HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2003-14 U.S/Texas flags fly continously as long as local citizens serve in various armed forces in our country
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Agenda Date Requested: June 9. 2003
Appropriation
Requested By: Debra Brooks Feazelle
Source of Funds:
Department: Adminilltration
Account Number:
Report:
Resolution: X Ordinance:
Amount Budgeted:
Exhibits:
Resolution
Amount Requested:
Exhibits:
Letter of request form American Leeion
Budgeted Item: YES NO
Exhibits
Flag Code
SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION
At the request oflocal Veterans, the City of La Porte began displaying the flags of our State and Nation
24 hours a day in honor of the men and women from our community who are on active duty in the United
States Military forces. This practice began on Veterans Day, 1990.
Due to the recent war, American Legion has requested the City reaffirm its commitment to fly the United
States and Texas flags at City facilities continuously as long as local citizens are serving in the various
Armed Services of our country.
Action Required bv Council:
Approve a resolution officially reaffirming that the City of La Porte will fly the United States and Texas flags at
City facilities continuously as long as local citizens are serving in the various Armed Services of our country,
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Date
RESOLUTION NO. 2003-L
A RESOLUTION OFFICIALLY REAFFIRMING THAT THE CITY OF LA PORTE
WILL FLY THE UNITED STATES AND TEXAS FLAGS AT CITY FACILITIES
CONTINUOUSLY AS LONG AS LOCAL CITIZENS ARE SERVING IN THE
VARIOUS ARMED SERVICES OF OUR COUNTRY; FINDING COMPLIANCE
WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
HEREOF.
WHEREAS, the security of our city, state and nation is dependent upon the men
and women serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of
America; and,
WHEREAS, there are many citizens of the City of La Porte serving on active duty
in said forces; and,
WHEREAS, on November 11, 1990 the City of La Porte began to fly the flags of
our state and nation 24 hours a day in honor of these special people, for so long
as anyone of them so serves; and,
WHEREAS, the City of La Porte wishes to confirm our lasting pride, and our firm
support, of said people, be it; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. The City of La Porte reaffirms it's policy of flying the Flags of the
United States of America and the great State of Texas continually at our City Hall
and all other public facilities to honor each and every one of the men and women
serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, especially those residents of
the La Porte Bayshore Area; and be it further,
Section 2. That this policy shall continue as long as there is any member of our
community serving on active duty in the Military forces of the United States and
be finally,
Section 3. That the City of La Porte urges all local businesses and the general
public to do the same.
Section 4. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites and declares that
a sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of
the City Council is posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of
the City for the time required by law preceding this meeting, as required by the
Chapter 551, Tx. Gov't Code; and that this meeting has been open to the public
as required by law at all times during which this resolution and the subject matter
thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City
Council further ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice and the
contents and posting thereof.
Section 5. This Resolution shall be effective upon its passage and approval.
Passed by the City Council this 9th day of June, 2003.
C'~d
Norman L. Malone
Mayor
ATTEST:
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Martha A. Gillett
City Secretary !
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Knox W. Askins
City Attorney
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The American Legion (2.eA ~~ ~ -
Hovey Bethea Powell Post 428 ,
P. O. Box 14 R ECE IVE
La Porte, Texas 77572.00\41
Debra Feazelle
City Manager
La Porte, Texas
APR 2 2003
April 23 2003
CITY MANAGER'S '
OFFICE
Subject: Displaying the flags of our State and Nation 24 hours a day in honor of the men
and women from our community who are on active duty in the United States Military Forces.
Dear Ms. Feazelle;
Per our conversation April 21, 2003.
The City of La Porte, at the request of local Veterans, began this outstanding practice
on Veterans Day, 1990, prior to the start of Desert Storm: Jan. 16, 1991.
Authority to do this is found in Title 4, United States Code Chapter 1, Sec. 4 through
10. (See attached) Esp. Sec.. 6 (a) "----when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be
displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. "
"Proper illumination" is interpreted as a "light specifically placed to illuminate the
flag (preferred) or having a light source sufficient to illuminate the flag so it is recognizable
as such by the casual observer." (underlining is mine) See American Legion attachment
This could be from street lighting, parking lots, or spill over. One of our most
common calls is to report that someone is "flying our flag at night. " We ask, "How do you
know?" Most often they reply, "Because I saw it." Our answer to that is, "well then, it must
have been properly illuminated. "
And Sec. 6 (c) "The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is
inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed. " (underlining is mine)
Time has dulled the memory of why we see the flags flying 24 hr. a day in our city.
