flag should be hoisted out union (blue field) first.

12. A flag patch may be attached to such uniforms as those of athletes, firefighters, police officers and members of patriotic organizations. The national flag should not be used as a costume or athletic uniform.

13. Colors affixed to staffs should be carefully furled, placed in a flag case or boot, or wrapped in plastic, then stored upright-preferably in a cool, dry, dark place.

14. Iron-on patches make rips and holes easy to repair. They can be bought in fabric departments in colors and various materials to match the flag. Follow the directions on the fabric package. As always, local Scout troops are happy to perform flag ceremonies, including the presentation of colors or retirement of colors, to any group. A copy of “Your Flag” is available free by calling (800)20SCOUT or logging on to www.ocbsa.org.

Brett Beck

Director of Field Services

Orange County Council

Boy Scouts of America

Costa Mesa

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Re “Who Really Loves God and Country?” Letters, Oct. 28:

Peter Hughes took exception to a letter from John F. Dean regarding the use of “God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. He stated that he believes he founders never intended God to be used the way it is today. I take exception. I just returned from visiting Washington. If Hughes had taken the time to visit the Jefferson Memorial, he would have read this inscription, in the largest letters possible, 360 degrees around the inside of the dome: “I swear upon the altar of God....” Now I ask: What was Thomas Jefferson’s intention when he spoke and immortalized those words?

Charles E. Sylvia

Los Alamitos

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Re “God, Atheism and the Tragedy of Sept. 11,” Oct. 21:

By definition, the existence of God can neither be proved nor disproved. But true believers will have none of it. The latest revelation on God’s Sept. 11 whereabouts is from the second of two letters. Addressing the question “Where was he when this happened?” the writer gives an array of answers, including “He was holding hands with those in the planes” (administering last rites?). Ergo, God exists. QED.

When the buildings were engulfed in flames, occupants faced immolation or a 1,000-foot leap. As the bodies accumulated on the sidewalk, he was “weeping” for them. God as grim weeper.

That this is moronic drivel is self-evident. Worse, it’s an insult to surviving family members who faced a gruesome task: trying to identify husbands/wives/kin in a temporary morgue filled with assorted body parts. It’s also self-evident that the author has a devout commitment to her faith. But the same can be said of the terrorists. Their belief that the attack was their ticket to the virgin landscape of paradise was every bit as sure and certain as hers. If faith be blind, any belief is credible.

Dick Lewis

Balboa