| VFW Post 6364 6502 Dickens Place Richmond, Virginia 23227 |
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| Flag Education On June 14, 1777, the Marine Committee of the Continental Congress adopted a resolution that gave birth to our national flag. The resolution read: "Resolved that the flag of the United States be made of 13 stripes, alternate red and white, that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Flags and flag education are important elements of the VFW's Citizenship Education program. In fact, flags are the most commonly requested items from the VFW's Emblem and Supply Department, which sells more than 250,000 flags each year. |
Flag Questions & Answers The following answers are from the current Federal Flag Code, VFW Ritual and U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry. What should you do with a worn or torn U.S. Flag? Such a flag should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Individuals should be responsible for destroying the worn flag in their possession and burying the ashes. Some VFW Posts provide assistance. If two flags are staffed before the entrance of a building, where should the U.S. Flag be? On the left side as observed from the street. When is it permitted to half-staff the U.S. Flag? Only the president of the United States or the governor of the state may order the flag to be at half-staff to honor the death of a national or state figure. Unfortunately, many city, business and organization leaders are half-staffing the flag upon the death of an employee or member. Instead, it is suggested to half-staff (if on a separate pole) the city, business or organizational flag. The federal flag code does not prohibit this type of half-staffing. How should the U.S. Flag be displayed from a staff when on a platform or on the floor in a church or auditorium? The U.S. Flag should always be placed to the right of the speaker (viewer's left) without regard to a platform or floor level. Any other flags displayed should be placed on the left of the speaker or to the right of the audience. What is the meaning of the gold fringe on some flags? The addition of the fringe started in the early 1800s as decorative enrichment. There are no rules that prohibit the use of fringe on an U.S. Flag by non government groups or organizations. To receive a free copy of the VFW's "Our Flag" brochure send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Flag Brochure VFW Citizenship Education Dept. VFW National Headquarters 406 W. 34th St. Kansas City, MO 64111 Patriotic Days Fostering patriotism and honoring America's veterans, whether it is Independence Day or Veterans Day, is part of the VFW's philosophical core. Public commemorations hosted by VFW Posts worldwide cultivate an appreciation of both the responsibilities and benefits of being an American. Memorial Day Memorial Day, May 30 (traditional), is a sacred day to all war veterans. America's collective consciousness demands that all citizens be reminded of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime. By honoring the nation's war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice. All U.S. Flags should be displayed at half-staff during the morning hours. At noon, they should be raised back to full-staff. |