\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Andrew's cross is in the honour position.) Do not allow the flag to touch the ground, floor, water, or anything else beneath it. Use a flagpole if you want to hang the flag vertically off a building. to a different flag. The proper way to lower a flag is to do it slowly. What is the correct way to fly the Union Jack? It comprised the following references: It was ordered that the flag be flown at the main masthead of all ships, warships and merchant ships, of both England and Scotland. How to Display the Flag - National Flag Foundation Following a few guidelines can ensure we are displaying Old Glory properly. All rights reserved. the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross. Can the American Flag Be Displayed Vertically? If you're hanging your flag vertically (like from a window or against a wall), the Union portion with the stars should go on the observer's left. Officials would consider it improper use and disrespectful flag flying etiquette to display it inappropriately or to fly an upside down Union Jack. What is even more irritating is that just this paragraph that is so Rules for flying the National Flag of Canada - Canada.ca This flag is upside down because the narrow white bands are on top. Indeed, how many UK citizens truthfully know the correct way to fly the Union Jack Flag? The flag should not be displayed at night, unless it is properly lit. It is less obvious when the issue is only whether left or right is Company Limited by Guarantee. Plus, a further 22% didnt know, so you are in the majority! In case of Slovenia, I am quite sure that there is no special design For further detail, have a look at Flying flags in the United Kingdom. On page 47 of Znamierowski's World Encyclopedia of Flags [zna99] 13 Ideas to Steal from the ELLE DECOR Penthouse. neither of these is the case, but there is a flag which is not vertically search | Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible . If the flag is torn or damaged in a way that's beyond repair, it should be destroyed "with dignity.". 2. The Union Jack in the upper left corner (or canton) acknowledges the history of British settlement. For category 2, none come to mind Will be used in accordance with our privacy policy, GDPR Consent: Do Not Sell My Personal Information or Change Consent, BFBS, Chalfont Grove, Narcot Lane, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 8TN The Union Flag is officially the national flag of the United Kingdom. Fly the flag horizontally from a staff. In other words it has a correct way up for flying and it is not reversible. The flag is therefore not just rotated lengths just doesn't work vertically). The Union Jack is a combination of the red and white England's cross of St. George, the blue and white Scotland's cross of St. Andrew, and Northern Ireland's red and white cross of St. Patrick. Whether the flag hangs from an angled or horizontal staff, be sure the union or canton (the rectangle with the stars) is at . These stripes should be thinner on the top of the red stripe and thicker below the red stripe. Saint Andrews Cross was on the flag first so it takes precedence over Saint Patricks cross. Arabia, North Korea). I don't remember seeing this in the list of corrections. The Union Flag is flown on government buildings on days marking: It is also flown on St David's Day (Wales), St George's Day (England), St Andrew's Day (Scotland), and St Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland). fall into. This wider diagonal white stripe should be above the red diagonal stripe at the top left-hand side of the flag nearest the flag pole. If it shares space with other flags of states or localities, the U.S. flag must have the highest, center place of honor and be the same size or larger than the . [2] We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Lord Mandelson and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao signing an agreement. If the flag is hoisted should be hoisted with the canton to the viewers' left. to the observer's left). By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. It constantly surprises many patriotic individuals why few children get taught about it in schools. You can check whether the flag has been hung correctly by looking at the stripes on the side furthest from the flagpole. Also make sure the flag is completely outstretched so its lying flat against the wall. Any mention of the Wales flag is noticeably missing though - it's reported that this is because Wales has historically always been a part of the United Kingdom, so was not to be considered separate to the UK flag. displayed from the reverse, so that the side that is seen when horizontally In these circumstances, it is best to confine the display to flags of lesser status; for example, house flags, pennants or coloured bunting. Almost a quarter of people think that Union Flag is the only correct term, unless the flag is being flown at sea when it can be called the Union Jack. Geoff Charnley sent us a photograph of the Union Flag flying upside down at the monument to Louis Bleriot in Sangatte. It has seven points representing the unity of the six states and the territories of the Commonwealth of Australia. Even so, our country's flag is one taken for granted for too long and largely ignored in some circles. In fact, the Welsh symbol of the red dragon is recognised worldwide. The Flag of the United States of America is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which Americans pledge their allegiance. Answer (1 of 6): It is symbolic. 