That’s a lot of title, but all the elements are inextricably linked. Yesterday I didn’t post an article on The Daily Flag because I was doing research and answering questions. I am not a flag expert, but I am good at research, and I have patience, a highly useful skill in research. If you ask me a question, I will do my best to give you the right answer. The right answer—the protocol—is often found in precedence or tradition, and not the U.S. Flag Code, or it may come from military protocol.
A recurring question, a two–part question, is which comes first: the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem. The U.S. Code, which is written for civilians, is silent on this. As a school girl, my classmates and I said the Pledge of Allegiance every morning: facing the U.S. flag, standing beside our desks, hands over hearts. This was in Texas, and there was a U.S. flag and a Texas flag in every classroom. (Some sets were small, some were large, and some were silky with gold fringe—but the flags were ubiquitous.)
We sang the Star-Spangled Banner when all the classes were assembled in the auditorium, gymnasium, et cetera. Sometimes we said the Pledge at the same time, but generally we did not, because we’d previously said the Pledge in our classrooms. That was a protocol decided by the school administration.
Which comes first?
Yesterday I spoke with a woman who was planning a large meeting. There was not going to be a color guard—the flags would be in place when the meeting started. She wanted to know which came first? The Pledge or the National Anthem, because a soloist was going to sing the Anthem. I suggested to her, based on previous experience and simplicity, to say the Pledge first. But there is no civilian protocol in the U.S. Code that says it must be done this way.
The Chair, to start the meeting, could ask for all to rise and say the Pledge, and all would sit down. After welcoming remarks and introduction of the soloist, then all could rise again while soloist sang the Anthem.
Would the presence of a color guard have changed the line-up? It seems to me that after the color guard posted the colors, the most natural thing in the world would be to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Last night I watched the All-Star game on television. Singer Sheryl Crow sang the National Anthem while accompanying herself with the guitar. I didn’t see the entire opening, but I’m pretty sure the Pledge of Allegiance was not said, because the National Anthem was traditional to the event, and it was sufficient.
Would you all rise …
Another frequent question concerns the color guard and saluting the flag. On this question, the U.S. Code is explicit: all stand, and all salute, in the manner appropriate to your circumstance. In a parade, most of the time everyone is already standing when the color guard passes by, so you salute and hold the salute, until the color guard has passed abreast of your spot. If you are seated in a formal reviewing stand, you stand (probably all simultaneously) then sit again.
What if the parade you are watching has more than one set of colors? Last Christmas Larry and I watched a parade and I lost count of the color guards that passed in review, because I think every "group" that participated in the parade was carrying the U.S. flag.
There was an official color guard to lead off the parade, then there were high school marching bands, riding clubs, Shriners, county mounted posse, other civic clubs (Lions, Rotary), the VFW, et cetera. Well, I saluted (hand on my heart) every time an obvious color guard passed in front of me.
Another question concerned music during the presentation of the colors: Is it appropriate to play music, even patriotic music, during the presentation of the colors? Here are the exact words from the Flag code:
Section 9. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag
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 not 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.(Added Pub. L. 105-225, Sec. 2(a), Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1498.)
It does not address the inclusion of music, but I don’t think one can make an argument from silence and assume that it is ok. The presentation of the colors is a outstanding enough occasion that it does not need further adornment, or "gussied up." Surely we can bear a moment of silence while the flag goes by.
In our school we say the pledge in three languages. What is proper when it comes the hand over the heart when is said in an non-English language? i would love some help here.
Hi Larry,
The U.S. Code does not address this situation, and it is not covered in the book “Protocol, the Complete Handbook of Diplomatic, Official and Social Usage” (what the White House uses).
However, when there is a foreign guest at the White House—say the Prime Minister of Canada—then the Canadian national anthem is played first, and the American national anthem is played second, or last, if there are multiple foreign guests of honor.
I think you could safely adopt a “guest language first” system, with the non-English speaking versions being recited in alphabetical order. For example: Korean, Spanish, then English.
Thank you for writing.
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I work for the Military Heritage Museum and we would like to carry flags from the different branches of the service in the Veterans Day parade. What is the proper protocol for carrying them.
