U.S. Flag

GUIDEPOSTS

A GRAND NEW FLAG
I've always been interested in the flag. I pledged allegiance to it as a schoolboy. I fought for it in Europe during World War II, and it was here to welcome us soldiers on our return home. The Stars and Stripes had 48 stars for the 48 states back then. But in the late fifties, things changed. Two new states were joining the union. How would the new flag accommodate them? Well, not too long ago while researching a book on the flag, I read about the man who came up with the 50-star design. In fact, he was not even an adult at the time. He was just a 17-year-old high school kid in Lancaster, Ohio. I gave him a call to hear his remarkable story.
On a Friday afternoon in the spring of 1958, Robert G. Heft was riding the bus home from school. He was thinking about the assignment his history teacher, Mr. Pratt, had given the class - a project that demonstrated their interest in history. Something visual. Something original. BY Monday. As Robert rode through downtown Lancaster he saw the flag on top of city hall. "That's what convinced me," he told me. "I would design a new flag."
Alaska was likely to soon become the forty-ninth state. "But I knew that Alaska was heavily Democrat," he says. "The Senate would have to approve the addition, and it was dominated by Republicans at the time. Everyone was saying that they would be adding another state to balance it out." He had a hunch that then Republican Hawaii would soon become the fiftieth state.
At home that night he sketched out a grid for 50 stars. "I couldn't just throw them in anywhere." So he came up with a design. Five rows of six stars with four alternating rows of five stars. That next morning he took the family's three by five flag out of the closet, sat down with scissors on the living room floor and cut out the blue and white-starred corner.
"What did your parents do?" I couldn't help asking.
"My mom was horrified. She hollered at me for desecration the flag. Instead it was for a school project, and I'd make sure it looked okay." He biked downtown to Wiseman's Department Store and bough a new piece of blue cotton broadcloth. He also got some iron-on mending tape.. "The kind my mother used for patches." With a cardboard pattern he traced 100 stars on the tape and cut them out. One hundred so he'd have a star for each side of the blue fabric.
"I wanted to get Mom to sew the new background to the old flag," Robert says, "but she wouldn't have anything to do with it. I got out her old foot-operated Singer, I was amazed I could actually work the thing." He sewed on the blue background and ironed on the stars. Project done.
"You must have gotten an A," I said
Robert Chuckled on the phone. "Not on your life," he said. "My teacher, Mr. Pratt, was a taskmaster. He looked at what I'd done and said it wasn't the real flag. Not with fifty stars. I explained my reasoning, and he still just barely gave me a passing grade. I was peeved!"
"What did you do?"
"For the first time I really spoke out. I told him I deserved better. I had a friend who'd done a collage of leaves and got an A. What I'd done showed a lot more imagination. Mr. Pratt looked at me coolly and declared, 'If you don't like the grade, go get the flag accepted in Washington!'"
And that's exactly what Robert Heft set out to do. He bicycled over to the home of his congressman, Walter Moeller, knocked on the door, gave him the flag and explained what it was for.
"I asked him if he would take my flag to Washington, and if there were ever a contest to determine the design for a fifty-star flag, would he present mine. He was so bowled over that he agreed, probably just to get rid of me."
For the next two years, Robert waited in anticipation. In January 1959 President Eisenhower signed a proclamation announcing the admission of Alaska as the forty-ninth state. As with all new states, the star would be added on the following July 4. That 49-star flag- seven rows of seven stars - was almost immediately obsolete. Because in August 1959, just as Robert had expected, Hawaii became the fiftieth state.

He'd already graduated from high school by then, the woeful grade still in Mr. Pratt's book. Robert was working as a draftsman for an industrial firm and going to college at night. Whatever happened to my flag design? He wondered. He'd heard that thousands of new designs had been submitted. A special commission of congressmen was screening them and choosing five for submission to President Eisenhower.
"In early June," Robert says, "I was working at my drafting board when one of the secretaries at the firm rushed over to me. 'There's a congressman on the phone for you,' she said. It was Congressman Walter Moeller. I recognized his gravelly voice right away. 'Son, I'm proud to tell you that President Eisenhower has selected your design for our nation's new flag. Congratulations.'"
Robert flew to Washington to see his flag flown over the Capitol for the first time. Thousands of others had submitted the same design, but Robert Heft's had been the first. Moreover it wasn't just a sketch. It was an actual flag. That was a big plus. Since then Heft's original handmade version has traveled; it's flown over every state capital building and 88 embassies, and it is the only flag in American history to have flown over the White House under five administrations. It even has a patch on it from a bullet hole it caught in Saigon in 1967.
At the end of our talk I had one last question. "What about your grade?"
"The day I returned from Washington, Mr. Pratt changed it. But you know," Robert mused, "if I hadn't gotten that bad grade in the first place I wouldn't have given the flag to Congressman Moeller. And if I hadn't done that, I never would have gone to Washington. . . ."
For more than 40 years, longer then any other, his design has been the one we know. "But I've got a good design for fifty-one," he said, "in case we add another." It's good to be reminded that Old Glory is a work-in-progress. Always has been, I guess. From the 13 original Stars and Stripes to the star-spangled banner of today, long may it wave.

