The following is the last in a series of articles sponsored by American Legion Post 100 in Union on the proper etiquette towards the U.S. Flag. The information comes from U.S. Code Title 4, also known as “The Flag Code.” This week’s installment describes the appropriate conduct during hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. Flag.
Section 9: During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, those present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.
Post 100 and the local JROTC Maverick Battalion are collecting unserviceable U.S. Flags for a respectful retirement ceremony scheduled for 17 May 2022. Citizens wishing to turn in their unserviceable U.S. Flags may mail or bring them to James Monroe High School, c/o JROTC, at 142 James Monroe Drive, Lindside, WV 24951. Post 100 is working towards placing a drop box in Union in the near future. Contact Scott Womack via email at swomack@k12.wv.us or via Facebook Messenger, or call Todd Longanacre or Mike Wiley at the JROTC office at 304-753-6906 to arrange a drop-off of your unserviceable U.S. Flag.
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