AMERICAN FLAGPROTOCOL GUIDE

Published: September 2014

2nd Edition

By: MFreebyrd1st Officer

INDEX

SECTION DECSRIPTION PAGE

1 Displaying The U.S. Flag 4 - 6

2 Flag Folding Procedures 7 - 13

3 Flag Folding Video Instruction 14

4 Flag General Ceremony and Etiquette 15 - 16

5 WHY is the Flag Reversed on a Soldiers Uniform? 17

6 Proper U.S. Flag Disposal 18- 20

7 U.S. Flag Flown Upside Down – The Controversy 21- 23

8 American Flags – 1767 to Present 24 - 25

9 American Flag Products and Accessories 26- 28

Page 4

Note the location of the US Flag.

Page 5

Page 6

Flag Folding Procedures

In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night.

Many people do not realize that each of the folds movements has a certain symbolic meaning behind them.

We have included the “meanings” of each fold in red text under each step.

This custom of special folding is reserved for the United States Flag alone.

How To fold the Flag

Preparing to Fold

To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so thatits surface is parallel to the ground.

Make sure to constantly keep the flag pulled tight as possible when proceeding through each folding movement.

The portion of the flag or “head of the flag” denoting HONOR is the field of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform.

This should be held by the folder from left to right.

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Step 1

Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding thebottom and top edges securely.

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

Step 2

Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.

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Step 3

Beginning the Triangular Folds

Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet theopen (top) edge of the flag.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.

Step 4

Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a secondtriangle.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divineguidance.

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Step 5

The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

Step 6

Continue folding each triangle over as you progress into the Blue Star Field.

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which itstands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

It is important to note that not all flags are created in proportionate dimensions and therefore the number of “triangular folds may vary according to flag size.

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Step 7

Continue folding each triangle over as you progress into the Blue Star Field.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

Step 8

Continue folding each triangle over as you progress into the Blue Star Field.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day.

It is important to note that not all flags are created in proportionate dimensions and therefore the number of “triangular folds may vary according to flag size.

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Step 9

Continue folding each triangle over as you progress into the Blue Star Field.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

Step 10

Continue folding each triangle over as you progress into the Blue Star Field.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

When you get down toward the very end, you will have one final fold, before the tucking in procedure. The last fold ...until only the end of the union is exposed in a square shape remaining.

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Step 11

The final fold and Tuck.

Fold down the final square as shown and tuck it into the flap of the bundle.

When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost,reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."

The Flag is carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat,emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war forIndependence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally

wrapped into the blue, which means.. “as the light of day vanishesinto the darkness of night. “

Page 13

FLAG FOLDING VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Here are a couple of excellent videos illustrating the proper Folding of a U.S. Flag.Follow the links below each video to view them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BoXg1BCarI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV_-ZNQ58ps

Page 14

Flag General Ceremony and Etiquette

The flag folding ceremony described by the Uniformed Services is a dramaticand uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like Memorial Day or VeteransDay, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies.

As an Army and Navy custom, the flag is lowered daily at the last note ofretreat.

The Flag is carefully folded into the shape of a trianglesimilar to that of a Tricorner Hat, emblematic of the hatsworn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence.

White Gloves should be worn by all those participating in the Folding Ceremony.(These can be obtained from the Watchmen Of America)

The flag should be held and stretched out tightly during the entire folding ceremony.

Special care should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground.

The Flag should be held at waist level during the folding procedure, with the exception oflarger flags during the initial two folds. In the case of larger flags, the folders can raisethe flag at an appropriate higher level as to make these initial folds without allowing theflag to touch the ground.

The Flag should be raised and lowered each day.

In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.

It is the universal custom to display the American 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 duringthe hours of darkness.

The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

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General Ceremony and Etiquette Rules - Continued

The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak beforeit is lowered for the day.

Days the American flag should be flown at half-staff:

• May 15th – Peace Officers Memorial Day • Last Monday in May – Memorial Day (half-staff until noon only, then raise to the

top of the staff) • July 27th – Korean War Veterans Armistice Day • September 11th – Patriot Day • December 7th – Pearl Harbor Day

By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of the State, territory or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory.

In the event of the death of other officials of foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayedat half-staff according to presidential instructions of orders, or in accordance with recognized customs practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff.

Flags flown on poles affixed to a home or building are not to be flown at half staff but a memorial streamer can be affixed to the top of the flagpole to signify half staff.

When the flag is used to cover a casket, the union (blue field of stars) is at the head and over the left shoulder (of the deceased). The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

Page 16

WHY the U.S. Flag is Reversed on a Soldiers Uniform?

It is customary that the U.S. Flag patchis always worn on the RIGHT shoulder, therefore

it is always displayed in a “Reversed” posture.

A lot of people ask, "why is the US flag reversed when it's on an arm patch of a US military?"