By Richard H. Schneider
Senior Staff Editor and Writer

The following is the rule and regulations regard the flat of the United States of America.

The National Flag represents the living country and is considered to be a living thing emblematic of the respect and pride we have for our nation. Our flag is a precious possession. Display it proudly. There are certain fundamental rules of Heraldry which, if understood, generally indicate the proper method of displaying the flag. The right arm, which is the sword arm and the point of danger, is the place of honor. Hence the union of the flag is the place of honor or the honor point. The National Emblem is a symbol of our great country, or heritage and our place in the world. We own reverence and respect to our flag. It represents the highest ideals of individual liberty, justice and equal opportunity for all.

DISPLAY - It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag me be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illu minated during the hours of darkness. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed. The flag should be displayed daily, on or near the main administration building of every public institution . . . in or near every polling place on election days . . . during school days in or near every schoolhouse. No other flag or pennant should be placed abo ve or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea . . . for personnel of the Navy . . . when the church pennant may be flown above the flag. No p erson shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, that nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations. The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs. When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs the flag of the Unit ed States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace. When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extend ing from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street. When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the North in an East and West street or to the East in a North and South street. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easy torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling. The flag should never have things placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

PARADES, CEREMONIES - The flag, when carried in a procession or with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line. The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff (or as against a wall or in a window). The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument. But it should never be used as the covering for the statue or monument. That no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America, the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all person s 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. To fold the flag ceremoniously, first fold it lengthwise, bring ing the striped half up over the blue field. Then repeat, with the blue field on the outside. Beginning at the lower right, make a series of triangular folds until the flag resembles a cocked hat with only the blue field visible.

VEHICLES - The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, side, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or boat. When the flat is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

CORRIDORS, LOBBIES - When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer's left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the North when entrances are to the East or West - or to the East when entrances are to the North and South. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should b e to the East.

CHURCHES, AUDITORIUMS - When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or the right of the audience.

CASKETS - When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

NATIONAL ANTHEM - During the rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with thei r right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the hea rt. 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. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

HALF-STAFF - The flat , when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half- s taff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the even of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to the Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not incon sistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory or possession may proclaim that the National flag my be flown at half-staff.

WEARING APPAREL, DRAPERY - The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, no up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of a platform, and for decoration in general. No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and it itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the label flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left label near the heart.

ADVERTISING - The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

DISPOSAL - The flag, when it is such condition that it is no longer fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

FLAG HOLIDAYS:

NEW YEAR'S DAY, January 1	INAUGURATION DAY, January 20	LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY, February 12
WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, third Monday in February	EASTER SUNDAY, (variable)	MOTHER'S DAY, second Sunday in May
ARMED FORCES DAY, third Saturday in May	MEMORIAL DAY (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May	FLAG DAY, June 14
INDEPENDENCE DAY, July 4	LABOR DAY, first Monday in September	CONSTITUTION DAY, September 17
COLUMBUS DAY, second Monday of October	NAVY DAY, October 27	VETERAN'S DAY, November 11
THANKSGIVING DAY, fourth Thursday in November		CHRISTMAS DAY, December 25

...such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays. The rules and customs presented herein are in accordance with the July 7, 1976 amendment to the Flag Code (Public Law 94-334, 94th Congress. S.J. Res. 49).

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A FLAG:

Only flags made specifically for exterior use should be displayed outdoors.
For best results, do not expose your flag to rain, snow or abnormally high winds; these forces of nature can shorten its life considerably. Should the flag become wet, it should be spread out and allowed to dry completely. Do not fold or roll-up a wet or damp flag.
To keep its rich colors looking bright, clean your flag regularly, before soiling and discoloration from dirt, smoke, dust and other airborne contaminants “set” in the fabric. Outdoor flags can be hand-washed with warm water and a mild soap, then thoroughly rinsed and spread out to dry. Do not let the flag stand in the wash water or you might experience some color “make-off” onto the white stripes. Professional dry cleaning is recommended for indoor / parade flags. Incidentally, many establishments will clean Old Glory free of charge, especially during the period just prior to Flag Day, June 14.
Do not place the flag where the wind will whip it against rough surfaces, tree branches, wires, cables, etc. The smallest tear can soon result in a tattered flag. Keep pole surface free of heavy dirt, rust, scale and corrosion that could damage your flag.
Inspect your flag regularly for signs of wear. In particular, look for “normal wear” fabric or thread breaks which may occur in the “fly” end. This is the end farthest from the staff. Trimming off and re-hemming torn or frayed ends will help extend the life of your face.

There is no exact answer how long a flag will last. The U.S. Government generally expects a nylon or cotton bunting flag to last approximately 90 days, based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset – but not during period of inclement weather. Tests have shown that in some cases a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only one-forth as long as one flown during daylight hours only.

Regardless of how well it is constructed, a flag is, after all, only a piece of cloth and will sooner or later succumb all, only a piece of cloth and will sooner or later succumb to the elements. However, it has been well documented that reasonably good care can contribute greatly to long life.

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.

October 07, 2006