another flag question

[Brett Hartwig]

Another flag question regarding our fire department honor guard. When standing a the position of "parade rest" and holding flags with the butt of the pole on the ground do all members extend the right arm allowing the flags to lean forward including the American flag? Some of our members say the American flag is to never dip, it should stay straight up and down even at "parade rest". I say, the American flag is not dipping to another flag, it is just a modified form of "attention" so it is alright. Anybody know?

 

[Nelson Atwell]

I remember you posting a few months ago with questions. At that time, I suggested you contact a local VFW or military unit for assistance. I repeat that advice again.



In the meantime, I provided a link to the US Marine Corps Drill Manual. It goes into minute detail of how the flag is supposed to be honored. Not following these procedures dishonors our flag. I recommend that no ceremonies be held by your unit until these procedures are learned and reviewed by a competent color guard.

 

[Brett Hartwig]

nelson- thanks but I was hoping Grumpy could chime in. He helped me last time.

 

[Pat Freeman]

These folks are standing at Parade Rest but continuing to hold the flags at normal "attention" position.



[Broken External Image]:

 

[Travis Tilley]

The American Flag is to stay straight, even while the others are "dipped".

 

[Nelson Atwell]

I'm pretty sure Travis is correct. In fact, if you look closely at Pat Freeman's photo, it appears the Marine colors are dipped. Either that or the Marine flag is significantly bigger than the US Flag. It is tough to see at the angle the photographer chose to snap the picture.

 

[SGT LL]

While other departments may differ, the only time the colors are "dipped" in the military are in salute of a friendly passing warship. Obliviously this applies only to the our ships in the Navy and Coast Guard. The colors are never moved from their upright position, even at "Parade Rest", unless you are "casing" or "uncasing" them. That's everything summed up from the Army doctrine, hope it helps.

 

[Mark Grumpy]

Following is from AFPAM36-2241V2 (Air Force Pamphlet)

The US flag is not to be:

7.2.4.1. Dipped to any person or thing.

(Military organizational flags, state flags,

and civilian organizational or institutional

flags are dipped as a mark of honor.)