Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-07-02

it gets the full measure of respect on all oc-
be an expert On flag etiquette will not save
you from being regarded as an American OF
doubtful pedigree is you inadvertently oispiy
the flag with the stars in the wrong corner.
Not so many years ago the flag was treated
with enthusiastic but misguided familiarity. On
any occasion when the American Revolution or
the republic were apt to be mentioned a nan
was decked out in flags. They were Topped
and twirled and fastened into r~osettes. They
were nailed to chandeliers and ratings, and
If a corner of a flag here and there trailed on
the floor no one thought anything OF 1t. -
A large bunting flag was regarded as the
most appropriate covering for the speakers
desk. The gavel was laid on the flag, and IL
the chairman found it necessary to rap for
the patriotic table cover. A pitcher of ice water.
set by the gavel, generally completed the set
ting for a rousing meeting.
The piece de resistance of the patriotic eve
ming was generally a solo dance by some star
pupil of a dancing school, in which the per-
former appeared in a costume made out OF a
flag, or put together to resemble a flag. The
dance usually began with Hail bia,' ana
progressed through a list of patriotic songs to
THE Star Spangled Banner" as a climax.
But all that is over. For some years. the flag
has been under the protection of nobody knows
how many of all the patriotic societies. HIS
tory and heraldry have been tapped TO ascer-
tain the exact etiquette suitable on every posi-
BILE occasion at which the national emblem ap-
pears. ,
used to decorate a room or building II should
always be hung in straight lines, never orapeo
nor twisted. III SnOulQ nOC De diicu u AANHS
by loops or through rings in the binding.
If it is used to cover a pulpit or desk moth
ing should be placed on top OF 1t unless u ~
be allowed to touch the floor for fear some
one might step on it. -
If it is hung as a banner-that IS, WIN the
stripes horizontal, as we usually see tnem-
the field of stars. or union, should pc In inc
upper left hand corner. If it is hung on end;
stripes running up and down, the union snouiu
be in the upper right hand corner.
If these rules are followed, flag decorations
are sanctioned by patriotic experts. some OF OF
the patriotic societies, however, hold that IT IS
really more desirable to use bunting IN oeco,
rating the walls of a room. RED. wnite ana
blue bunting may, be draped or festooneo IN al
most any way desired.
The only techinal point in using, bunting is
that it has a top and bottom. unfortunately Ior
agree as to which is the top side of bunting. Four
years ago a deputy qusrtermaster general de-
creed that the proper order. for good taste IS
red, white aud blue-red at the top. Inls' ne
said, was in accordance with the heraldic col
ors of the flag. which always are read IN the
order he named.
firmly that bunting should be hung with the
blue at the top, followed by white and men
read, so as to follow strictly the rules . T
shield. The shield. you may remember mas u
blue field at the top. and below mat the wnl.e
and red stripes. AS there is a disagreement
over this, and as bunting. after all, is not the
flag, this is not SO important as some other
points of flag etiquette.
i [ IS more " o@"A
her that a flag worn on the coat lapel should
always be worn on the left side. 1t should De
small and there should never be any button VI
other q. %coration worn above 1t.
1t is also important to know that WHEN ~
flag passes, a civilian should lift mis- nat ana
hold it in his right hand across his left shouid-
er. This movement, if properly executed: IS
intended to bring the hat over the heart. Any
one is expected to stand when the nag passes
or is raised or lowered on a statf.
There is a significance back of all the various
cbservances. Persons stand to show respect
and the flag is entitled to this respect because
it is the symbol of the nation. AS the sympot
of the United States, the Stars and stripes
should always be treated with veneration: Ihat
is why a law prevents the use OIL the r. a. not
thought fitting thai our national banner snoula
be a common reminder of knives hats or other
articles.
There is a strong sentiment against the use
of the flag as a costume, or part OF a costume.
1t is also considered improper to use the nag
as a background for pictures OF any klno' as
for example the portraits of the President ana
Vice President, Of George Washington, or the
National Capitol.
flag flying at night. as this was permitted by d
war department ruling. But now, even though
This country has never formally concluded It's
peace negotiations, there is no reason for the
flag to be left flying in bad weather or after
sunset. ..
is to be handled carefully and respectfully, at
all times. But personal judgment as to wha1
is respectful treatment cannot always De rea red
upon. One person will hang out an OLD tattereu
flag on patriotic days, feeling that it's dinginess
suggests long service.
The Patriotic societies, looking at the mat
tor from another angle, say that a torn flag
should never be hoisted until it has been neatly
repaired. A tattered flag is more inspiring than
a fresh one only when the old flag was worn OUT
in battle or other distinguished service. Ana
even such old, historic standards are now care
fully mended to preserve them, and also pc
cause not to do SO suggests neglect ana Tie a.
ways-to-be avoided disrespect. 80.
Because people do differ as to what mignt
be proper in handling the national emblem,
rules Of guidance have been laid down for
practically every emergency. Those given mere
cover the most usual situations. They are MOI
official rules. backed by law. But they have
Almost gained the force of law by the eternal
vigilance of the flag protectionists.