Re: American Flag
William J Turner (wjturner@IASTATE.EDU)
Mon, 20 Feb 1995 10:14:19 CST
> On Mon, 20 Feb 1995 10:12:08 -0500 Kerry Sipe said:
> >
> >Another flag puzzle: On Scout Sunday this year, our troop posted the
> >national flag at the front of the congregation on its own right, or to the
> >left of those seated in the pews. This is the way we've always done it.
> >After the service an ex-military man came up and complained that, because
> >the flag was not placed on the raised podium, rather placed on the same
> >level as the congregation, that it should have been on the other side --
> >that is to the right of the congregation. Now I'm confused. Any thoughts?
> >
> Kerry, the problem is relatively simple if you remember that the American Fla
g
> is always given the right hand position. If the flag is part of the
> congregation (as it seems to have been in this case), then it goes to the rig
ht
> of the congregation. If the flag is displayed as part of the 'podium' then
> if goes to the right of the podium. On the otherhand, you can confuse the
> issue by including a church flag which may be given the right hand position
> in the sanctuary.
Exactly! The flag is always on its own right. If it is with the speaker
facing the audience (read on the raised platform if there is one...) it is to
the audience's left--and its own right as it is facing the audience. However,
if it is with the audience facing the speaker (i.e., on the audience's level
if the speaker is raised, as it sounds like this one was...) it is on the
audience's right--which is also the flags right.
You need to place yourself in the flag's place, and then it is always on its
own right. (When there is no differnce in floor between the speaker and the
audience, it can be a little difficult, but you have to look at where the flag
is...)
Will Turner
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