Proposal: To have City Council compose an official declaration to reaffirm that the
City of La Porte will fly the United States and Texas flags at City Hall and all other public
facilities continuously as long as local citizens are serving in the various Armed Services of
- our country; and to urge all businesses and the general public to do the same.
Please let me know if I should approach council direct. Thanks again for your support.
.~~
William J. (Bill) White
Commander (281-471-2867)
~~
Buford E. Leonard
Adjutant
f~c:.L, l
Re. Reconfmning flying flags in honor of local men and women who are serving on active
duty in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Some suggested where's and where fore's
DECLARATION
Whereas: the security of our city, state and nation is dependent upon the men and women
serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and:
Whereas: there are many citizens of the City of La Porte serving on active duty in said
forces, and
Whereas: on November 11, 1990 the City of La Porte began to fly the flags of our state
and nation 24 hours a day in honor of these special people, for so long as anyone
of them so serves, and
Whereas: The City of La Porte wishes to confmn our lasting pride, and our fmn support, of
said people; be it
Resolved: that the City of La Porte reaffmns it's policy of flying the Flags of the
United States of America and the great State of Texas continually at
our City Hall and all other public facilities to honor each and every one of the
men and women serving in the Armed Forces of the United States: especially
those residents of the La Porte bay shore area, and be it further
Resolved: that this Policy shall continue as long as there is any member of our community
serving on active duty in the Military forces of the United States: and be it fmally
Resolved; that the City of La Porte urges all local businesses and the general public to do
the same.
NOTE. What ever form is used should be framed and prominently displayed on a wall
in City Hall.
Bill White (281) 471 2867
The Flag Code
Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1
As Adopted by the National Flag Conference, Washington, D.C., June 14-15,
1923, and Revised and Endorsed by the Second National Flag Conference,
Washington, D.C., May IS, 1924. Revised and adopted at P.L. 623, 77th Congress,
Second Session, June 22, 1942; as Amended by P.L. 829, 77th Congress, Second
Session, December 22, 1942; P.L. 107 83rd Congress, 1st Session, July 9, 1953; P.L.
396, 83rd Congress, Second Session, June 14, 1954; P.L. 363, 90th Congress,
Second Session, June 28, 1968; P.L. 344, 94th Congress, Second Session, July 7,
1976; P.L. 322, 103rd Congress, Second Session, September 13, 1994; P.L. 225,
105th Congress, Second Session, August 12, 1998; and P.L. 80, 106th Congress,
First Session, October 25, 1999.
~ 4. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, "I pledge allegiance to the
Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one
Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be
rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the
heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right
hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in
uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.
~ 5. Display and use of flag by civilians; codification of rules and customs;
definition
The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the
display and use of the flag of the United States of America is established for the
use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to
conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of
the Government of the United States. The flag of the United States for the
purpose of this chapter shall be defined according to sections 1 and 2 of this title
and Executive Order 10834 issued pursuant thereto.
~ 6. Time and occasions for display
(a) It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset
on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic
effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated
during the hours of darkness.
(b) The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
(c) The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement,
except when an all weather flag is displayed.
(d) The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day,
January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Martin Luther King, Jr.' s birthday, the
third Monday in January; Lincoln's Birthday, February 12; Washington's
Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother's Day,
second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Memorial
Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14;
Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution
Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day,
October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in
November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be
proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of
admission); and on State holidays.
(e) The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration
building of every public institution.
(f) The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election
days.
(g) The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every
schoolhouse.
6 7. Position and manner of display
The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either
on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other
flags, in front of the center of that line.
(a) The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff,
or as provided in subsection (i) of this section.
(b) The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a
vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar,
the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
(c) 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 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: 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.
(d) The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with
another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's
own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
(e) The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the
highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or
pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
(f) When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown
on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always
be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the
United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant
may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's
right.
(g) When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown
from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately
equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above
that of another nation in time of peace.
(h) When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting
horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building,
the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at
half-staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending
from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out,
union first, from the building.
(i) When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union
should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left.
When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way,
with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
(j) When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be
suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to
the east in a north and south street.
(k) When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be
displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a
church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should
hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the
position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience.
Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or
speaker or to the right of the audience.
(1) The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a
statue or monument, but it should never be used as the covering for the statue or
monument.
(m) The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for
an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again
raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag
should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the
staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the
death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a
State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event
of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at
half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with
recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the
death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or
possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or
possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. The
flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a
former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief
Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House
of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice
of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a
former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on
the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall
be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also
Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection -
(1) the term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the
distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
(2) the term "executive or military department" means any agency listed under
sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and
(3) the term "Member of Congress" means a Senator, a Representative, a
Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
(n) When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the
union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered
into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
(0) When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with
only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the
flag to the observer's left upon entering. If the building has more than one main
entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor
or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or
to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in
more than two directions, the union should be to the east.
~ 8. Respect for flag
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the
flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags,
and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
(a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a
signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the
floor, water, or merchandise.
(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and
free.
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It
should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to
fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above,
the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a
speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a
manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
(f) The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
(g) The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor
attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing
of any nature.
(h) The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding,
carrying, or delivering anything.
(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner
whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or
handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or
boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising
signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform.
However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel,
firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents
a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag
pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem
for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
~ 9. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is
passing in a parade or in review, all present except those in uniform should face
the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present
in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should
remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the
hand being over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the
flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.
~ 10. Modification of rules and customs by President
Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the United States of
America, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or repealed, or additional
rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, by the Commander in Chief of the
Armed Forces of the United States, whenever he deems it to be appropriate or
desirable; and any such alteration or additional rule shall be set forth in a
proclamation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flag
Page 1 of 4
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SEARCH!.
... .. Flaq Code I Frequent Questions I Folding the Flag I Pledge of Allegiance I History 0
:. Pledge I Unserviceable Flags I Citizens Flag Alliance I Flag Foundation
.~;';';;::...:~~:
-'<ARIa
Our Flag
:~ Frequently Asked Questions
...[h.
1. Can a flau that has been used to cover a casket be displayed after its oriqina
2. Can tile United States flag 1)E~ displayed on days wtwn the woaHler is mclern
3. What is the siqnificance of
displaving the flag at Ilalf..staff?
4. When tile flao is not flown from a staff, how should it be displaved?
5. I-low are unserviceable flags destroyed?
_ : ~~~nJ.~~ !~2~~;E:~~~~:~J:K~:~~~~~~;'~:I~~~s the ground?
l:i!I.li:.iil:I.:lillll.il!!.ii::::~II.~.~.::!:!:!:!.i:i 9. ~~~:if~~:o~~~~~~~r~t,~:no~ t~:t~~~. f~i~~: ::i~Z:~kne~~;~~~~~~~C;~lef:~~;~
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:..:::....::.:::::.::..:...............:....:.:.:...:.:..:...::::.:..............:...:...:.:.:..:.:.:.:.:.:.:............... 13. Wllat should I)e the position of the flag when displayed from a staff in a chur
:.::::::!!:!::!I::i[I_I[il1II!!:!!:::: public auditorium or otller public meetinq place, whether indoors or outdoors.
.!:.:::::::::.I~!~!rn_I::II:~III:::: 14. ~~~(~r~l:~ ~~~r~~i~I~I~:~~rf(~; f~~~~~~~;a~l~esecration of tile flaq?
_ Q: Can a flag that has been used to cover a casket be displaye
....:...............:.............::..::.:...:.:...:::::::::.:::.:..:..:............:..:.:..::.:.....:.:..:::.:.:.........: after Its ong I nal use?
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......:.:...............:.:.:..:...:::..:.....:.:.........................:.............:.:.:.....:::..::.:::::::::::::::::. A: There are no provisions in the Flag Code to suggest otherwise. It would be a fitti
tribute to the memory of the deceased veteran and their service to a grateful nation
casket flag were displayed.
Q: Can the United States flag be displayed on days when the
weather is inclement?
