This time of year, I enjoy speaking about flag etiquette. With Flag Day and the Fourth of July approaching, many people will be flying the American Flag.

The 50 star Flag became the “Official Flag of the United States” on July 4, 1960.

Do you know the proper way to display the Flag of the United States?

According to Flag etiquette, if the Flag is displayed on a pole or a building it is hung with the union, (that is the blue field with the stars) in the top left corner of the Flag, as you are looking at it. Many people may not realize that this rule applies when hanging it horizontally, as well as vertically.

Please join me in properly and proudly displaying the Flag of the United States.

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You are speaking on stage at a meeting, and a component of the stage set is the displaying of the American Flag.

Do you know where it should be displayed? Does it matter?

There is a definite protocol to displaying the Flag of the United States. When speaking to an audience, if the Flag is used as part of the backdrop or staging area, the Flag flys from a pole at the speaker’s right, as he or she faces the audience.

Knowing how to properly display the American Flag has always been and continues to be a sign of respect for this country and its people.

The Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette specializes in teaching confidence, helping people handle life’s events and changes with style, savvy and polish. We offer seminars and consulting services in business etiquette, and medical office protocol. www.charlestonschoolofprotocol.com