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Air Force Protocol
from 'Til Wheels are Up' SUGGESTIONS FOR ARRANGING FLAGS
Here are some practical tips for arranging flags for both indoor and outdoor events. There's an art to properly displaying flags. Correct height, positioning, straightening of staffs, and the draping of flags all play an important role in achieving a good display. Here's some practical tips for arranging flags for both indoor and outdoor events. - Use the same size and type of flag staffs and flag stands.
- Try to use flags of the same material in a displaydon't mix outdoor flags with indoor flags.
- Use the same size flag, except for the smaller general officer flag.
- Make sure flags are securely fastened to the flag staff to prevent them from sliding down the staff during the event.
- Keep the flags directly behind the host or the focal point of the ceremony so that they appear in any photos taken.
- Use a flag spreader (a wood or metal bracket that clips to the staff and gives the flag a slight flair) if you have them.
- Metal spearheads (flat side out) are parallel to the audience. A metal spearhead is the only authorized decorative device that may be fastened to the top of a military or U.S. flag. That means no eagles, globes, acorns, brass balls or other "do-dads."
- For outside ceremonies, we recommend using gold painted pipes that you can pound into the ground as flag holders. They secure the flags very well when winds increase, plus enhance the appearance of the ceremony.
- Due to ceiling limitations in most rooms, you have to go with less than full 10-foot staffs and that's okay. But avoid the 8-foot staff if possible because full size flags will touch the floor causing you to tape the tips up. (A quick fix is to use rubber bands to hold the flag up at the tip; it's flexible and not noticeable.)
- Drape all flags the same way so that the bottom tips are all in the same location. The correct direction the flags should be draped is from left to your right as you look at the flag, e.g., hold the U.S. flag up flying to left and drape it from left to right so that the stripes, stars, etc., point to the right.
- Lastly, have someone double check the flag display after it has been put up.
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