Thank you,
Laurie
Hi Laurie—Thank you for writing. The proper order is:
U.S. Army (first)
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Navy
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Coast Guard (last)
When there are other anthems on the program – whether thewy be from other nations or from states or there are other songs such as “my Country Tis of thee” or “God Bless America”. is the Star Spangled Banner sung first or last?
Hi Evan—you have asked a good question. As a courtesy to other nations whose citizens are guests in the USA, their national anthems are played first, and the Star-Spangled Banner is played last. If the National Anthem is being played with a state song, then the National Anthem is played first, with the state song played second.
A patriotic medley of songs or individually, such as “My Country Tis of Thee,” and “God Bless America” could be played before the National Anthem if the medley were being played as a prelude, while guests were taking their chairs, et cetera. If these songs were going to be sung by the assembly, or by a choir, then they would be performed after the National Anthem.
The National Anthem is never combined with other songs in a medley, and properly, would be announced so that people would have time to stand, take off hats and prepare to salute.
Thank you for writing, Evan.
Deborah
What is the proper proceedure. You are in a US flag line @ a funeral for a vetern. As the coffin passes, some will put the flag in their left hand and salute with their right to the bill of their cap. Others will salute with their left hand across the body to the staff of the flag. Other say you can not salute when carrying the flag. I would like to know if there is proceedure for saluting while carrying the flag and what is it.
Dear Mr. Coats,
I consulted (Document) 5360.1-1, titled “State, Official and Special Military Funerals,” which is prepared for the Departments of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Treasury (acknowledging of course, that the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard follow U.S. Navy guidelines). This document outlines in exacting detail how to conduct these kinds of funerals. I also looked at the standard documents for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army for more reference.
There are no instructions in any of these documents that call for members of the color guard to salute the coffin as it passes by. I find no instructions in the U.S. Flag Code for the color guard to salute when the coffin is carried abreast of their position. Lacking other reference material that would contradict this information, it would appear that the flag bearers do not salute.
Thank you for writing and Best Wishes, Deborah
We start our school day with a morning assembly for all our high school students. I am a stickler for flag protocol and get aggravated every morning because those in charge of the morning assembly start playing the National Anthem with no announcement and no call to stand. So halfway through the song, students are still rising and still talking. I have looked for any “rule” about this and have found none. Does anyone reading this know of the proper procotol in this situation?
Also, I was informed last year by our local military protocol that usually you are not to do both the pledge and the National Anthem…usually it’s only one or the other.
Oh Lucy, you have to talk to the people in charge of the morning assembly! There isn’t a rule that says the National Anthem is to be announced, but it is common courtesy (and common sense) to let everyone know what is coming next.
What is the proper protocol for multiple color guards at a community parade. Our parade may have color guards from the VFW, American Legion, active military units, police, fire, scout troops. Which organization is first in the line up? Should they all be at the beginning of the parade, or may they be placed throughout the line up. Does it matter?
According to the Http://militarysalute.proboards45.com, the order of Service flags are as follows.
U.S. Army
U.S. Marine corp
U.S. Navy
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Coast Guard
Hi Eileen. The American flag does indeed go all the way to the right (but there should be an “honor guard” in the outer-most right-side position—usually but not always—carrying a ceremonial rifle to protect the flag, plus another honor guard on the outer left-most end).
It would be an extreme breach of protocol to relegate the “guest flags” of other countries to the second row, so those flags are carried, in alphabetical order—Ireland, then Italy—next to the American flag, and the the state flag is carried next to the Italian flag—then the other honor guard is on the end. If the state flag was not included, the line up would remain the same.
It would be improper for the U.S. flag to be carried in-between the flags of Ireland and Italy. Occasionally our National flag is centered in a grouping with the flags of the Armed Forces or U.S. state flags, but never in a grouping with the flags of other nations.
Link here and scroll down to subsection C for the part of the U.S. Flag Code that addresses this situation.
Best Wishes, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day,
Deborah Hendrick
When the color guard is presenting the flag, how do they hold the flag with their hands; and is it mandatory for them to wear white gloves? I know the individuals holding the flags will not salute; but who is required to salute?
