Lifting the corner of the flag

[ghostranch]

I aplogize if this question has been answered. I am part of a fraternal organization with a great respect for the flag. The pledge of allegiance is said before every meeting. Just before we begin, a designated person goes to the flag, which is on a poll in a stand, and raises the corner of the flag, basically holding it outright, as the pledge is said. My question is, when saying the pledge, should all present face the flag as it hangs, or is it OK for one person to hold it out so everyone can see the whole flag? At the very least I thought it unnecessary. I thought I would check with some experts before I talked with anyone about it. Thanks

[Robin Hickman]

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Greetings, GhostRanch, and welcome to the USA-Flag-Site Forums !!!


I am NOT an "expert", per se, but I'll offer up my opinion if you don't mind.

I don't know if it's that big of a "problem", but you can check the "Flag Code" for any additional "official" guidance you mind desire.

The Flag Code says in part that the Flag should "always fall free". Which I would assume would mean, for want of a better term, "hands off".

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm


There have been hundreds of millions of Americans who have recited the Pledge of allegiance billions and billions of times in millions of different places and situations.

I, for one, have never recited the Pledge of Allegiance at any time, in any place where someone grabbed ahold of the Flag and held it up so that it could be seen. The Flag was always allowed to "fall free".

Maybe your experience has been different from mine. Other than your meetings at that fraternal organization, have there been any other times and places where someone was designated to hold the Flag up for the Pledge of Allegiance?

Schools? Scout meetings? Governmental meetings (City Council, etc.)? Military? Veterans' organizations? Church? Other fraternal organizations? House of Representatives or the Senate on CSPAN? Baseball, football, basketball games or other athletic contests or meetings?


The "bottom line" for me is that I am in agreement with you: it is totally unnecessary for someone to hold the Flag out. Just let it be there on its own flagpole and "fall free".


Remember: I 'fessed up earlier that I am NOT an expert. I am only offering up my personal opinion. There are members here who really ARE "experts" and, hopefully, they'll share their expertese with the rest of us on this matter!


Thank You for bringing your Flag-related question to our Forums!!!


Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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