Flag Guestbook

Discuss flag rules, ask questions of others. Share flag stories. Leave comments or questions, or respond to those of others. All entries are screened by our Webmaster, so return later to see yours added. All information is optional.

Note: All fields are optional. All entries are screened by our Webmaster, so return later to see yours added.

I have a 3x5 air force flag what size United States flag do I need to fly above it on smae pole
maureen [02-06-2012]

I find it disgusting that the flag is lowered to half staff for just about everyone. (i.e. outside a high school for a student that died). This rips the true meaning and honor out of the process.
Mike, Quincy, Ma. (birth place of 2 presidents) [02-05-2012]

Is it wrong to display the flag in the rain? Shouldn't the colors be taken down at night? Shouldn't the flag be raised after dawn each day?
Peter Xiques, Chapel Hill, N.C. [02-05-2012]

found a silk flag I think it came off a flight jacket, it has 7 different languages on it french,Annaamese, thai, chinese, korean, japanese, loa, and a sereal # of 97790. I believe it went it a fighter pilots pocket or on the back of a jacket. Can you tell me any information on it ?
ron, michigan [02-05-2012]

I at a funeral in NY for a retired Fire Fighter the casket was draped in an American flag but the stdipes on the flag were green not red could you tell me why and what does it mean Thank You
Lisa, Boston Ma [02-04-2012]

Can you fly a US Navy flag with fringe outside on a pole a couple days a year?
anonymous [02-03-2012]

i want a military penpal mail care of room 13 at 1915 north wilhite street cleburne texas 76031
SHERRI BESSENT, i want a pin pal in the military im a nurse [02-03-2012]

I know a fringed National Color is not to be used outside what about the military flags? Can a fringed flag fly outdoors on a pole only a couple times a year but just wondering?
anonymous [02-03-2012]

Please provide me with the following information: What size flag displays on height of pole? I know there are different specifications. Thanking you in advance for your assistance. Jackie Silvia
Jackie S. Silvia, County Government [01-31-2012]

What guideline states the POW-MIA flag is flown above state flags? I was told by American Legion National HQ States fly above POW flag. Is either way correct? God Bless them POW-MIA's and bring them home now!
anonymous [01-30-2012]

I believe it would be nice to let people know about Joseph Vertal an Elk member of lodge 2153 in Port Charlotte Fl. the man who in 1949 sent Congress a 50 star flag design and received back acceptance letters from the VP and Congress making him the first person to be approved for the flag. An ELK member at that time. There are several books that have the history about him with copies of the letters.
James F. Hargrove, Port Charlotte Fl. [01-30-2012]

Calling for help! We try to honor all vet's gravesites by placing small flags @the head of the gravestone or marker. The issue is with the rules that state the flag must be lit @ night. So some cemetaries won't Allow flàgs placed on Memorial Day . We need a national rule Change!
joe MONTOYA, Whittier CA veteran's honors program [01-25-2012]

Is it proper to fly the 5 service flags on one pole in order top to bottom Army USMC Navy USAF USCG?
anonymous [01-25-2012]

Semper Fortis
Christopher Coleman, Rochester NY, Patriot, Proud Veteran, Phlebotomist [01-25-2012]

i am 9 and my class is doing these projects on pepole and i got betsy ross cause i love her work i wish i had meet her
zyasia, cal [01-25-2012]

Should the state flag be at half staff while company flag is at full staff?
mike, pa [01-25-2012]

I want to honor my deceased grandfather on his death date I fly the US,POW and H and R flags contiuously and do not remove them ever they fly all the time now I would have to remove the POW flag but dont want to do that My 20' pole is about 4.6 ft away from my deck. Can I mount a pulley and rope to the top of the pole and fly his US Flag and Army flag on a seperate rope tied to my deck rail so basiclly I mean I leave the main 3 flags up and the rope I put on is tied to the rail so it would be a 45 degree angle with his flags on there at half staff I got approval from govenors office to half staff my personal flag for him. If you dont understand completly let me know so I can explain more otherwise plaese awnser
anonymous [01-25-2012]

