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THE U.S. FLAG IN TIMES OF MOURNING
Colonial flag ^ | 8 Jun 04 | Colonial flag

Posted on 06/08/2004 9:58:13 PM PDT by Lokibob

 
 
THE U.S. FLAG IN TIMES OF MOURNING
 
Dear Flag Flyers,

On 5 June 2004 the death of Ronald Reagan, former president of the United States, was announced. In accord with the Flag Code and with a proclamation issued by George W. Bush, the United States flag is to be flown at half-staff for 30 days from the date of death, i.e. through 4 July.

In some situations it is not possible to half-staff a flag -- for example, when it is permanently fixed to a staff. In that case displaying black ribbons above a full-staffed flag is an appropriate alternative form of mourning. The Flag Research Center in Winchester, Ma. recommends attaching a single black ribbon, the width of one flag stripe and with a length twice that of the flag. The center of the ribbon should be tied or otherwise affixed to the staff such that its two ends (each as long as the flag) fly freely. (Copyright 2004 by the Flag Research Center; all rights reserved.)

Many have asked if the above guidelines apply to the private sector or residential flag flyers. While the flag code and presidential proclamation are intended for all federal buildings, US Embassies and U.S.military facilities worldwide, the spirit of such proclamations reflect a standard of protocol that is typically adhered to by the general public. There is no law that would prohibit a state, city, town, private sector or residential flag flyer from flying their flag at full staff. Historically, however, as a matter of tradition and good etiquette, non-federal U.S. flag flyers have typically followed the federal governments lead.

Colonial Flag will be flying the flag at half staff through July 4th.

Some have asked what to do when there is a state flag or other flag below the US flag. It is recommended that all flags other than the U.S. flag be taken off the pole and that the U.S. flag be allowed to fly alone. While flying non-U.S. flags on adjacent poles in a multiple flagpole situation is common, the strictest interpretation of the flag code suggests that all adjacent flags (i.e. state, corporate, foreign, etc.) be removed while the U.S. flag remains alone at half staff.

(Excerpt) Read more at colonialflag.com ...


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: display; flag
FYI
1 posted on 06/08/2004 9:58:14 PM PDT by Lokibob
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To: Lokibob

Thank you so much! I've been wondering about this since I retired our flag Saturday evening. Now I need to ransack the house for some black fabric.


2 posted on 06/09/2004 5:52:39 AM PDT by grellis (What's a rooster and mashed potatos have to do with being a pirate?)
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