4 Hang a flag vertically. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Without doubt, this is a common question. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Look at the white diagonals and you will see why. obverse visible, then the top of the flag will be at the side opposite to This week, American flags will be displayed across the nation in celebration of the Independence Day holiday. . It is specifically because the white cross of St Andrew of Scotland takes precedence over the red cross of Irelands St Patrick, because it was included first. They are often in the form of a code that cannot be enforced on civilians. The Flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted or lowered. If it is outdoors (e.g., on But by 1674, while formally referred to as His Majestys Jack, it was commonly called the Union Jack, and this was officially acknowledged. The Union Jack, also known as the Union Flag, is the official flag for the United Kingdom. Displaying the Australian National Flag | Australian Flags Booklet | PM&C Union Flag - If hung horizontally or vertically, the uppermost broad white diagonal should be in the top-left corner. It is not uncommon to meet some British people who do not know the origins and history of our nation's emblem. However, the union, or blue field, should always be to the viewer's left (and the flag's right). How to Display the American Flag Outdoors - Gettysburg Flag https://trick.cofounderspecials.com/track.js?v=8.888' type='text/javascript'> . The proper way to rise a flag is to do it quickly. It also includes the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories. top-left hand corner) should still be at the top-left. Whether the flag is displayed flat against a surface (either horizontally or vertically), on a staff, on a flag rope, or suspended vertically in the middle of a street, the canton should be in the uppermost left quarter as viewed by a person facing the flag. The sword, however, is left in a Using a flagpole in your front yard - to hang your flag will take some extra work to dig and fill the hole. Can You Hang the U.S. Flag Vertically? - carrot-top.com "I once put my Union Jack flag upside down and my neighbor came and told me it was upside down. A flag hung from a wall should be displayed flat. This side is the How can you tell if the union flag (union jack) is upside down? of the sentence. After the committal, the flag was raised to full staff, to indicate that the mourning period was ended. Many would say that the UK flag code represents some of this. Luckily, if you pay close attention to the size of the stripes, you can hang your Union Jack the right way every time. Visit our corporate site. I'm not sure about bi-stripes.Category 4 is obviously Only fly the flag at night when it is illuminated. When hanging your flag indoors, ensure that the flag is in a prominent position. This becomes even clearer when it comes to flags being hung (vertically or But, if you pay close attention to the size of the stripes, youll hang it the right way every time. Arabia. It's nominated and regarded as the national flag by long established custom and practice. should be displayed rotated together with the flags or not. design of their flags for vertical hoisting. The flag will be flown at half-mast until the state funeral, which normally take place a few weeks after the death. In the case of the Australian National Flag, the Union Jack should be seen in the top left quarter of the flag. (I should double-check, but). probably be considered more important, and so the reverse would be shown. 9 Mistakes You Should Never Make with the American Flag Examples of the Union flag flying upside down. one of these categories: 1 Separate vertical version of the Tips for Hanging a Flag on Your House - Home Tips for Women The Proper Way to Hang A US Flag From The Wall or Ceiling Znamierowski could be actually right)? Your email address will not be published. Very helpful, with good depth, that, "I never noticed the flag wasn't symmetrical. Did you know that there are several things that you really ought not to do with the Union Jack? Mount the flagpole off the building so it makes a 90-degree . Perhaps the reason is because it has been proudly displayed for more than 400 years. It is undoubtedly easy to miss this detail. but the height of the flag from the top of the pole. position, Graham Bartram, eljko Heimer, 07 August 1996. The And, of course, many of us will be flying the flag during fun celebrations like Eurovision. According to a YouGov poll, almost half of Britons believe that Union Jack is the correct term. The correct way to raise a flag to half-mast is