Does the POW/MIA flag take precedence over state flags? From what I understood it came after the military flags. I plan on flying the US flag, PA state flag, Army flag, and POW/MIA on my porch in that order if that's accurate.
Shawn Michael Opel, United States [01-24-2012]

I have noticed the american flag hanging outside a certain establishment. Although instead of the red, white, and blue it has the rainbow colors as a substitute representing gay pride. Although I have no bias towards gays is this acceptable as a representation of our flag? Is it against the "code"?
Jeff Snyder, Kentucky [01-21-2012]

Love the Site. Questions when posting several flags together, and the US flag is in the middle taller than the rest. On which side do you start to alternate state flags? I have seen both, but I know the 1st position of honor is to the flags left, viewer’s right?
Darren, DC Area [01-19-2012]

As a Iraq Vet. I have the up most Honor and Respect for our Flag. The Flag I brought home from Iraq,flew Proudly in Iraq.
Michael Keller, Augusta WV. [01-18-2012]

I want to put up three flags at church. One for the american flag and one for the state flag and one for the christain flag. How much higher should the us flag pole be in the center of the other poles?
james, camden, AR / vet [01-13-2012]

When I look at our flag, my eyes mist up and my heart beats proud.When I see an American Flag that is faded and torn I take it very personal. I have many times called banks, mortuaries local businesses very politely and ask them to take down the worn flag. I only ask twice then I call the VFW Post and it usually gets replaced. PEOPLE LOOK AT OUR FLAGS THEY ARE AMERICA. NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN fly them proud and with respect. Read the Flag Code.
Laura Lake, Joplin, Missouri [01-13-2012]

Is it against code to say the "Pledge of Allegiance" if no flag is displayed and no "National Anthem" music? I'm a member of a church organization which begins each meeting with a prayer and "Pledge of Allegiance" Sometimes our religious articles and flag are not diplayed. I would like to still honor our flag even though it's not visible.
Virginia, Sacramento/military widow [01-12-2012]

U S Navy - proud to have served
Larry Browndyke, Dallas, Texas [01-12-2012]

my father just passed away who was a veteran, a flag will be presented to the family, he has no spouse. who in the family would then be in line to receive the flag. my guess is the eldest child.
jerry katich, flint michigan area/ veteren [01-10-2012]

At my place of work their is some questions about the placement of the flags. One when the new flag poles were put in they were put in they were place in a triangular figuration(3-poles total) is this an accepted configuration for the poles to be in and if so where is the american flag flown. the center front pole is the tallest pole.
Rick Reed, Marion Ohio. State Correction Officer [01-08-2012]

I have seen a couple vehicles around town with the an American flag sticker placed upside down. I did not want to get into a "road rage" situation but I did not want to let our Vet's down by letting this idiot disgrace the flag. I believe to many people have sacrificed everything for this person to have the freedom to do anything. I think the least that could be done is proper display of the flag. What should I do in this type of situation?
Duane, co [01-08-2012]

My US POW MIA and Honor and Remember Flag flys 24/7/365 its my way of saying thanks
anonymous [01-07-2012]

I recently stopped in a local car dealer ship today when I noticed that all 8 American Flags were very tattered. I asked for manager and was denied request. Man asked who I was with like i.e. city... and I said citizen. I went on to explain flag needs to be replaced and it was disrespectful to our county. I was promptly kicked out of building and off the lot. Any suggestions on what to do? Never been so mad in my life about how they disrespected me, my family and our country.
Samuel, Waukesha, WI. Teenager, son of veteran, grandfather a veteran too. [01-05-2012]

Our American flag is being repaired; can the other two flags (state and company, which are on poles next to American flag) be displayed while repair is in progress; or should they be removed?
Patricia Haynes [01-04-2012]

Mitt Romney's Iowa election night HQ has a flag in violation of protocol, as a Romney banner is hanging above a U.S. flag http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf § 7. Position and Manner of Display. The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag’s own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line. (a) The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (i) of this section. (b) The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender. (c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to or in place of the flag of the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations
Dan, Veteran, Retired [01-04-2012]

