The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-07-31
CEREMONIES RELATING
TO NATIONS C0L0RS
Suggestions Relative to Use of
Stars and Stripes.
HOW CoLoRs ARE sALUTED.
No Air Recognized as National An
them. But -Spanglci Banner Is
Generally SO Required
10 Rise " hen IL Is Played.

Ihere is so much difference or
opinion among civilians as to the prop
method of displaying, hanging and
saluting the United States flag that the
council of defense has obtained a
statement on the subject from the Of
fee of the adtutant general of the war
department
Everyone is familiar more or less.
with the regulations. their letter or
spirit, relative to descration Of the
Gag. But even newly commissioned
GERS and enlisted men. in many in
stances. and a vast number of civil
lians, are ignorant of the proper way
to honor the national emblem,
The council is sending Information
on the subject to many persons who
have asked for it, and will try to have
patriotic clubs and other orcaniZa-
lions of similar purpose advise the
people in their several communities
Of the "oficial etiquette"
No Federal law on Subject.
II seems that there is no federal
law now IN force pertaining to the
manner OF displaying hanging or sa-
lutinc the United States flag or pro-
ecrihtng any ceremonies that should
be observed in connection herewith.
There are hut two federal laws on the
statute books that have any bearing
upon this subject. one the act of con-
Fress, approved February %, 1905 t33
Stat. l. y. T25) providing that a trade
mark cannot be registered which con
sists Of or comprises. enter alta the
Gag. coat OF arms, or other ins gnia
OF the United State. or any stimulation
hereof" and the other the act OF
congress approved February q lal7
tPublic-No. S05-654 CONG pro
,fd'ng certain penalties for the desc
Grafton. mutilation, or impropf" r9e
~ the flag within the District OF Co
lulnhi Several states have cufct"a
laws which have more or less o"7'ing
upon 'te general subject. AMI Il 60 II :
probable that many counties and mu-
ricipa'.tjes have also passed orIi-
nnnces concerning the matter. to gov
ern action within their own jurlsdic-
ZION.
Considerable discussion has arisen
throughout the coautrN concerning
the proper manner Of hanging and
displaying the fiac for decorative rur-
poses As already stated there is no
federal law covering the subject. and
Individual opinion differs as 20 the pro
tedure thai should or should rot bo
ruil0wed II has been suggested that
90 far Ak possible the hanging ~ the
r4~ should be restricted 20 suspend
. '0~ 81 from q Gag pute. II the REGULAR
v-av. ard ~ot - displaying il other
p'Se thlt for purposes % decoration
80 - ,,t,to.7+ rof9re should ne ar
.-..,.,, d. ~, 49,, 30 bantt,c and
81. ,...o4 j., ,ha sor4,, ~ 80 rar tina.
,,a,.n,tha}ess trs desire ta use
ha tag for decorative purposes II
'."ld always be hung whether on the
dc or the outside ~ buildings. with
,,.c ,,,,,o,, - tha north or eae. so that
.-n ,,,iIi he q general uo{forritv in
.-9,,s;,go-s ~ The union Of each flag
t s.LavaS. that under ro conditions
bo,,ta J., he Inns where II ran easily
l,a contaminated or safied or h., drap-
5 .ya~ cba3rs ar benches TO he used
for seating p,frroxex and that no OBJ
i.rt or en,tieu1 Of any kind should he
t.larea ahoca n- ,.non II
should Always H., First.
Il seems to ae anproprIate that
where several flags or ernhlems are
sts,.l,>tei .,f, - I,s,3s. s,,x, as<ss.ve 3se. the
t-r;tns cfa+ax dag should a{wavs be
hofsted first and hung or displayed at
the ton that N any parade the United
ates flag should always have the
nlare Of honor. and that the flag
should never be hung or displayed
with the union down except Ak a Sig
r,1 NJ DISTRESS AZ sea
ENlHJluE
army proyide that when officers and
enlisted men pass the national flag,
not ancased. they will render honor
as follows. If in civilian dress and
covered. they will uncover. holding the
heoddress opposite the left shoulder
with the right hand; II uncovered, they
win salute with the right hand salute.
\ flag unfurled and hung in a room in
which officers or enlisted men of the
a,nv are present VIII be saluted by
them the first time they may have oc-
rasior TO pass H. but not thereafter.
Tn. hand salute is as follows; Raise
the right hand snartIy till the tip OF
the foretlnger touches the lower part
nf the headdress above the right eye,
thumb and fingers extended and ion
cd palm to left. forearm inclined to
about forty five degrees hand and
wrist straight: at the same time look
towards the person saluted. drop the
arm smnrtlv to the side
Star-Spangied Banner
No anthem. hymn or mnsicat ai
has been recognized by any federal law
as the national anthem. hymn or air
but army and navy regulations provide