The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-02-07
USE Of FLAG
IS EXPLAINED
Approach of Two Holidays, Lin
coin and Washington Birth
days, Should be Noted.
Rules For Decorating


The near approach of LincolB's
Birthday, February 18th, and Wash
ington's Birthday, February 22nd, is a
reminder that the American Flag VIII
be used in decoration considerably at
these times. The proper use of the
flag is so much misunderstood by ma
ny people that the proper usage is
herewith published for general infcr-
nation:
The flag should never be placed be
low a person sitting.
The field of the flag is the stripes,
the union is the blue and the stars.
When the flag becomes old or soiled
from use it should be decently burned.
When two American flags are cross
ed the blue fields should face each
other.
In decorating, the flag should never
be festooned or draped; always hung
fiat.
The statutes of the United States
forbid the use of the flag in registered
trademarks.
As an altar covering the field should
be at the right as you face the altar
and nothing be placed upon the flag
except the Bible.
The American flag, the emblem Of
our Country. is the third Oldest ma
tional flag in the world. 1t represents
liberty. and liberty means obedience
to law.
When the flag is displayed from a
staff the blue field should be in the
upper corner next to the staff.
From private flag poles, the flag
may fly at all hours. day and night,
with due respect TO the colors.
In crossing the American Flag with
that of another nation, the American
Colors should be at the right.
Always stand when The Star Span
gled Banner is being played or sung
and protest when used in a medley
When carried izsa parasite or p1~
crossed with other flags, the stars
and Stripes should always be ne
right.
The flag should never be worn as
the whole or part OF a costume AS
a badge it should be worn oyer the
left breast.
There are three standard sizes FOR
the flag provided by the War Depart
ment regulations: Garrison flag. 3Sx20
feet; Post flag, 1sx1O feet, and Storm
flag, 91kx5 feet.
In handling the flag it should not De
allowed to touch the ground. and new
er allowed TO lie upon the ground as
means of deeoration-nor should II be
laid fiat with anything placed upon it.
If you hang the flag from a window
it should be suspended by the same
edge which is it ordinarily attached to
the pole. and if two flags are hung
together cantons should be placed TO-
gether. If the flag is draped across
the street the blue canton should be
up.
In draping the flag against the side
of a room or building. the proper posi-
ton for the blue field is toward the
north or toward the east.
The flag contains thirteen stripes.
alternate red and white, representing
the thirteen original states. and a sta
for each state in the Union.
When the flag is passing in parade,
in review. or it being raised or lower
ed the spectators should. if walking.
halt, if sitting. arise. uncover and
stand at attention"
When the flag is used in unwilling
a statue or monument. il should not
be allowed to fan to the ground. but
should be carried aloft TO wave out,
forming a distinctive feature during
the remainder of the ceremony.
When the flag is shown horizontally
the blue field should be al the upper
left hand corner to the observer. when
vertically the blue should be at the
upper right corner; when in either
position the flag should be fastened
only at the top.
When the flag is flown at half ssaH
as a sign of mourning, it should be
hoisted TO full staff at the conclusion
of the funeral. In placing the far al
half staff. it should first be hoisted 10
the top of the staff and then lowered
to position.
Whenever u flag and any other
are hoisted OF the same staff. the Star
Spangled Banner must float from the
top. In the heart of every American
citizen the American flag must have
the first and highest place-musi be
supreme.