Get in the 21st century.
anonymous [01-03-2012]

Webmaster about the Merchant Marine flag what Im asking is does it fly under the navy since the Merchant Marine is a navy auxillary or under USCG since USMM is the last in order of precedence and Coast guard is the end pole
anonymous [01-02-2012]

is there sales tax on flags in ohio
kelly ohara, ohio [12-31-2011]

As we approach 2012 it will be another year of service and sacrifice for our troops please keep them in your prayers through out the new year and always.Thanks troops Happy 2012.
anonymous [12-31-2011]

The Merchant Marine Flag should it fly under the US Navy or Coast Guard when only 5 poles are present? Refering to service flag not the academy
anonymous [12-30-2011]

My son is receiving three US flags and one state flag in honor of receiving his Eagle Scout. I want to take the triangle boxes and connect them into a square shape. This would mean that one flag would have the point facing down, is that OK or is it a rules violation? Should that one be the state flag?
Chris, South Carolina [12-29-2011]

When i lower the flag to half staff it is already at full staff I fly it all the time is lowering it to the bottom of pole then up to full then to half correct or just pull it down halfway and leave it
anonymous [12-29-2011]

Is it ok to use the words "Flag Salute" on our printed meeting agendas to indicate when we are going to recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Or is it more proper to use the words "Pledge of Allegiance" printed on the agenda? While the diffenence never came into my thinking, to me the phrases mean the same thing i.e., time to say the Pledge of Allegiance. But then again, I am always willing to learn something new. Please set me straight. Thank you.
larry herrera, Long Beach California [12-29-2011]

The flag code is voluntary for private citizens, so I can see Apple doing it etc....but federal buildings are required to adhear to it, so why does the Post Office in Crystal Lake IL fly the flag at half mast whenever it feels like it....
Dennis [12-29-2011]

We have a 20'pole with a 4x6 US 3x5 Nebraska and 2x3 POW in that order now when I put up a sports flag or a decrotive flag I remove the state move the POW 2x3 up under the US and fly the sports under POW now the sports team flag is 3X5 so its still ok to have POW flying with it ?
anonymous [12-26-2011]

To all the men and women serving this country Merry Christmas and thank you!
anonymous [12-26-2011]

Enjoyed reading Regulations and Rules. Answers majority of questions I have had and never got a straight answer.
Mary C. Hall, Mount Holly, N.J. [12-26-2011]

This is a web site that is too into the flag. Thhat is a symbol Mr. Author, of this Nations freedom and equality, not a god in which we worship. I dont believ it is wrong for little girls and boys to wear flag dresses and uniforms on the fourth of July. You must be bored out of your mind and worship that flag. It is simply line and stars. I almost dispise it after looking at this website. Good Job. Even in my nation we do not worship a god-dammed rectangle
Zaven Chakchyan, Los Angeles/Armenian [12-21-2011]

Outstanding site. I learned many things. I now have the tools and knowledge to correct the misuse in my area. Thanks
Charles Lathrop, Crosby, PA Retired Navy [12-21-2011]

Happy to report that after only one complaint to my local parks department regarding the evening display of Our Colors without lighting, repairs were made. Now, the flag does not flying in the dark.
Andy Picone, New York [12-18-2011]

Great resource. Thanks.
Dan Kontos, Chief Deputy, Portage County (WI) Sheriff's Office [12-16-2011]

Someone in my high school class suggested we obtain a USA flag flown in Afghanistan and auction it off to raise funds for sending Care Packages to the Marines in Afghanistan. They also suggested this flag be signed by some of the troops there. Two counts of disrespect, if you ask me, but what is allowed?
Class of 67, Georgia [12-12-2011]

