THE U.S. FLAG IN TIMES OF MOURNING

colonial flag ^ | 8 jun 04 | colonial flag

[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.

[Lokibob]

FYI

[Soaring Feather]

bump to the top

[alisasny]

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.

I just finished doing this.

[Tacos]

Question:
I have a black streamer hanging from the top of my flag that is the width (mighty close) of a flag stripe and is the same length of the flag. I remember the American Legion saying something about a streamer or a bow on the flag pole top. Others have told me it's only half the length of the flag (which I don't think is right), and others say bows go on wall flags only (I don't think that is right either).

Does anybody have any additional good sources as to the use of a black streamer? The U.S. Flag Code does not seem to cover this at all, and I've got two neighbors who keep arguing with me (mildly) about it.

Also, don't forget to illuminate a flag if it is up at night (doesn't have to be spotlit...lit at least enough to be able to see the colors). I am keeping mine up overnight through the week and weekend and it is lit with a porch light...then I will keep the flag up the rest of 30-day mourning period from dawn to dusk.

[Tacos]

I should have know to dig deeper here :-/

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1149582/posts

[Barnacle]

BumpPing.

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[Barnacle]

BumpPing

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[sistergoldenhair]

Thanks for the ping.
I was looking for this information.

[Desdemona]

Have to go get black ribbon today.

[Barnacle]

A black ribbon is a great option for those of us without tall flag poles.

It was interesting to read that other flags should be removed while the flag is at half staff. I know of one flag pole that is flying two additional flags while at half staff. Not only does it look odd, but here it says that it is wrong.

[Salvation]

There was also a thread (I think) about the proper way to fold the flag and what each fold meant. It was beautiful.

[Coleus]

Thanks for the post, the answers may be found here:

Title IV of the United States Code

I was once told that flags with the gold fringes around them are not true US flags representing the USA.  I'm not too sure whether it's true or not.

 

[Lokibob]

Lots of info here about the gold fringe:
http://www.apfn.org/apfn/flag.htm

Not sure how true some of it is.