The American Flag

-The Honor Guard-

     The Honor Guard is responsible for respectfully representing the Walpole Police Department, and as such, is proud to carry and display the American Flag during it's functions.  There are many regulations on the proper display of the American Flag, to ensure that it is given it's proper respect.

     The tragedy of September 11th brought out many citizens that wanted to show their patriotism by displaying the Flag of the United States of America.  The Walpole Police Department Honor Guard offers the following pointers on the proper display of the American Flag.

-Proper Display-

• When a flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally, or at an angle from a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff.
• When a flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown, it should be displayed flat.  When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should always be uppermost and to the flag's own right (top left for the observer).
• When a flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
• When hung in a window, place the blue union in the upper left, as viewed from the street.
• No other flag or pennant should be placed above, or if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States.
• The American Flag should never touch the ground beneath it.  It should be flown high and free.

-Frequently Asked Questions-

• My Flag is old, what do I do? - When the American Flag is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner.  Contact the local VFW and ask them for help in properly disposing of your flag.
• Should I fly my flag at half-mast? - Only the President of the United States or the Governor can order a flag lowered to half-staff.
• Why is the flag backwards on an airplane? - Right, or "reversed field" flags, are used on the right side of vehicles to give the impression of the flag blowing in the wind.
• What is the proper way to wear a flag patch on my uniform? - The union of the flag (the blue) should always be closest to your heart.  For a shoulder patch, the union should be positioned so it is to your front, thus closest to your heart.

-More Information-

If you would like to learn more about how to properly display your flag, you can visit this site, which has a wealth of information.

American Flag Regulations