A local bank is flying the US flag at half staff for PEarl Harbor it is completly tattered some rips are 2ft long and its a 4x6 flag I called them on it but no progress and this summer it was upside down due to a bad storm the lady I talked to laughed when I told her it was upside down anyway if a flag is tattered would it have been better to leave it at full staff if they dont have the decency to change it rather dishonor veterans?
anonymous [12-08-2011]

Is December 7 a day for a half-staff flag?
Anonymous, Seattle, WA [12-06-2011]

I like all of the rules and regulations for the flag and I think it is very cool how this works please send me more info on this
joshua beemster, indian land high [12-06-2011]

I want know marine countries and thy flag
Aronu chibuzo, A marina [12-05-2011]

how do you raise and lower a flag?
Jason Hale, 38911 Alture st. [12-04-2011]

At the company I work at,"they are very dedicated", honor all forms of millitary. They have USA flags up everywhere. They even have a wall dedicated to all military div. Marines, Army, Cost Guard, ect. and so on. My question is there is no POW flag anywhere inside, not even on the wall they proudly hung the flags of all service men and women, so is it against the rules or is it considered disrespectfull to have a POW flag hanged indoors?
Unknown Vet, Main [12-04-2011]

What should you do when you are at a sporting event and you see people sitting down when asked to salute the flag? Thhis makes me very angry.
Kay Lawson, North Port Fl [12-03-2011]

I am 8yrs old and i am doing a project at school of biography of an influential person in history. i chose betsy ross because i love the american flag and she was the first person to sew it.
taylor smith, stockton, ca. [12-01-2011]

Our Catholic church proudly displays Old Glory and the Papal Flag the flags are in the back of the church right as you walk in you see them I see the Flag Code says "when displayed from a staff in a church it is to be in advance of the audience" they are in a honorable place in back but if they need to be moved they will be but theres not a lot of room up front on the altar area but we could accomadate them if needed Need awnser thank you
anonymous [11-30-2011]

Is there a proper place on a golf cart where a flag should be mounted? I live in a golf cart community and many have the flags flying from their golf carts, but wonder if there is a correct place. I am getting a new golf cart, and either rear rail, left or right side would be good. The middle won't work because it is a convertible. Would either side rail be ok?
Patricia Elwell, The Villages, FL [11-29-2011]

A lot of Paragraph 3 of the Code seems only to apply in the District of Columbia (such as the definition of the flag being anything that resembles the flag). Do these definitions extend to the rest of the conutry?
Hy Libby, Prunedale, CA [11-28-2011]

my new neighbor put up about a 50' pole he has top to bottom US CALIFORNIA TEXAS MEXICO YANKEES FLAG POW FLAG AND MARINE FLAG WHAT IS CORRECT ORDER?
anonymous [11-28-2011]

i was recently advised by a vet of the afganistan war that my american flag that was mounted to my home in front was on backwards thus the stars should be facing the union to the north, but i did have the common sense to display to the left of the other flag which is flown off the pole
christopher s.alford, new castle, indiana 47362 [11-27-2011]

when displaying an american flag on a flagpole are you supposed to have light shining on it
shelley kreps, warfordsburg pa [11-25-2011]

if theres not 2 people im talking 12x18 large flags bigger than my living room!then is it ok
anonymous [11-22-2011]

is it proper to lay the flag on the floor to fold it if it is a large flag and wont fit on a table or lay it out to trimm tatters off to re hem?
anonymous [11-21-2011]

I recently noticed in Branson, MO, that the US flag was displayed in a classroom for the very first time at a school in Colrain, MA. I would like to know if this correct.
david robertson, United States [11-21-2011]

I have a question that maybe someone can help me with. I am a Girl Scout troop leader of 6th, 7th & 8th grade girls. We have been learning flag ceremonies and flag etiquette. The GSUSA movement has guidelines for flag ceremonies. One of the big questions we have is that at the end of the day when the flag is coming down many groups issue the command "Color Guard retire the colors". It is my understanding that when you retire the colors you are burning a worn and tattered flag. I thought the command should be "Color Guard retrieve the colors". I am not sure if there is any guidence in the flag code to the actual steps for a flag ceremony or if this is just a standard set by an organization. My troop is interested in getting GSUSA to change their wording but are not really sure where to start in proving the validity of their claim. If there is any information or advice that you can give us we would greatly appreciate it. Also if there is any other organization that you would recommend us contacting we would appreciate that information as well. Thank you so much for your time.
Ann Dever, Girl Scout leader [11-21-2011]

