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. The Post will hold a brief Memorial Day ceremony at the courthouse in Union on Monday, May 29 at 2:30 p.m. The public is invited.
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 an annual respectful retirement ceremony held each May. 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 or place them in the drop box in the courthouse in Union. Contact Scott Womack via email at swomack@k12.wv.us or via Facebook Messenger, or call the JROTC office at 304-753-6906 to arrange a drop-off of your unserviceable U.S. Flag.