I am searching the web trying to find something published that describes the potocol on holding the flag. In a Flag Line at funerals for our Veterans, I see all variations of holding,,, right side,,, left side,,, center.

In addition, when holding the flag there is to be no salute as the flag represents that itself..... But, I continually see individuals rendering a full military hand salute while holding the flag on the left side or placing their hand over their heart and holding the flag with only one hand?

If you look at any Honor Guard they have the flag on the right side and then bring the left hand accross to hold the pole, thus both hands on the flag to make sure it is secured. The flag is centered in the middle of the body.

Does anyone know what is correct and where to find it??????

Thanks

ducpho

I too am seeking info on a proper salute when holding the flag. My understanding, from verbal info my son gave me, is that the flag staff should be held in the right hand and the leftarm should cross the chest/belly toward the flag staff.

However I see many move the staff to the left hand and salute/hand over heart with the right. I don't think this is the right thing do do.

Does anyone have an answer?

[Peter Ansoff]

The US Army protocol for color bearers is spelled out in FM 3-21.5. Here is what it says about the proper way to hold the flag:

15-14. POSITION OF THE COLORS AT THE CARRY

At the Carry, rest the ferrule of the staff in the socket of the sling. The socket is below the waist and adjusted to ensure that the finials of all Colors are of equal height . . . Grasp the staff with the right hand (even with the mouth) and incline it slightly to the front with the left hand securing the ferrule in the socket. The left hand may be positioned immediately below the right hand to more firmly secure the Colors on windy days.

The accompanying illustration in the manual shows the staff centered in front of the bearer's body, and held with both hands as described above. The manual does not explicitly address the question of whether the color bearer should render a hand salute, but it seems pretty clear that he/she is supposed to keep both hands on the staff to properly support the flag. The members of the color guard accompanying the flag salute by rendering either "eyes right" or "present arms," depending on the situation. An organizational color (for example, the US Army flag) is dipped in salute; the US flag is not dipped.

Regards,

Peter Ansoff

[rangert23]

where do I find FM 3-21-5 to print out for proof

[hdpatriot]

Any guidance on hand salute with the flag? i see it done and personally feel it is wrong.

[Peter Ansoff]

Hello, HDPatriot!

Any guidance on hand salute with the flag?

I don't recall any specific statement in the regs about this. However, the quote from FM 3-21.5 (see above post from 3/20/07) makes it pretty clear that the flag bearer is supposed to hold the staff with his/her right hand, which would make it impossible for him/her to salute.

Two other interesting notes from FM 3-21.5 (Appendix A):

1. When a group of soldiers is in formation, they do not salute individually. The person in charge of the formation salutes and acknowledges salutes for the entire formation.

2. Salutes are not required indoors, except when reporting to an officer or when on duty as a guard. When the national anthem is played indoors, officers and enlisted stand at attention and face the flag or (if no flag is present), the music.

Best,

Peter Ansoff

[Marebear_56]

Peter & All & Any,

I am aware of the Military Regulations governing the National Flag protocols.

My question is: Not being on active duty any longer, is there any statute governing whether it is or is not acceptable for civilians/retirees/veterans to hold a flag (on a tall staff) AND render a military salute? We know when to render the salute, just not if it is okay to do it while holding a flag NOW. I was told there was a recent change to allow this, but have been unable to find any reliable/official documentation to support this change.

Help?

Mare

[Peter Ansoff]

Hi, Mare,

Welcome to the forum, and I'm very sorry for not responding earlier. I have had some major problems accessing the forum over the last few weeks.

Anyway: no, the civilian flag code doesn't say anything specific about this, and to my knowledge it never has. While civilian color guards usually seem to follow military regulations, there's no reason that they have to. However, most such regulations were originally established for practical reasons. In this case, it protects the color bearer from having to choose between not saluting (and thus appearing discrespectful), and risking loss of control of the flag if it is heavy and/or blowing in a high wind. In my humble opinion, firmly supporting the flag with both hands is at least as respectful as saluting it.

Again, glad to have you aboard!

Best regards,

Peter Ansoff

[Marebear_56]

Thank you Peter. Your reply is what I expected after my own research. The logistics back up the protocols we adhere to.

We will continue doing what we have always done, and that is to NOT salute while holding the flag. We consider that holding the flag makes us an extension of the flagstaff, making it inappropriate to render a hand salute - just as it would be inappropriate to dip the flag.

Of course, being in a free nation, no one would be corrected for doing so as we recognize that others do not feel the way we do.

Thanks again,

Mare