Just as the US flag dips to no man or king and you will see even at the Olympic ceremonies, the American flag is the only one that doesn't dip to the head of state of the host country. Because — it's not a mark of disrespect to them, it's a mark of respect to the American flag. And they take it so seriously that it must always face forward.

Now, on a flag pole that puts the stars on the left-hand side next to the flag pole, that's the most prestigious position. On an arm patch, you are looking at it differently and when the soldier marches forward, the US flag must face forward.

It must not be seen to be in retreat. And so the stars are actually now on the right-hand side of their patch and so they face forward, just as it never retreats.

It is also always in this special position when it's flown on a car such as the presidential limousine.

You might think this is taking things to extremes but when you really get to the bottomof flags, they are about extremes of passion and extremes of belief. And the Americans take their flag very, very seriously.

Page 17

Proper U.S. Flag Disposal

ANY TIME A U.S. FLAG BECOMES TATTERED, FRAYED OR DAMAGED,IT SHOULD BE RETIRED FROM SERVICE RESPECTFULLY!

It is a disgrace to continue using the Flag in this condition!

American Flag Disposal Procedures:

The United States Flag Code states:

“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

The Flag Code does not actually give specifics on how to destroy the flag. One shoulduse common sense making sure the procedure is in good taste and shows no disrespect for the flag.

Many of the following organizations have collections in your local community to collect and perform a flag burning ceremony:

Watchmen Of America

American Legion

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Boy Scouts of America

Girl Scouts of America

Mayor

City Hall

or other Patriotic Organizations.

Page 18

Ceremony of Final Tribute

The National Flag Foundation recommends the following as the proper ceremonies for retiring and destroying a worn Flag:

This ceremony should be conducted at a private, non-public location. Only one Flag,representing all those to be destroyed, should be used in the ceremony.

Two color guards should be used at evening retreat, one for the Flag currently in useand a special color guard for the Flag to be permanently retired.

Just before sunset, the Flag that has been flying all day is retired in the normal, ceremonial procedure for the group or site.

The color guard responsible for the Flag receiving the final tribute moves front and center. The leader should present this color guard with the Flag that has been selected for its final tribute and subsequent destruction. The leader then should instruct the color guard to “hoist the colors”.

When the Flag has been secured at the top of the pole, the leader comments:

“This Flag has served its nation long and well. It has worn to a condition to which it should no longer be used to represent the nation. This Flag represents all of the Flags collected and being retired from service today. We honor them all as we salute one Flag.”

Page 19

The leader then calls the group to attention, orders a salute, leads the entire group in the “Pledge of Allegiance” and orders the Flag retired by the color guard.

Slowly and ceremoniously, the flag is lowered, then respectfully folded in the customary triangle. The Flag is delivered to the leader and then the group is dismissed.

This concludes the Ceremony of Final Tribute.

Ceremonial Burning of the FlagThis ceremony should be conducted at a private, non-public location.

Fire and Flag Preparation:

The burning of a Flag should take place at a campfire in a ceremony separate from the Ceremony of Final Tribute. The fire must be sizable (preferably having burnt down to a bed of red hot coals to avoid having bits of the Flag being carried off by a roaring fire), yet be of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning.

Before the ceremony begins, the color guard assigned to the Flag opens up its

tri-corner fold and then refolds it in a coffin-shaped rectangle.

When all is ready:

All assemble around the fire. The leader calls the group to attention.

The color guard comes forward and places the Flag on the fire.

All briskly salute.

After the salute, but while still at attention, the leader should conduct a respectful educational program as the Flag burns: e.g. singing of “God Bless America”; offering an inspiring message of the Flag’s meaning followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance”; performing a reading about the Flag; reciting the “American’s Creed”; etc.

When the Flag is completely consumed, those assembled, with the exception of a leader and the color guard, should be dismissed. They should be led out in single fileand in silence.

The leader and color guard should remain to ensure that the Flag is completely consumed, and to burn additional Flags, if any.

The fire should then be safely extinguished.

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U.S. Flag Flown Upside DownThe Controversy

What does it mean when you fly the flag upside down?

Flying the American flag upside down is an officially recognized signal of distress. § 8(a)The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

If we take these words literally as in, DIRE DISTRESS and instances of EXTREME DANGER TO LIFE AND PROPERTY” common sense tells us that the Flag should Never be flown upside down unless the situation is very serious.

With that being said, many Patriot Groups and Activist Groups, etc. on both sides have been using the “Upside Down Flag” as part of their Protest and Demonstrationsto illustrate their displeasure or dislike about a certain situation or to send a “message” to those they are against.

The question, therefore becomes...... Whether or not it is actually “proper” to flythe Flag in this manner unless someone is in actual danger of losing their life?

They certainly feel that their protested situation is Dire Distress and in need of garnering attention to those they are addressing to their “cause” but it is just that....a cause or rise to an action or to advocate against something.