Hi Neoma. White gloves always look nice, but unless the flag bearers are military, and following their orders, then white gloves are not an absolute requirement. As the color guard “parades” the flags in front of those gathered, ALL salute. Veterans and military, Scouts, etc. render hand salutes (to the brow), all others render a “heart” salute—place the right hand over the heard.
I’m not sure what you mean by “how do they hold the flags with their hands?” Flag bearers usually have belt to hold the flags. When the flags are being held, the right hand goes above the left hand. If the bottom of the pole is on the ground, it is held to the right side of the flag bearer. The US flag is carried in the right most position, but traditionally there are “honor guard” who march on either side of the flag array, who may be carrying rifles, or not. Occasionally, the US flag will be carried in the center of an array of flags, which is acceptable too. But it is carried higher or the other flags are carried slightly dipped forward, which pays honor to the US flag.
My apologies for taking so long to reply. Thank you for writing.
When the Canadian Flag is brought in to a meeting when visiting Canadians are present,
what is proper protocol when retiring the flag. Does is remain in the room or should
it be escorted out prior to the American Flag?
Hi Sharon. The Canadian flag is given the same honor and respect as the American flag. If the American flag is brought into the meeting area by a color guard, then the Canadian flag should be carried in at the same time by the color guard. The American flag always takes the right most position as carried forward, with the Canadian flag immediately beside it to the left, and at the same height. Traditionally, there are honor guards on each end to “guard” and “defend” the flags.
As honored guests in the United States, the Canadian flag is set into the flag stand first, and the American flag goes second. The flags should be the same height in the flag stands, but the American flag will take the right-most position. If you have a color guard remove the flags, then the Canadian flag is picked up first, and the American flag is picked up second. The color guard goes out as it came in—American flag right-most.
It’s the American flag’s “honor” to be right-most in position; and it is an honor given to the Canadian flag to “go first.” And you didn’t ask, but if the Canadian national anthem is played, it is played first, and then the Star-Spangled Banner is played second. All of these procedures are according to protocols established by the U.S. State Department.
Thank you for writing. I hope your meeting goes well.
Best Wishes, Deborah
I have been trying to get an answer to my question for some time.
I live in a golf cart community and most of the people are very pariotic and fly the American Flag from the back of their golf cart. Sometimes alone but more than usual with another flag such as military, sports, or state. I know how it should be flown from the front of a vehicle (Marine Corps Parade Manual [22 years]) but can’t find anything difinitive about the rear.
Hope you can help. I need something I can use to correct people.
Hi Ric,
The Daily Flag includes a copy of the complete U.S. Flag Code. The information you need is found in Section 7. Position and Manner of Display. At (b) it says:
This is all that is written. While the Flag Code does list a lot of things we should NOT do to or with the flag, it cannot list everything. Frequently we must extrapolate from the Code, and apply it to new circumstances. Therefore, we can logically determine that if the code mentions “motorcar,” then we can extend that to mean the right side of any form transportation, such as a motorcycle, bicycle, pickup, or golf cart.
I appreciate your frustration, and it has been my observation that the people who love the flag the most are frequently the ones who make the most mistakes in flying it. But the reality is—they will most likely ignore your corrections, no matter how sincerely and delicately you approach them.
My suggestion is that you print out Section 7 of the Flag Code and post it in the club house, or if your golf course community has a newsletter, perhaps you can write an article for publication on the proper display of the flag(s) on a golf cart. Maybe you can ask for a few minutes on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled golf course meeting, and talk about flag etiquette and protocol then.
Thank you for writing, Ric. Good Luck and Best Wishes,
Deborah Hendrick
After the presentation of colors in a graduation ceremony and the color guard begins to leave, at what point in a ceremony should the speaker put the mortar board hat back on his head?
Hello Lee,
The color guard will post the flags in the flag stands, step back and salute, then turn to depart. Once the color guard turns, the speaker can put the mortar board back on his head. Remember, the colors should be “announced”—”Ladies and Gentleman, would you please rise and salute … or some variation. I personally like it when the MC says something like, “Ladies and Gentleman, would you please stand and salute the Stars and Stripes!” Of course only the men are required to remove their head coverings, so that will cause a bit of confusion for the ladies, unless they have been briefed prior to the event.
Thank you for writing.
