Respect Our Flag with Proper Handling Instructions

They were sworn to always honor our nations colors. American Legions members walking or riding in parades have observed that not all watching citizens know the proper procedure when our flag passes by in review.

The following instructions have been taken from the official U.S. rules titled, Lets Be Right on Flag Etiquette:

During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When no in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.

We are proud to have served under the beautiful red, white and blue colors and sincerely hope that our citizens feel the same and pay due respect at the time our nations colors pass in review.

American Legion Post 150

Raymond, Wash.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on www.hometowndebate.com 8/8/13. If you would like to respond to this story, go to hometowndebate.com