The argument for some is that this is NOT a good enough reason to disrespect the Flag of the country in which they claim to support or cherish. In many cases, there have been situations where American Soldiers have seen the flag being displayed in this manner and have attacked those who are doing so no matter what side they are on.

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The controversy comes from those who feel that it is their constitutional right to express their “Free-Speech” by displaying the flag upside down during their demonstrations of activism.

While Free Speech would certainly provide them with the “Right” to do so, …... Is it really Prudent to disrespect the entire nation and its' solemn symbol as well as the citizens by executing this particular action simply for a “Cause”?

Overall, it is deeply considered a desecration to the flag and America as a nation to display it upside down unless it is a true matter of life and death in distress.

It is for THIS reason that the Watchmen Of America has taken the following position with regard to flying the U.S. Flag upside down:

The Watchmen Of America organization WILL NOT participatein any situation whereby our American Flag is improperly

displayed in an Upside-Down manner, regardless of the natureof the protest or demonstration purpose.

Is it a crime to fly the flag upside down?

Vito Congine, an Iraq War veteran, said he displayed the upside-down flag as a signal of financial distress. ... County sheriff Jim Kanikula later acknowledged that it is not illegal to fly the flag upside down, but said it is “illegal to cause a disruption.” Nov 29, 2016

Why are people offended by the upside down American flag?

Opinion:Let’s just set this straight, it is not just the ‘American’ flag being upside that can get people going. Citizens of many nations will be offended by their national flag being mistreated. Patriotism is not a disease and it is not something that is exclusive to Americans. Take one look at a Futbol match anywhere in South America. There is a massive hypocrisy embedded in this assault on American patriotism.

Aside from the aforementioned use as a distress signal, an upside down flag is frequently used as a sign of opposition to a government. It can also be a symbol for a sovereignty or independence movement.

To many this is disrespectful and counter-intuitive. It is not just about a piece of fabric, its about a way of life and culture. Its not just about history but, about comfort in the future as well.

James ShannonU.S.NavyNuclear Aircraft CarrierMay 29, 2016

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Opinion:As others have said, the flag being flown upside down is a sign of distress, danger and/or war. This is acknowledged in flag etiquette. so it’s not something new that the right-wing has dreamed up. I know alot of conservative people believe we are at war within our own borders, and I agree with that. Those who are on the other side of the question likely don’t like the implications of the flag being flown upside down. However, since I consider the Deep State and the liberals to be the reason this is necessary to do, I really don’t care whether they are offended or not.

Susan BeerFranciscan University of Steubenville March 10, 2106

Opinion:Because that's an official sign of distress. It's literally a distress signal. If you are using it for purposes other than an emergency, it's like firing an emergency flare just for the hell of it and not being concerned about people who might spot it and go out of their at to try to find and assist a victim that does not exist. Or perhaps a better comparison is that it's like people who claim to have disorders or problems that they don't actually have. They destroy credibility for people with actual problems, like a cry wolf effect.

Mitchell BrownUniversity of ArizonaApril 30, 2017

Opinion:They are not as it means we are in distress and need assistance on ships and facilities homes etc. that require help. If someone is flying it upside down for political reasons, they have that right too. They may, however, be visited by an emergency agency to render aid and then charged the cost of the wasted effort to rescue them.

There have been cases where police and fire departments have responded to places that have displayed the flag upside down with the logical assumption that something or someone is in danger and needed rescue or assistance. Something to consider.

Reggie SaltzbergWeapons Instructor and Gun Smith Jun 14, 2016

Opinion:As a result of the many traitors and enemies we as a free people have, both foreign and domestic, as a result of the many unconstitutional acts, legislation and atrocities passed and/or committed against US citizens and their life, liberty and property, and as a result of policies that have allowed (and continue to allow) enemies of this nation to enter in large numbers through a porous border policy, I believe the life, liberty and property of US Citizens are in dire danger and distress and shouldfly the flag upside down as they wish.

Jeff HeadlyMichiganAugust 2017

As you can see, opinions vary and the issue can become quite heateddepending on the perspective the person takes when they are committed

to their cause or political position.Page 23

Graphic Image History of the American Flag

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Watchmen Of AmericaU.S. Flag Supplies

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Freebyrd@WatchmenOfAmerica,comPage 26

Watchmen Of America FLAG PRODUCTS - Continued

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Freebyrd@WatchmenOfAmerica,com

Page 27

Watchmen Of America FLAG PRODUCTS - Continued

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Pole is adjustable to fit one 2x3ft flag OR one 3x5ft flag (not included)

This pole can fit with Gold or Silver Flag Base, Ground Spike, Tire Base, Pole Mount, Flat Wall Mount, Flat Base, X Stand, or Tow Hitch Mount (not included)

Designed for indoor use only

Base sold separately

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Prices Do Not Include Shipping ChargesFOR ORDERING DETAILS AND INFORMATION CONTACT:

Freebyrd@WatchmenOfAmerica,comPage 28

NOTES

NOTES