glpete

May be it is time to teach the right way. After all when you ask a boy to tie a square knot a granny will not pass.

I was told by our Scout Exec. that any questions on Flag Etiquette for the Scouts are answered by The Amereican Legion Americanism Committee.

This is the responce:

Thank you for taking time to contact National Headquarters with your question. I am the staff member responsible for flag education and etiquette.

Wht The American Legion does to get around this issue is to allow for our members to "come out of uniform" i.e. we removeour cap, place it over our heat with the right hand, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance: if our members elect to remain covered and salute, they remain silent.

Hopefully this well resolve the situation. Pleases feel free to contact us if we can be of any futher assistance. Thank you for your patriotism and concern. May God bless the United States of America.

Sincerly,

Michael D. Buss

Assistant Director

Americanism and Childern & Youth Division

In my area the Scouters are now starting to recite the Pledge of Allegiance with the right hand over the heart. Mybe some of this "Old Dogs" can learn something new.

I just end the new Wood Badge and have started my ticket. The first weekend all meals were prepared for us. The second weekend we had to plan and prepare all the meals for our patrol. I learned some new outdoors skills from my patrol members. I don't know how other Councils run the course but ours was done at the Scout Camp. Tent camping both weekends so the outdoors skills are still there.

Historic flags dating from the Thirteen Star (Betsy Ross) to the present receive full honors.

They are still valid flags of the United States

While looking in the United States Code I found this:

United States Code

TITLE 10 - ARMED FORCES

Subtitle A - General Military Law

Part II - Personnel

Chapter 45 - The Uniform

(j) A person in any of the following categories may wear the uniform prescribed for that category:

(1) Members of the Boy Scouts of America.

(2) Members of any other organization designated by the Secretary of a military department.

To:

"WE ARE NOT MILITARY" the Flag Code is not just for the military it is for all Americans.

OldGreyEagle

I was in the service also and I know alot of military people that do not know the Flag code.

I had a retired military person tell me I was wrong when I saluted after the Flag left my hands during hoisting the Flag.

I know to some it is a small thing but when teaching Flag Etiquette it has to be answered.

When in uniform which salute should be used, hand over your heart or hand salute, when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance?

I think you should reread the code. It says "Persons in uniform should remain silent" not military persons in uniform. The hand salute is from the military.

When you teach scouts the Flag Code do you skip that part.

All U.S. Flags from the Thirteen star (Betsy Ross) to present are still valid flags of the United States and recieve full honors. I too just completed Wood Badge and Flag Etiquette is one of my ticket items.

In the Revised 2001 "YOUR FLAG" from the Boy Scouts of America on page 33 it states:

"When in uniform, with your head covered or uncovered, either indoors or outdoors, stand at attention and salute with your right hand when

The national anthem is played.

The colors are raised or lowered.

Reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

The flag passes by in a parade or review.

A flag-draped coffin is passing.

"Taps" is sounded at a funeral.

United States Code - Title 4 - Flag and Seal, seat of Government, and the States - Chapter 1 - The Flag - Section 4 Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery the last line states:

'Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

Why don't the Boy Scouts use the scout sign with the right hand over the heart? This would be more in line with the Flag Code then speaking while saluting.