Best Wishes,
Deborah Hendrick
When in the U. S. , and wearing a veterans org. cap, and the colors of a friendly foreign nation are displayed and their national anthiem is played, is’nt it proper protocol to render the same honors as you would the U. S. flag. eg: attention and salute.
Thank you
M. Cassidy
Mark, thank you for writing. This is an excellent question.
The proper protocol is remove your head covering and stand at attention, but not salute. A foreign guest in this country would do the same—stand at attention and remove head covering, but not salute during the Star-Spangled Banner. This is a common situation for alien athletes that play for U.S. sports teams. This is the official recommendation of the U.S. State Department.
I know the library of congress has a document regulating the order of active and inactive military units in the parade. My question is, do I have to lead off the parade with a color guard or can they be several units from the beginning, say behind our opening banner, festival float, etc?
Thanks,
Cindy
Cindy, the color guard goes first.
during a flag ceremony do I raise the flag first or pray first.
Travis, I’ve never had this question before. My first instinct is to recommend praying first—religious freedom being the bedrock of our country—before there was a flag that demonstrates our unity. But there is nothing in the U.S. Flag Code that would specify one way or the other. Thank you for writing.
Hi Donna. I didn’t forget about you, but a trip out of town took longer than
I anticipated.
Regarding multiple color guards and parade protocol:
In a parade like you describe, the active-duty military unit should (always)
lead off the parade as the first color guard. If you have several military
units, they will usually combine their units to march as one. The parade
coordinator needs to make absolutely sure of who is participating. Some
military units participate as float entries, not color guards.
After that, you have more options. The U.S. State Department uses a protocol
that orders precedence by chronological date of official organization or
congressional charter. (What is now referred to as a 501(c)(3) non-profit.)
This solves all their problems about who comes first
At first, this may ruffle a few feathers, but it is a very diplomatic way of
organizing things once everyone sees the logic of the method. At the local
level, you could use the local date of organization, rather than the
national date of congressional charter. (You could have two American Legion
posts, and two VFW posts, and three boy scout troops marching.)
This works for all organizations, though you may still need to stagger the
individual organizations. You wouldn’t want to put two marching bands next
to each other, but the oldest school’s band could go first. A police color
guard and fire station color guard could quite likely represent the same
municipality. But one still came first. This is a delicate question but it
has to be asked. A local scout troop may date from 1915, and the oldest
American Legion post may date from 1925.
Obviously, the parade would look goofy if all the color guards were crammed
together to the front of the parade, even if they marched in chronological
order. So somehow, those groups will have to be staggered through out the
parade. In my area, it is common to have two or three Shriners associations,
multiple riding clubs (western style horsemen), area county sheriffs posses,
multiple Boy Scout troops, Girl Scout troops, American Legion, VFW, Vietnam
Veterans Associations, Rolling Thunder, etc. And they are all 501(c)(3)
non-profits.
Will the local American Legion post be insulted by being placed behind the
local Boy Scout troop? Depends. Most AL posts have an aging membership and
now are willing to ride on a float, with their colors attached to the float.
All of this information must be balanced against the kind of parade. In a
parade that specifically honors veterans (Memorial Day or Veterans Day for
example), then I’d place the vets ahead of other organizations, but still
trying to balance the parade entries. If it’s the Magnolia Blossom Parade,
then Miss Magnolia obviously would precede the Boy Scouts, even if the Boy
Scout troop charter dates from 1921 and the Magnolia Blossom Day (pageant
and parade) began in 1960.
But the key is what does the parade honor, balanced by oldest organizations,
and types of organizations. In a local community, the for-profit businesses
are very often what underwrites the non-profits, so they should not be
overlooked. The parade chairman/coordinator must be a diplomat—no doubt
about it. As a general rule, I think (hope) most people and organizations
don’t worry too much about their placement in a parade—-a parade needs to
be interesting all the way to the end.
We are having a two day sporting event. Should we play the National Anthem only on the Opening day (day 1) or in the morning of both days (day 1 and 2)?
Thank you!
