VFW's Americanism Program provides materials and information, sponsors events, and promotes activities designed to stimulate interest in America's history and traditions, institutions of civic responsibility and patriotism.
VFW's Americanism Program is comprised of, but not limited to, Patriotic Assemblies, Flag Etiquette, a School Flag Program, Pledge of Allegiance education, and Veterans in the Classroom. To find out more information please click a link to the left.
Chairman: Ken Christian americanism@12002.org
Flag Etiquette
The federal flag code says the universal custom is to display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open, but when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Also, the U.S. flag should not be displayed when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
Displaying the Flag
On Same Staff: U.S. flag at peak, above any other flag except a flag of another nation
Grouped: U.S. flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at same height.
Marching: U.S. flag to marchers right (observer's left).
On Speaker's Platform: When displayed with a speaker's platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff it is on the speaker's right.
Decoration: Never use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red.
Salute: Head bare (women and military leave hats on), right hand over heart, standing at attention
Over a Street: Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street.
Half Staff: On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised.
Flag Rules
Do not let the flag touch the ground.
Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
Do not use the flag as clothing.
Do not store the flag where it can get dirty.
Do not use it as a cover.
Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.
Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.
Patriotic Assemblies - Coming Soon
The 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.
School Flag Program - Coming Soon
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