US Code Title 4 provides specific rules for display.
Austin, Texas, June 02, 2011 -- As we reflect on Memorial Day, USAbledVeterans.com asks all Americans to remember what these military heroes died for and what our flag represents. Duty, Honor, God, Country, Family and Flag are what every Soldier, Marine, Sailor and Airman hold dearly. The American Flag represents it all.
US Code Title 4, Chapter 1 Section 7 has specific rules for displaying the American Flag and what it represents. A few key rules can ensure that if you go through the trouble to post a flag, you give it the respect it deserves and which is codified in US Law.
1. No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag (the flag's right) of the United States of America.State Flags may be flown at the same height but always to the left (the US Flags left) and if flown on the same staff MUST always be below the American Flag.
"This makes me so sad because it is so often done innocently by well meaning Americans." noted Sela Rodriguez, Vice President of Veterans Services for USabledVeterans.com and IHireVeterans.com. "Here in Austin you'll see the American flag and Texas State Flags flown at the same height over shopping malls, Car dealerships and other public places. Texas is like no other in waving the State flag but is must always be flown properly and to the right as you are viewing it. People honor not only our American flag and their State flags, but everything they stand for when they are displayed properly." she added.
2. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag 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.
Carl Braun, co-founder of Patriotjobs.net and Hire-A-Patriot.com had a similar experience in California. "A local vineyard was flying the flags of Argentina, The United States and Italy on three poles in front of the winery. I contacted the owner and told him about respectful placement of the American Flag and other nations on US soil. He was honoring his mother (from Argentina) and his father (from Italy) with the flags over his business. When he found out about the discrepancy he immediately ordered the center pole raised and moved the US Flag to its proper place. It may sound insignificant but wars have been fought over less. I was very proud of the owner and frequented his restaurant often to show my gratitude.
Braun was not as pleased with the City of Calexico, California which has for some time flown the Mexican Flag and no American Flag over the old City Hall. "Reportedly they fly it only on Mexican National Holidays but regardless it is against the law and disrespectful to all of those veterans, Hispanic or otherwise that have died for the red, white and blue. "he said.
3. If you wear a lapel pin or American Flag on your shoulder or sleeve of a jacket or uniform, the flag should always be placed on the left lapel pin or left shoulder. The easiest thing to remember is that the stars in the flag should be closest to your heart. If for some reason you must place a flag on the right shoulder or sleeve the flag should be reversed, again with the stars closest to the heart. Military stores and police supply houses sell these flags. They look backwards but when placed on the right shoulder are proper.
Both Braun and Rodriguez call upon all American companies and individuals to observe proper flag etiquette and to comply with State and Federal law in the appropriate and respectful way to display the American Flag. "It is the least we can do to honor our vets and our great American Heritage. Often it is the little things that count." said Rodriguez.
USabledVeterans.com, Diversity-Job.com, Green-Employers.com, IHireVeterans.com and HireCustomercare.com are part of the Job1 family of niche job boards.
Contact:
Sela Rodriguez
USAbledVeterans.com
336-447-3838