Catherine, the U.S. Code doesn’t provide specific instructions for where, when, and why the National Anthem should be played. If there a welcoming or gathering ceremony on the second day of the event, then it would certainly be appropriate to perform the Anthem again. Thank you for writing, and Best Wishes, Deborah
My Orlando Florida pipe band plays a set of the five military anthems. I noticed in an earlier response that you listed the proper order of the military flags while on parade. Would that also apply to the playing of the military anthems? I currently have the set arranged as Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army which was done mostly for musical reasons, i.e. the first and last two translate the best to the bagpipe, for a strong start and finish. The Air Force hymn and the Navy don’t work on the bagpipe as well as the other three. At any rate, I don’t wish to offend anyone, so I thought perhaps I should see if there is a “carved in stone” protocol for the order in which the anthems are to be played. Thank you.
What a terrific—and thoughtful—question, Reginald! I have never read anything to indicate that the military anthems should be played in “order” by the corresponding services’ congressional charters. Certainly the band could perform the anthems in “order,” and I don’t know why anyone could fuss with that decision, but I will research this via some contacts in the Pentagon, and see if I can find a definitive answer for you. More later, Deborah.
I placed several phone calls earlier this week, but didn’t get any answers. So I took a fresh look at my list and started over this morning. Finally I spoke with a petty officer in the Coast Guard band. She informed me that the military bands do perform the five service songs in the order of their charters. So it’s Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. She did say however, that occasionally the various bands will perform their service song last, depending on the occasion. But performing them in chronological order seems to be a traditional method, rather than a “by order” or “carved in stone” protocol.
In my opinion, if you are performing a medley of the five service songs and not the entire score of each song, I don’t know why you can’t continue the arrangement you have—-for precisely the reasons you cited. The only anthem that is absolutely a stand-alone performance is the National Anthem.
Here are some articles I wrote previously for The Daily Flag, which you might find useful.
Military Music Links.
“From a beat up piano in Alaska to the city of Paris” which is the story of the five service anthems.
Best Wishes, Reginald
Deborah
Thank you for taking the time to look into that, Deborah. Much appreciated!
Is there a specific government document that says that the Color Guard or flag must be in the lead in a parade? A link to this would be much appreciated. Just trying to clear up some confusion for an event, but some people will not recognize a website such as this as being a definitive answer. I would like to say a big THANK YOU! for all of the info here!
Jesse, I don’t know of any specific government document that says the color guard must be the lead in a parade. The U.S. Flag Code does not say that a parade must lead off with a color guard, or that a parade should even have a color guard. However, according to long-standing customs, and American tradition, it would be an extreme breach of etiquette and protocol for an official Color Guard to participate in a parade, and NOT lead the parade.
In fact, if I were in charge of the Color Guard, and the parade organizers did not start the parade with the color guard, I would have a very difficult time participating in the event due to the disrespect shown to the flag. Once again, no parade is required to have a color guard, but a color guard isn’t going to show up for the parade without being invited, and protocol demands that the color guard lead the parade. (A patrol car normally serves as a forward scout to protect the parade, but it is well ahead of the parade and not considered part of the parade.)
The U.S. State Department establishes protocol and etiquette for the government—and that includes display of the national flag, other nations’ flags, parades, et cetera. Perhaps the U.S. State Department could provide you with some persuasive documentation.
I am honored Jesse, that you would consider The Daily Flag as a definitive authority on flag protocol and etiquette. I can’t make that claim myself. Unfortunately, the Flag Code does not cover every possibility. Buy I try very hard to follow the Flag Code, and extrapolate from it as closely as possible, then I consult the military flag manuals because so much of our civilian tradition comes from the military. Following that I turn to historical precedence, and tradition. The first and last question is always, “Does this honor the flag?”
Thank you for writing.
Hello,
I am a “Bagpiper” and part of our fire department “Honor Guard.” What is the protocol for a piper while the colors are being presented? If music is played what tunes are acceptable while the colors are marched in? The bagpipes have a limited scale which does not allow me to play most patriot songs. Can I play anything as long as it is patriotic in nature?
Thank you,
Bill Macauley, Piper
Bakersfield Fire Dept.
Hi Bill—The U.S. Code does not provide a direct answer regarding music during the presentation of the Colors. All we can do is read what it does say, and extrapolate from there. We are told that all should stand at attention when the Colors are being presented, and to salute the flag when it passes by our position. We salute with either a military salute, or by placing the right hand over the heart (what I like to call a “heart salute”).