Is there a service that can email me every time I need to fly and not fly the flag and also when to fly it at 1/2 mast? This would be a great service if there is one.
bridgette, Aurora, CO [11-21-2011]

CLICK webmaster I was looking at flag pictures on the computer and this is what I found --shameful! g.The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature let me know what you think!
anonymous [11-21-2011]

I want to hang the new Libyan flag vertically, but how do I know which color goes on the left (first) or on the right-side (last) without offending anyone??
JOANNA, california [11-17-2011]

A local car dealer has a 70ft pole 15x25 flag the flag is raised but left about 4 to 5 ft down from the top I know it should be at the peak but is it considered half staff or does it need to be lower to be half staff is this something I should call them on
anonymous [11-17-2011]

American flag t shirts and ties are acceptable and are not a violation of code I still disagree with flag shorts and under wear but wearing a flag on a shirt is not wrong at least it is not made of the flag
anonymous [11-17-2011]

Lynn Stahlberger, San Jose, CA / South Bay Blue Star Moms [11-16-2011]

I pass through this area ever so often. And there is a church that flies 4 American flags on the same pole, one over top of the other. Why do they do this?
Mindy, Hazel Green [11-16-2011]

When is it proper to fly a Vietnam Veteran's Flag
S Com [11-12-2011]

Thank you for the vital information. I must make two changes and will educate my family.
Damian Porreca, California [11-12-2011]

Hurray for your site. I'm in the BSA and I recommend that you include Flag Retirement Ceremonies in your guide. I did not see where you may have them.
anonymous, Cleveland, Ohio [11-12-2011]

tony [11-11-2011]

I sent a note off to the folks at McDonald's USA regarding displaying their corporate flag below the US flag on the same flagpole. Their response is offered below:

"Thank you for taking the time to contact McDonald's. We truly appreciate customer feedback and welcome this opportunity to share some information with you.

"I'm sorry you are disappointed with the flying of McDonald's flag below the U.S. flag at our restaurants. Wherever possible, McDonald's restaurants in the United States proudly fly the American flag and follow the proper codes for doing so. The McDonald's flag is a display of our corporate logo and is not an advertisement or banner. Therefore, it is permissible to fly McDonald's flag below the U.S. flag on the same halyard.

"You may also be interested to know that the practice of flying McDonald's corporate flag on the same halyard as the U.S. flag has been approved by the National Flag Foundation."

And another loophole has been discovered!
Andy Picone, New York [11-10-2011]

Watching an American History movie at school I got chills where it came to the part showing George Washington lowering a Britsh flag tossing it on the ground and rasing Old Glory
anonymous [11-07-2011]

Yet another case of an organization disallowing the display of the American Flag...:( CLICK
Paul Christenson, Vermont [11-05-2011]

Is it proper to hang more than one flag in a room?
nick gagliardo, school chief [11-04-2011]

A wonderful couple run a local business that has a US flag and a Korean flag hanging flat on the wall. The US flag is hanging to the viewers right (which is wrong). I have printed the flag code and we have disccussed it, but they believe they are correct. Any suggestions to help us solve our problem.
Chris, lllinois [11-02-2011]

I belong to a national association of women and our bi-laws recommend that the United States Pledge of Alligance be said at the beginning of every meeting. I read once that it is against the rules to say the pledge to a table top flag which sets on the podium of our speaker. Is this against the rules? If so what is the smallest size of flag that we could use? We hold our monthly meetings in resturant meeting rooms and most of those places do not provide us a flag. Is it against the rules to resite the pledge without a flag being present. Thanks for your help.
anonymous, Tulsa, Ok. [11-01-2011]