President George W. Bush is asking Americans to fly the American flag this Thursday to commemorate the 230th anniversary of the Stars and Stripes.

For many Americans, however, properly displaying Old Glory might be more difficult than expected.

"The biggest problem that I've seen is the improper placement of the American flag in relation to other flags," said Greg Rowley, the Utah Department of the American Legion Adjutant. "The most common error I see is the American flag in the middle in a set of three."

United States Flag Code mandates that the American flag be the flag farthest to left when displayed with other flags, Rawley said.

Even high-ranking government officials have problems keeping flag etiquette straight.

"Every time we go to Senator [Bob] Bennett's office, we get after him because he has the flag on the wrong side of the room," Rowley said.

Americans also have difficulty knowing when Old Glory should be retired.

"Every once in awhile we get a phone call reporting a business' worn flag," Rowley said. "We just give them a call and ask if they need help replacing it."

The U.S. Flag Code is full of other protocol statutes that are largely unobserved. The code prohibits wearing the American flag or its impression on any article of clothing.

Other violations include flying the flag with the stars away from the pole, letting the flag touch the ground (including doormats with a flag design) and not standing with the hand over the heart until the flag has either been posted or removed from sight, according to The Independence Hall Association's Web site.

President Bush received publicity earlier in his presidency for violating the code when he publicly autographed a flag.

Fortunately for Bush, Utah's Sen. Bennett and the rest of Americans who have a tough time keeping flag etiquette straight, flag code violations are not punishable by law.

However, readers may contact the American Legion at 539-1013 for answers to any questions regarding proper flag etiquette and retirement. Any American Legion post or Boy Scout troop may also assist in flag retirement.



Copyright Brigham Young University 13 Jun 2007