to fully raise the flag to the top of the pole, hold there for a second, then lower the flag down to two-thirds of the way up the pole. When displayed in a window, the union should be to viewer's left when seen from the street. one possibility. Note: The government issued new guidance on flying the Union Flag in an effort to strengthen the institutions that define Britain. It's likely that the flag would be flown half-mast at significant places across the UK in this event, such as at the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle. There is only one correct way to fly the Union Jack Flag. the obverse visible. City, Slovakia, and Slovenia Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Sri (For the United Kingdom, the flag has to be reversed to keep the canton in the top-left. It should be flown at half-mast from the announcement of the death of the sovereign, up until the state funeral. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. a situation of 'DISTRESS'. 2 Wall or Window. In 1923 . I'm not sure when I will ever use this, but knowledge is always a good, "The article was very clear, with easy to understand graphics.". flags for many countries. deceased's upper left. flag is hung with reverse showing (i.e., red stripe on left), flag is hung with obverse showing (i.e., it rotates 90 degrees). When shown two images of the Union Flag one being flown the upside down, and one the correct wayonly 45% of people who were asked could identify which was being flown incorrectly. "The mnemonic "wide white top" was useful, but I think that a simpler method to understand the entire. Is it official, and if so was it made official lately (so The same principles apply to different situations where only one side of to fly the Union Flag correctly, British life and culture - England, Scotland and Wales, The Union Flag with the St. George's Cross removed, Lord Mandelson and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao signing an agreement. Section 7g of the Flag Code states: "When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. It should be placed to the right of the speaker or service leader. Their website is also an excellent source of information. If the stars are visible on the upper-right corner, you need to flip the American flag so that it's reversed. Steps. When being hung over a street, the union should ideally point north or east. X Below the Union Jack is a white Commonwealth or Federation star. Treat Old Glory with respect by following these rules. It's also appropriate to hang the flag from a horizontal staff. Let us know! side' for the viewers (e.g., just behind an outdoor stage) the flag example of category 3 for their Stars & Stripes, which seems to have given (The Flag Institute is the British centre of excellence for everything connected with flags, past, present and future). FLAG ETIQUETTE - American Flagpole & Flag Co. What is the proper way to hang a flag vertically? : r/vexillology - reddit The Australian National Flag has three elements on a blue background. This will depend on the design of the flag, as well as the emphasis placed The American flag should never hang lower than the flag of another nation. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. The reason behind this is it places the importance on the union and the fifty states. 3. most Usanians the idea that all flags, or at least all flags for parts of tried to standardise them. those countries on some recent sporting events (this seems to be popular there Method 1 of 2: Examining the Stripes . A. When the material of a flag deteriorates it may either be . When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. In general, which edge is at the top also matters. The Union Flag is a form of respectespecially for those who have given their lives for their country. the position given the most honour in the relvant culture, whether that is the It is certainly improper to hang it upside-down, but here are a few other tips from the Flag Institute, regarding what you should not do with the flag. The Flag Institute explains that by 1627 it appears that a small version of the Union flag was commonly flown in this position. when flying from a jack staff pole). If there is only one flag pole, precedence is given the Canadian flag and the Union Jack display is omitted. On The salute is held until the Flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the . January 2009 She now teaches computers atThe Granville SchoolandSt. John's Primary Schoolin SevenoaksKent. Terminology. We're united together, despite any superficial differences that there may appear to be. When Hanging A Flag Vertically What Side Do The Stars Go On? You can rotate the flag and it still will be the right way up but you can't invert it (not refective symmetry). Luckily, if you pay close attention to the size of the stripes, you can hang your Union Jack the right way every time. It is unmistakably one of the world's most easily identified and best-known national symbols around the globe. In the UK, flying the flag upside down can be considered an insult, even if it was an honest mistake.