AMERICANISM

"Americanism is an unfailing love of country, loyalty to its institutions and ideas; eagerness to defend it against all enemies; undivided allegiance to the flag; and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty and posterity.” 
 
The flag of the United States has stood as a symbol of freedom since 1777, and its design encompasses both our nation’s history and patriotic ideals.  The 50 stars represent the states of the Union and the 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies.  The color red represents hardiness and valor, as well as courage and readiness to sacrifice. It also represents the blood shed by those who have fought to protect our freedom and our country.  The color blue signifies justice for all, as well as vigilance and perseverance. A reminder that we must remain watchful and strong.  The color white stands for purity and innocence. Pure, because we are independent from other countries and hold true to our ideals.
 
Flag Etiquette
Displaying the Flag
  • On Same Staff - U.S. flag at peak, above any other flag. 
  • Grouped - U.S. flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at same height. 
  • Marching - U.S. flag to marchers right (observer's left). 
  • On Speaker's Platform - When displayed with a speaker's platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff it is on the speaker's right. 
  • Decoration - Never use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red. 
  • Over a Street - Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street.
  • Half Staff - On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff.
Peace Officers Memorial Day    May 15th    Half-staff all day
Memorial Day 
  Last Monday in May
   Flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff
Patriot Day   September 11th   Half-staff all day 
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day   December 7th    Half-staff all day 

Salute
All persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. 

Special Rules
  • Do not let the flag touch the ground. 
  • Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency. 
  • Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it. 
  • Do not use the flag as clothing. 
  • Do not store the flag where it can get dirty. 
  • Do not use it as a cover. 
  • Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free. 
  • Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag. 
 
Illumination Guidelines
Per Federal Flag Code, Section 2, paragraph (a), it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.



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