A: The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except
an all weather (nylon or other non-absorbent material) flag is displayed. However,
flags are made of all weather materials. (Ref Flaq Code 6(c))
Q: What is the significance of displaying the flag at half-staff?
http://www.1egion.orglour_flagloCfaCLflag.htm
4/16/03
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flag
Page 2 of 4
A: This gesture is a sign to indicate the nation mourns the death of an individual(s),
as death of the President or former President, Vice President, Supreme Court Justi
member of Congress, Secretary of an executive or military department, etc. Only th
President of the United States or the Governor of the State may order the flag to be
staffed. The honor and reverence accorded this solemn act is quickly becoming ero
those individuals and agencies that display the flag at half-staff on inappropriate oc
without proper authority to do so. (ref: Fiaq Code 7(m))
Q: When the flag is not flown from a staff, how should it be
displayed?
A: It should be displayed vertically, whether indoors or out, and suspended so that i
fall free as though the flag were staffed. The stripes may be displayed either horizo
vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right;
to the observer's left. When displayed in a window of a home or a place of business
flag should be displayed in the same way; that is, with the union or blue field to the I
the observer in the street. (Ref Flag Code 7(i))
Q: How are unserviceable flags destroyed?
A: The Flag Code suggests that, "when a flag has served its useful purpose, it shou
destroyed, preferably by burning." For individual citizens, this should be done discr
the act of destruction is not perceived as a protest or desecration. Many American
Posts conduct Disposal of Unserviceable Flag Ceremonies on June 14, Flag Day. T
ceremony creates a particularly dignified and solemn occasion for the retirement of
unserviceable flags. (ref: Flag Code 8(k))
Q: Can the flag be washed or dry-cleaned?
A: Yes. There are no provisions of the Flag Code which prohibit such care. The dec
wash or dry-clean would be dependent on the material.
Q: Are you required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground?
A: Flag Code section 176b states that the flag should not touch anything beneath it
as the ground. This is stated to indicate that care should be exercised in the handlin
the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. You ARE NOT required to
the flag when this happens. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if
washing or dry-cleaning (which is acceptable practice) is required, you may continu
display the flag as a symbol of our great country. (ref: Flag Code 8(b))
Q: What is the proper method for folding the flag?
A: The Flag Code does not require any specific method, however, there is a traditio
has developed over time. This method produces a triangular shaped form like that
three corner hat with only the blue union showing. There is a diagram available on _
the Flag that lists the steps involved.
http://www.legion.org/our_flag/oCfaCLflag.htm
4/16/03
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flag
Page 3 of 4
Q: Maya person, other than a veteran, have their casket drape
with the flag of the United States?
A: Yes, although this honor is usually reserved for veterans or highly regarded state
national figures, the Flag Code does not prohibit this use.
Q: What is the significance of the gold fringe which we see on
American flags?
A: Records indicate that fringe was first used on the flag as early as 1835. It was no
1895 it was officially added to the National flag for all regiments of the Army. For ci
use, fringe is not required as an integral part of the flag, nor can its use be said to
constitute an unauthorized addition to the design prescribed by statute. It is conside
fringe is used as an honorable enrichment only.
Q: What is meant by the flag's own right?
A: The "right" as the position of honor developed from the time when the "right han
the "weapon hand" or "point of danger." The right hand, raised without a weapon, w
sign of peace. The right hand, to any observer, is the observer's left. Therefore, as
the Flaa Code, the flag and/or blue field is displayed to the left of the observer, whi
the flag's "own right." (ref: Flaq Code 7(d),(i)
Q: Is it proper to fly the flag of the United States at night?
A: The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunr
sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patri
effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly ilium
during the hours of darkness. (ref: Flaq Code 6(a)) The American Legion interprets
illumination" as a light specifically placed to illuminate the flag (preferred) or having
source sufficient to illuminate the flag so it is recognizable as such by the casual ob
Q: What should be the position of the flag when displayed from
staff in a church, public auditorium or other public meeting pia
whether indoors or outdoors, on platform, or on the floor at gro
level?
A: When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displaye
above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church, public aud
or meeting place, the flag should hold the position of superior prominence, in advan
the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as h
the audience. Prior to the F!aq Code changes in 1976, the display procedure was
somewhat different. Now the staffed flag should always be placed to the right of the
speaker (observer's left) without regard to a platform or floor level. (ref: FlaQ Code
http://www.1egion.orglour_flaglof_faCLflag.htm
4/16/03
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flag
Page 4 of 4
Q: What are the penalties for the physical desecration of the fl
A: There are currently no penalties for the physical desecration of the flag. The Am
Legion and other members of the Citizens Flag Alliance continue working towards s
a Constitutional amendment to protect the flag from physical desecration.
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