Comments on: Military Flag Manuals

By: Deb Dunn

Deb Dunn — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:23:34 +0000

We are having a Veterans Week program and are interested in placing the flags correctly for our programs. (We are in Kansas) When inside in front of a stage: Where is the POW/MIA Flag placed? Is it placed to the speakers right next to the American flag or to the left of the speaker? If we post the Kansas flag, too. Which side of the state flag is the POW/MIA placed? Thanks Deb

By: Deborah Hendrick

Deborah Hendrick — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:23:52 +0000

Thank you for writing Rohit.
I don’t know anything about international flag communications, so this is not a question I can answer for you. Best Wishes, Deborah Hendrick

By: rohit

rohit — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:52:50 +0000

what is the international flag hoist for.”am exercising with dived submarines in area”

By: Deborah Hendrick

Deborah Hendrick — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:08:08 +0000

Hi Kelley,
As far as I know—no one knows, and it’s very frustrating. I can guess and extrapolate from historical narrative, but it’s still just guessing. I personally suspect that the custom began as a way to keep the remains of a flag from falling into the wrong hands, or from being used for using else. It must have been very tempting to incorporate bits and pieces of an old flag into other items—either for clothing, household use, or decoration. Burying the flag would accomplish the same goal. Flags made organic fibers—silk, linen, wool, cotton—would soon decompose in the ground.

By: Kelley

Kelley — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:21:37 +0000

I need to supplement an article being written for the local paper about a community flag retirement ceremony with information on the origin of the procedure. The only information I am locating on the internet is the mechanics of the ceremony itself and how to properly conduct it. Nothing on the history or how this particular method of disposal came to be decided upon. When did it become established? Why burn the flags vs. another method?
Can anyone direct me to an information source to help with this? –Thanks

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:19:40 +0000

We are working on a parade which will involve the 5 flags of the armed services being flown from motorcycles in single file; is there a standard order these flags should be in the procession?

Thank you,