In recent days, we have observed several instances of the United States Flag being inappropriately displayed in conjunction with other flags. Accordingly, we felt it might be useful to direct the attention of the community to the U.S. Flag Code, officially titled United State Code Title 36 (Chapter 10, Sec 173-178).

In those select sections of the Code, the proper display of the United States Flag is explained in great detail. In particular, all who display the Flag should note Section 175, Para (c), which states, “No other flag or pennant should be placed above or , if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international equal above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.

“The display of the United States Flag in a position of honor and prominence relative to any other flags or pennants is simply a statement of the fact that the Flag of these United States of America stands for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or any other individual affiliation or lack therof.

The Flag of the United States of America flies over the graves of our fallen Service Members, be they Christian, Jew Hindu, Muslim or other. Brave men and women of all racial groups, social classes, religious preferences and political persuasions have followed the Flag into battle, fighting side by side to defend our freedoms and liberties under that common banner.

In recognition of the unique status of the Flag of the United States of America as a unifying symbol for all citizens of the United States, and with respect to the special significance the Flag has for those who have served our nation as members of the Armed Forces, we request that all individuals or entities that patriotically chose to display the Flag do so in accordance with the United States Flag Code.

Any member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the America Legion will gladly assist anyone who has questions or concerns about the appropriate display of the Flag under any given circumstances or situations. Thank you all for your considerations of our request, and please know that as Veterans and American citizens we appreciate very much the fact that we live in a community where flying the Flag of the United States is a common and proud occurrence. May God Bless all during this Christmas season, and May His grace be with all our Service Members where they are rendering service to our nation.

 

Sincerely,

Keith Reeves, Commander, American Legion Post 12 and Kenneth Powell, Commander, VFW Post 2618