Happy Flag Day - June 14, 1777 - GWCC

The day is quickly approaching….Flag Day when we celebrate the birth of the Stars and Stripes. Displaying the flag is a great way to show your civic pride. It is a symbol of freedom, honor and strength.

Flag protocol and etiquette is important for us to follow because it demonstrates that we have pride and understanding of a significant patriotic symbol. In business, we are expected to know this information, especially when we are entertaining or being entertained at a sporting event.

Flag Protocol and Etiquette

There is protocol and etiquette to saluting the flag. We salute at certain meetings, at sporting events, at civic functions and in schools. Here are the guidelines for saluting the flag:

▪ Stop and stand at attention

▪ Face the flag

▪ Place your hand across your heart

▪ Recite the Pledge of Allegiance

Hats Off!

This protocol is for men. When you salute the flag or sing the national anthem, you should remove your hat. Instead of placing your hand across your heart, you should place your hat in your right hand and hold the hat to your left shoulder. The protocol for women wearing hats is to leave them on and salute with your hand over your heart.

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum and etiquette do not mix, but in the event that you do chew gum, here is some advice. When you know that you will be honoring the flag, remove your gum in advance because fidgeting and searching for a disposing item is considered poor protocol.

“The Star-Spangled Banner”

Stand at attention to sing our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” and place your hand over your heart (men wearing hats follow the step above) and sing with pride the words composed by Francis Scott Key in 1814.

A Salute to Those Who Salute

I was recently invited to speak at a meeting that began with The Pledge of Allegiance. The members were at attention with their hands over their hearts. The words were spoken loud and clear. It was a star-spangled moment for me.

Joan R. Stokely (jrs@thesocietyofdiplomacy.com) is the President of The Society of Diplomacy, Inc., a protocol and etiquette consulting firm. We offer extraordinary training programs for corporate professionals who desire greater success in their careers. Increase your knowledge of business protocol and etiquette, your corporate image, international intelligence and social skills by attending programs specifically designed for you.

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