The Flag of The United States by Sgt. William Schauman Abstract: The following document provides a brief history of the flag of the United States of America as well as guidance on the proper etiquette for display and handling of the flag. Keywords: Flag of the United States Flag etiquette Flag Code Flag display Folding of flag MARYLAND POLICE AND CORRECTIONAL TRAINING COMMISSIONS LESSON PLAN COURSE TITLE: The Flag of The United States LESSON TITLE: Brief History and Etiquette for the Flag of The United States 1
PREPARED BY: Sgt. William Schauman DATE: December 13, 2013 TIME FRAME PARAMETERS Hours: 20 Minutes Day/Time: Varied Audience: Instructor Candidates Number: 8 Space: Class Room PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUE 1. Identify flags that have previously been in use as US Flags (C1) 1. Through a facilitated discussion, students level of comprehension of flags that have previously been in use as US Flags will be defined through feedback and group activity. 2. Recognize improper display of the US Flag (C1) 2. Through a facilitated discussion, students level of comprehension of improper display of the US Flag will be defined through feedback and group activity. 3. Through a facilitated discussion, students level of comprehension of proper display of the US Flag will be 3. Recognize proper display of the US Flag 2
(C1) defined through feedback and group activity. 4. Through a facilitated discussion, 4. Describe proper flag etiquette (C2) students level of comprehension of proper flag etiquette will be defined through feedback and group activity. Brief History and Etiquette for the Flag of The United States Lesson Plan Page 2 STUDENT MATERIALS NEEDED INSTRUCTOR EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIED NEEDED 3
Flipchart & Stands Videotape Player Flipchart Markers Video camera Masking Tape Televisions Slide Projector Video show (Carousel) Overhead Projector X Computers X Projector Screen Speakers X Extension Cords/Power strips X_ American Flag STUDENT HANDOUTS # Needed Title 8 Betsy Ross Homepage Resources Flag Timeline 8 CRS Report for Congress--The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display And Associated Questions (April 14, 2008) 4
8 American Legion Flag Folding Procedures 5
Brief History and Etiquette for the Flag of The United States Lesson Plan Page 3 METHODS/TECHNIQUES Lecture with Questions, Demonstration REFERENCES The following books and other materials are used as a basis for this lesson plan. The instructor should be familiar with the material in these reference documents to effectively teach this module. http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/rl30243.pdf (Accessed 12/13/13) http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html (Accessed 12/13/13) http://www.legion.org/flag/folding (Accessed 12/13/13) GENERAL COMMENTS In preparing to teach this material, the instructor should take into consideration the following 6
comments or suggestions. This lesson plan is intended for use with inexperienced instructors who have little or no teaching experience. If used with more experienced instructors, some examples of higher level instructional activities should be added. LESSON PLAN TITLE: Brief History and Etiquette for the Flag of The United States Lesson Plan 7
PRESENTATION GUIDE TRAINER NOTES I. ANTICIPATORY SET Time 5 minutes As a former member of the US Navy who now works on the streets every day, I protect the country and the ideals this flag represents. Although we see the flag of the United States in any number forms, most of them are technically illegal per US code and some state laws. It is important for us as protectors of the country to be aware of the basic history of and the proper etiquette for handling the flag of this great nation. Can anyone tell me what is wrong in this picture? Self Introduction Title Slide #1 Show PowerPoint slide 2 Mexican flag higher than U.S. on same staff. Marines flag is to the flag s right of US. Show PowerPoint slide 3. President Obama pic on flag and President Bush signed flag How about this one? Show PowerPoint slide 4 All were used--1775 American ships in New England waters flew Liberty Tree Flag; 1775 Continental Navy used Don t Tread on Me; 1837 Great Star Flag; 1877 38 Star Flag. Objectives slide #5 In this picture can anyone tell me which flag was used by the United States? 8
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES 1. Identify flags that have previously been in use as US Flags (C1) 2. Recognize improper display of the US Flag (C1) 3. Recognize proper display of the US Flag (C1) 4. Describe proper flag etiquette (C2) II. INSTRUCTIONAL INPUT (CONTENT) Time 10 Minutes The flag of The United States of America has gone through 9
numerous changes in design over the years before becoming what we all recognize today. Today we will look at a few of the changes. If you refer to the handout, you will see that there were several variations of the flag in service throughout history. We will start with the Liberty Tree flag; American ships in New England waters flew this in 1775. Pass out handout Flag Timeline Some of you may recognize the very next flag pictured. Can anyone tell me where they have seen this flag used recently? In 1776 Betsy Ross reported that she had made the first American Flag. There continued to be changes in design but then on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the following: Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation. And lists the 13 original colonies and their dates of statehood. In 1819 it was decided that when any new state was admitted to the Union, the flag with the correct number of stars would become legal on July 4 th of the next year. We still see numerous changes to the flag, to include the Great Star Flag of 1837 and the 1877 38 Star Flag, until about the 1890s when we see the design more like that of today s flag. Some Rights movements and some extremists use the Don t Tread on Me flag as a symbol that the government is treading on their right(s). Slide #6 Can anyone tell me the meaning of the three colors of the flag? 10