The only song we Americans are called upon to salute is the National Anthem, which we don’t perform while the flag is in motion, but only after it has been “presented” to those assembled. Therefore, I say “no music” during the trooping of the Colors because we are suppose to salute during that time.
There are however, different opinions. I contacted another piper who told me that he likes to play a medley of America the Beautiful, God Bless America, and It’s a Grand Old Flag during the trooping of the colors, which would certainly be a splendid musical arrangement. But I personally would feel extremely awkward saluting the flag to America the Beautiful (for example).
I hope this helps, and thank you for writing. Best Wishes, Deborah Hendrick
Is there any list of or recommendations when it is appropriate to say the Pledge of Allegiance. For instance, is it appropriate to say it prior to a dinner party in a club house. Not a country club with membership required but a space available to all who live in our gated community. These are not parties attached to national holidays or other traditional events at which we expect to say The Pledge. I would appreciate any US Regulations, not just opinions. Thank you.
Ann, the U.S. Code provides no specific instructions regarding where and when the Pledge of Allegiance should be recited. It is a matter of tradition, and personal or group discretion.
Thank you for writing. Deborah Hendrick
Quesiton:
We are the first marching/concert Band formed in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, flotilla 22-7 of Ft. Salonga, NY. We wear the Auxiliary uniform when we perform. If the band is sitting down in concert formation, and it is time to say the pledge of allegiance, the band, equipped with musicial instruments on their laps, tight quarters, with music stands in between (get the picture). should we (a) stand or can we stay seated during the pledge, (b) remove our cover (hat) or stay covered during for the pledge, (c) salute (to the brow), hand over heart, or stay at rest. The logistics to consider are the tight quarters we are generally in, the instruments that require one or both hands to hold (tuba, sousaphone, saxophone) and that we will be playing the Star Spangled Banner immediately following the Pledge and must be “ready to go”. Standing and sitting can often result in a “disturbance” (music stand falls over, noise, delays getting into position etc. Please cite your reference for this. Thanks.
re: Presentation of Colors. There is a bugle tune, “Morning Colors” which is played when the flag is being raised every morning up the flagpole at every military base. “Evening Colors” is played when the flag is lowered.
John, I don’t have the answers to your questions, must less a citation. I called some of my resources, and left messages, but I haven’t heard back from them. I’ll post again when I know more, and send you an email. Deborah
John—Today I spoke with the Sergeant Major for the band at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. She told me that the band, cued by the band director, very carefully rises together and stands at attention, facing the flag, and the band leader salutes the flag on behalf of the entire band. The band is then signaled when to sit again. In keeping with the Flag Code, they do not recite the Pledge, not does the band leader. If they are outdoors, they do not remove their covers.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary band may be comprised of civilians, but they are uniformed and represent the Coast Guard (which is to say the band is uniquely identified with the Coast Guard and no one else), so I think the same protocol would be quite appropriate.
Thank you for writing. I hope this helps.
Good luck, and Best Wishes,
Deborah Hendrick
Please advise on the proper etiquette for participation in the singing of the National Anthem when it is played. I was taught that all Americans were to sing when their anthem was played, but lately, few seem to participate at all. Thanks for your help!
Barbara, I am a firm believer that we should all sing the National Anthem together. Those who can reach the high notes are held aloft by those who can hit the low notes, and the result is that we sound wonderful. But more often now, a soloist is invited to sing the National Anthem instead. Of course it would be impolite to sing so loudly that it distracts from the soloist, but I do sing along, softly, and I have noticed that others do too. I think it is absolutely permissible for you to sing, too. I do wish though, that someday a nationally recognized singer would invite those assembled to sing along, and conduct everyone in the National Anthem. Imagine everyone in the stands and on the field at the Super Bowl singing the National Anthem together!
When marching in a parade, is it proper to have a rifleman on each side of the Flag? When short of marching personnel, can you get by with having only one rifeleman, on the right side of the American Flag?
It is always appropriate to have “honor guards” —-armed guards—-on the ends of the color guard. I think it would look odd to have only one honor guard marching next to the American flag, but if you don’t have two then I guess one is ok (but I’d try really hard to have two). Thank you for writing, and Best Wishes, Deborah Hendrick