The flag of the United States of America is the ultimate symbol of our love, honor and respect for the nation that was born in 1776. That nation was born in battle, and we continue to fight for her to this day, and our flag continues to be the symbol of that for which we fight, and are even willing to die. For that reason the flag is much more than just a piece of colored cloth. The sight of the American Flag has, over the past two centuries, been the cause of more love and hate, envy and pride, but above all, HOPE, than any other flag in the history of the world. Warriors' Watch Riders feel the importance of this symbolism more than many others do. For us, "standing the flag line" is our highest form of honor - for a fallen comrade, an old veteran, or a living hero. Often when in the course of Warriors' Watch Riders events it becomes necessary to remind ourselves and each other of the proper etiquitte for the display and handling of our flag. Hence this primer, humbly offered by your Gazeebo.	Care and Respect 1. Always display the flag with the blue union field up - never display the flag upside down except as a signal of dire distress. 2. Always hold the flag carefully - never let it touch anything beneath it: the ground, the floor, water or merchandise. 3. Always keep the flag aloft and free - never carry it flat or horizontally. 4. Always keep the flag clean and safe - never let it become torn, soiled or damaged. (On your motorcycle, keep it wrapped in a flag cover until needed for parade. This will keep it clean and ward of premature fraying.) 5. Always dispose of a worn flag properly, preferably by burning it. 6. Always treat the flag with respect. Never use it for advertising. Never emroider it on household items or pieces of clothing. Never us it as part of a custume or athletic uniform. However, it is proper to attach a flag patch to the uniform of military personnel, fire fighters, police officers and members of other patriotic organizaitons (such as the Warriors' Watch Riders), provided the patch is properly affixed.
FOLDING THE FLAG: Two people face each other, each holding one end of the flag at waist height. Then,
(A) Straighten out the flag to full length and fold lengthwise once.           (B) Fold it lengthwise a second time to meet the open edge, making sure that the union of stars on the blue field remains outward in full view. (A large flag may have to be folded lengthwise a third time.) (C) A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge.   (D) The outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle.   (E) The diagonal or triangular folding is continued toward the blue union until the end is reached, with only the blue showing and the form being that of a cocked (three corner) hat.
FLAG-FOLDING CEREMONY/READING 1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. 2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. 3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. 4. 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 time of war for His divine guidance. 5. 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." 6. 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 it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. 7. 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 are found within or without the boundaries of our republic. 8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into 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. 9. The ninth fold is a tribute to motherhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. 10. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. 11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 12. The twelfth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. 13. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust". After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones. Those who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
"No Disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America." - U.S. Flag Code	"The Flag stands for all that we hold dear - Freedom, Democracy, Government of the people, by the people, and for the people." - Henry Cabot Lodge, 1915
Flag Facts: The U.S. Flag, adopted on June 14, 1777, is the fourth oldest national flag in the world. A flag expert is called a "vexillologist." The blue field on the U.S. Flag is called the "Union." On Memorial Day, to honor all who died in battle, the flag should be displayed at half-mast until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff for the remainder of the day. Since 1834, the U.S. Flag has flown continuously next to the grave of the Revolutionary War Hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, near Paris, France. June 14 was proclaimed Flad Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. While Flag Day was a popular celebration in scores of communities for many years after Wilson's proclamation, it didn't receive its official Congressional designation until 1949. Formal Occasions Parades and Reviews: In parades or reviews, at the moment the flag passes, all non-uniformed persons should stand at attention facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts. Persons in uniform should face the flag and render the military salute. Processions: In processions, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are included, the U.S. Flag should be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. Memorials, Burials, and Funerals: During these services, the flag should lay over the casket with the blue field covering the head and left shoulder. The flag must not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground at any time.	Displaying the Flag Properly The US Flag should always be displayed in the most prominent, most honmored position. No other flag should ever appear more important. On the Wall: When the flag is displayed on a wall, it should be displayed with the union uppermost and to the observer's left. In Multi-National Flag Displays: In the United States, the U.S. Flag is to be displayed first - to "its own right" - followed by the flags of all other countries (at equal height and in alphabetical order) to the left (observer's right) of the U.S. Flag. Among Subordinate Flags: When the U.S. Flag is among a group of subordinate flags, the U.S. Flag should be at the center and the highest point - the position of prominence. Displayed from a Staff: When displayed from a staff, the flag should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and to the speaker's right (facing the audience). If other flags are also displayed, they should be displayed to the speaker's left. On a Pole: When several flags are flown from the same pole, the U.S. Flag should always be at the top - except during church services by naval chaplains at sea when the church pennant may be flown above the U.S. Flag on the ship's mast. On a Lapel: When the flag is displayed as a lapel pin, it should be worn on the left lapel, near the heart. Among peers: When flags from two or more nations are displayed, the flag code forbids the display of any nation's flag in a position superior to another in time of peace. Therefore, each flag should be of approximately equal size and flown at the same height.
