D. OUR FLAG
Scouts in uniform will always salute the colors (or standard of a regiment) when they pass. There are generally two such standards, one the “Stars and Stripes,” and the other the “Regimental Colors.”
The Army and Government buildings fly the stars and stripes.
Description of the American Flag
The flag to-day has thirteen alternate stripes of red and white, with a blue field in the corner bearing forty-eight stars. The thirteen stripes symbolize the thirteen original states, and the stars stand for the states now in the Union. The five pointed star is used, it is said at Betsey Ross’s suggestion. This five pointed star is the seal of King Solomon, and the sign of infinity. Even the colors of the flag mean something: red stands for valor, blue for justice, and white for purity.
Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the flag, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
When you pledge your allegiance make the full salute, keeping the hand at the brow until you say “flag,” when you extend the hand, still in the salute position, palm up, pointing toward the flag. Hold the hand out thus until the end of the pledge.
How to Fly the Flag and Show Respect to It
1. The flag should not be hoisted before sunrise nor allowed to remain up after sunset.
2. At retreat, sunset, civilian spectators should stand at attention, Scouts may give their salute.
3. When the national colors are passing on parade or review the spectators should if walking, halt, and if sitting, rise and stand at attention and uncover.
4. When the flag is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning it should be hoisted to full staff at the conclusion of the funeral. In placing the flag at half-mast, it should first be hoisted to the top of the staff and then be lowered to position. Preliminary to lowering from half-mast it should first be raised to top.
5. On Memorial Day, May 30th, the flag should fly at half-mast from sunrise till noon, and at full mast from noon to sunset.
6. The flag at half-mast is a sign of mourning.
7. The flag flown upside down is a signal of distress.
8. No national flag is ever hung above the flag of another nation. When the flags of two or more nations are displayed they should be on separate staffs or on separate halyards, and on the same level. In America the Stars and Stripes are always given the place of honor on the right.
9. An old torn or soiled flag should be destroyed privately and respectfully, preferably by burning.