2 answers: 1) Various historians think red--blood, war, and courage; blue-- justice and freedom; and white-- purity 2) Speculation on George Washington s view--stars taken from the sky, red--inspired by the British colors; and white stripes mean secession from the home country In June 1942, President Roosevelt approved House Joint Resolution 303, the first codification of customs and rules for the flag. The 105 th Congress (Jan 97 to Jan 99) recodifies the Flag Code making it a part of Title 4 United States Code, where it is today. Slide #7 Hand out CRS report for Congress. Title 4 U.S.C. chapter 1 deals with the rules and instruction about the display of and etiquette in reference to the display of the flag. This is also known as The Flag Code. What may surprise you is that while Title 4 U.S.C. is a federal law, it has no penalty or punishment section. Title 4 U.S.C/ The Flag Code is merely advisory. I attempted to print out Title 4 of the U.S. Code to hand out but found it to be very hard to read and follow with its numerous footnotes. The CRS Report is much clearer and easier to understand. Let s go over some flag etiquette: Raise fast, lower slow The flag is to be displayed only from sunrise to sunset unless illuminated at night. Can anyone tell me the correct method to raise and lower 11
the flag? Only all-weather flags should be displayed during bad weather. The flag should be displayed every day, weather permitting, but there is a list of days it should be displayed. The flag should not be draped over any vehicle, and if displayed on a vehicle, it should be fixed to the right fender. No flag or pennant should be flown above or, if on the same level, to the right of the US Flag. The only exception is the church pennant when naval chaplains aboard ship hold church services at sea. When the US Flag is flown with other flags, the US flag should be hoisted first and lowered last. When displayed with the flag of another nation, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height and the flags should be the same size. When flown at half-staff, the flag will be raised all the way to the top of the staff first and then lowered to the half position. When lowered, the flag will be raised to the top of the staff first and then lowered. 12
Those are only some of the rules of etiquette for the United States Flag. There are several more in your handout. The major rule when it comes to respect of the flag is that NO disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America. She should never be dipped to any person or thing. Slide #8 Hand out Flag Folding Procedures The Flag should not touch the ground. The Flag should never be used as clothing or bedding. And it should never be put upon. Get the flag to use for demonstration Two people, one to fold, one to read. The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States can alter or add the rules as he/she sees fit, but the change must be set forth in a proclamation. DEMONSTRATION The correct number of folds to properly fold the flag is thirteen (13), and each has a meaning. The flag after folding is complete also has meaning. The source and date of origin of the Flag Folding Procedure is unknown. Some say it came from the Gold Star Mothers of America. Others say it was created by an Air Force chaplain stationed at the Academy. Still others say it is an urban legend. 13
Can I get two volunteers to assist? One will assist with the folding of the flag while the other reads the meaning of each fold. Are there any questions? 14
III. EVALUATION/CLOSURE In closing we will first review our objectives: 1. Identify flags that have previously been in use as US Flags (C1) 2. Recognize improper display of the US Flag (C1) 3. Recognize proper display of the US Flag (C1) 4. Describe proper flag etiquette (C2) When we look at the first handout and slide #4, we see that the flag of the United States of America had several variations before it became the one we recognize today. With the etiquette, rules, and regulations discussed today and provided in the CRS Report, students should be able to recognize both the improper and correct display of the American Flag. Even though we covered only some of the rules of etiquette, I hope you learned something. What is the only flag/pennant that can fly higher than the American flag? When is it acceptable to have images of any kind on the flag? In closing I would like to thank you for your time and attention today. I hope that you gained a deeper Church pennant during church service on a ship at sea. 15
appreciation for this symbol of our great nation as well as knowledge of the history, customs, and etiquette of the flag of The United States Of America. Never--Title 4 U.S.C. Sect.1 Para.8g You are all great Americans. Have a good day. 16