The National Anthem The Star Spangled Banner was written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key and declared the national anthem in 1931. When the anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand and face the flag to show their respect for the United States. A non-uniformed person wearing a hat must remove it with the right hand and hold it aganist the left shoulder, right hand resting over the heart. Those in uniform must stand at attention and salute the flag. (Note, if the flag is not displayed, face the music instead.)	Pledge of Allegiance "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, Under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Whenever the Pledge of Allegiance is recited, all non-uniformed persons should stand at attention facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag and render the military salute.
Flying the Flag at Half-Staff Flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff, or on a ship at half-mast, is an honored tradition which signifies that the nation is in mourning due to the death of a prominent citizen. In 1976, when the flag code was amended, changes were incorporated concerning whose death meets the criteria befigging a half-staff display. These changes make it difficult to define the half-staff criteria clearly and conceisely. However, generally speaking, the flag code dictates that the U.S. Flag be flown at half-staff only upon the death of principal figures on the U.S. government and the governor of a state, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. When desiring to honor somoeone who has died but for whom a half-staff display is not appropriate, National Flag Foundation recommends adhering to the flag code by lowering private flags to half-staff (corporate, fraternal, military, etc.). This substitution of flags preserves the integrity of the "nation in mourning" distinction while allowing approprieate mourning for the deceased. To position the flag at half-mast, first hoist the flag to the peak of the staff ofr an instant before lowering it to the half-staff position - roughly halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Before lowering it for the day, raise the flag again to the peak for an instant.
Displaying the Flag - When and Where (a) It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs 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. (b) The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. (c) The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed. (d) The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day - January 1 Inauguration Day - January 20 Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday - third Monday in January Lincoln's Birthday - February 12 Washington's Birthday - third Monday in February Easter Sunday - (variable) Mother's Day - second Sunday in May Armed Forces Day - third Saturday in May Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) - last Monday in May Flag Day - June 14 Independence Day - July 4 Labor Day - first Monday - September 1 - 7 Columbus Day - second Monday in October Navy Day - October 27 Veterans Day - November 11 Thanksgiving Day - fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day - December 25 Other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States Birthdays of States (date of admission) State holidays (e) The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution. (f) The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days. (g) The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.	Proper Flag Display for Motorcycles Flying only the United States Flag If only the US Flag is on your bike, it should either be at the center, or to its "marching right" - on the right side of the motorcycle to the rider's perspective when facing forward. US Flag And One Other Flag Of Any Type If the US Flag is on your bike with another, it should be to its "marching right" - on the right side of the motorcycle to the rider's perspective. If the other flag is that of another nation, it should be the same size and at the same height of the US Flag - NO flag should ever be displayed higher than the US Flag. US Flag And More Than One Other Non-National Flag If the US Flag is on your bike with several other non-national flags (POW/MIA, ALR, Eagles, Service Banners, etc.) , it should be at center and higher than any of the other flags. US Flag And More Than One Flag Including Those Of Other Nations If the US Flag is displayed on your bike with those of any other nation, the flags should be same size and at the same height, with the US Flag to marching right (right side of the vehicle), and others arranged in alphabetical order to the left. Other flags should be arranged in order of decreasing importance - Nations first, states (in order of admittance) and territories second, military third (in order of establishment), and then any others. Again, no flag should fly higher than the US Flag, but the US Flag should be no higher than that of any other nation's displayed. Order of Military Branch Flags The order of military branch flags are in the order each branch was established, making the order as follows: Army Marines Navy Air Force Coast Guard
A final word, for Veterans. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Soldier. Sailor. Airman. The instructions taken from the Flag Code, above, on the proper way for those in civilian clothing to show respect for the flag and national anthem and pledge of allegiance is to put the hand over the heart or to remove the hat, hand over heart. The law has been unclear as to whether veterans or military members in civilian clothing can or should salute the flag. Many of us have always done so, feeling that we do not need a law to "allow" us to do something for which our service has earned us the right. Recognizing this ambiguity, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) introduced legislation to amend the law to clearly state this right, and that legislation was passed unanimously in July of 2007. DOWNLOAD THE U.S. FLAG CODE HERE (PDF DOCUMENT)

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