Color Guard Protocol - Use of Flags
Apr 13, 2006 11:26:59 GMT -6
Post by Moderator on Apr 13, 2006 11:26:59 GMT -6
General guidance regarding the use of flags at ceremonies
Not all events require flags, and in some cases, flags can actually bring a sense of formality which might be counterproductive to an effort requiring an informal atmosphere.
If flags are displayed, start with the U.S. flag and add additional flags as appropriate.
It is appropriate to display individual flags when someone has an official part in a ceremony or protocol event. Only display the flag for the highest ranking individual taking part.
It is not mandatory to retire colors just because colors have been posted. Also, it is not customary to retire colors if they were not formally posted. If the honor guard posts/retires colors they will normally supply their own flags.
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Order of precedence for flags
(1) National Flags
(2) State Flags
(3) Service Flags
(4) Organizational Flags
(5) Individual Flags
Civilian Leadership of Each Branch (See #3 for appropriate order)
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
Military Leadership of Each Branch (See #3 for appropriate order)
Individual Flags are not used for:
Religious flags are displayed in religious facilities and normally only with the U.S. flag (U.S. flag takes the position of honor).
POW/MIA Flag is displayed when appropriate and normally only with the U.S. flag (U.S. flag takes the position of honor).
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If faced with a conflict regarding flag protocol and precedence, look for ways to deconflict the situation. If you are required to have an honor guard carrying the U.S. Flag, and your ceremony is in the area of a flag pole, your audience may become confused as to which direction to face during the National Anthem. Simplify the situation by positioning the honor guard between the base flag pole and the audience.
To prevent the official party from having to put their back sides to the audience when the U.S. Flag is on the stage behind them, pre-post the colors on the stage, or have the honor guard post the colors on the stage, and have the official party stand at seats in the front row of the audience during the National Anthem. Following the National Anthem, have the official party go up on the stage.
The positioning of the flag display is often times arbitrary and based primarily on the best location for the event. This could be directly behind the speaker, to the (observer's) left of the speaker, or centered together on the stage.
When positioning flags consider position of honor, traffic flow of those participating in the ceremony, obstruction of audiovisual equipment, getting flags into the background for photographs, and practicality.
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When a U.S. Flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. A torn flag may be professionally mended, but a badly worn or tattered flag should be destroyed.
Not all events require flags, and in some cases, flags can actually bring a sense of formality which might be counterproductive to an effort requiring an informal atmosphere.
If flags are displayed, start with the U.S. flag and add additional flags as appropriate.
It is appropriate to display individual flags when someone has an official part in a ceremony or protocol event. Only display the flag for the highest ranking individual taking part.
It is not mandatory to retire colors just because colors have been posted. Also, it is not customary to retire colors if they were not formally posted. If the honor guard posts/retires colors they will normally supply their own flags.
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Order of precedence for flags
(1) National Flags
(2) State Flags
(3) Service Flags
(4) Organizational Flags
(5) Individual Flags
Civilian Leadership of Each Branch (See #3 for appropriate order)
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
Military Leadership of Each Branch (See #3 for appropriate order)
Individual Flags are not used for:
Religious flags are displayed in religious facilities and normally only with the U.S. flag (U.S. flag takes the position of honor).
POW/MIA Flag is displayed when appropriate and normally only with the U.S. flag (U.S. flag takes the position of honor).
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If faced with a conflict regarding flag protocol and precedence, look for ways to deconflict the situation. If you are required to have an honor guard carrying the U.S. Flag, and your ceremony is in the area of a flag pole, your audience may become confused as to which direction to face during the National Anthem. Simplify the situation by positioning the honor guard between the base flag pole and the audience.
To prevent the official party from having to put their back sides to the audience when the U.S. Flag is on the stage behind them, pre-post the colors on the stage, or have the honor guard post the colors on the stage, and have the official party stand at seats in the front row of the audience during the National Anthem. Following the National Anthem, have the official party go up on the stage.
The positioning of the flag display is often times arbitrary and based primarily on the best location for the event. This could be directly behind the speaker, to the (observer's) left of the speaker, or centered together on the stage.
When positioning flags consider position of honor, traffic flow of those participating in the ceremony, obstruction of audiovisual equipment, getting flags into the background for photographs, and practicality.
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When a U.S. Flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. A torn flag may be professionally mended, but a badly worn or tattered flag should be destroyed.