-QUESTIONS & ANSWERS-

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Questions & Answers
Q: I have a question from a local scout troop, who wants to do a flag burning.  I cannot find a suggested ceremony for this anywhere in my flag library.  Do you have any text or suggested topics for such a ceremony. What a shock when I was stumped by such a simple request. Thanks again.
Walt (NAVA member)

A: Walt:
There is no prescribed ceremony for burning a flag.  The local VFW simply places the worn-out flags in a metal barrel (they do it on Memorial Day) and set fire to them and salute.  I have heard of other more elaborate services but you are free to make up your own. BTW, even though the flag code recommends burning, modern materials are not environmentally safe to burn and may require a burning permit.  Check with your local officials. In some places they bury the old flags in a box rather than burn them.  Dave Martucci
Q: Sirs: I have purchased a triangular wooden case to display the American flag given to me by the Veterans when my husband died. Can you email me directions for folding the flag properly. Thank you. Anne 

A: Check out the Flag Folding page on NAVA Member Rick Wyatt of CRW Flags web site at http://www.crwflags.com/folding.html which has instructions and an animated demonstration. 
Dave Martucci

Q:  "A flag with three stripes, like Argentina, but of two colors is properly a bicolor of three stripes but is often referred to as a tricolor even though there are only two colors".  Dave: the Argentinean flag, as you know - and can tell - has only two colors, without considering the yellow or golden sun; why, then, would somebody say that she is to be referred to as a tricolor?  Which color is the third, please? 
Luis, México D.F.

Hello Luis:
Thank you for your message.  You have brought up a good point.  Properly speaking, the plain three striped Argentine Flag (the civil flag) should be referred to as a "triband" containing two colors.  Anyone who calls it a tricolor is mistaken.  One of our members is an expert in this field and has done an extensive study of tribands.  His name is Mason Kaye and his E-mail is veximonkey@aol.com.  Dave Martucci
(NOTE: The following question was submitted to FOTW, and they forwarded it to NAVA.  We thank Phillip L. Nelson of the "Flags Of The World" Editorial Staff for his thoughtfulness and kind words.  The exchange of messages is reproduced below.  Ed.)

Q:  Hello:
I've been surfing the net, trying to find information about flag preservation and your site came up.  Hopefully you can help me out.  I have an American flag from around 1900 that my great-grandfather gave to me.  I would like to do something to keep the flag in good shape before it begins to corrode.  I know I probably have a while, but I would think that doing something now wouldn't hurt.  Anyway, it's in great condition, so is there anything I can do that won't cost me a small fortune to keep this flag in good shape?  Any tips would be appreciated. 
Thanks, Eric. 

The North American Vexillological Association has a group of individuals who answer such questions.  The NAVA expert on flag care and preservation is Richard R. Gideon, rrg@gideonflags.com.

Phillip L. Nelson
FOTW Editorial Staff
A: Dear Mr. Eichler:
     Your question concerning flag preservation was forwarded to me by Phillip Nelson of the FOTW Editorial Staff. 
     Flags from the very early 1900's are relatively common, but because it was given to you by your great-grandfather it possesses great value as a family heirloom.  You did not mention the type of material or size, but it's probably wool or cotton.
     Their are four basic things you can do to keep you flag looking good for many years to come:
1. Keep the dust off the flag.  You say it's already in excellent shape, so you probably won't have to surface clean it. (But should that ever be necessary don't send it to the dry cleaners.  It would actually be best to have a textile conservation expert clean it.  Your local museum may be able to suggest someone to do the job, or if they are big enough they may be able to do it for you - for a fee or donation.)  Vacuuming with a low-pressure vacuum unit and covering with acid-free paper is recommended. 
2. Keep the light off of it.  There are well known reports of Silk textiles found in tombs in China.  These textiles look as good as the day they were made.  This is because they hadn't seen the light of day for hundreds of years.  Of course, hiding a flag and never looking at it isn't much fun, so either limit the time you display it or put it behind UV reducing glass.  Don't let it get direct sunlight.
3. Keep it flat.  The best storage facilities, such as those at the Museum of the Confederacy or the Capitol Preservation facility in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, store their treasures flat on acid free backed shelves. Acid free paper is available at better art supply stores.  You don't need to buy a stainless shelf - a table will do as long as it's clean. Put the paper down, then the flag, then another layer of paper.  Of course you may not have enough room for flat storage.  The next best thing is to carefully roll the flag around a thick mailing tube, using the acid-free paper as a buffer.  Then you can unroll it whenever you want to look at it. Store the flag in a closet or other dark area when not being displayed.
4. Control the temperature and humidity.  This is actually fairly easy.  If you store the flag in a portion of the living area of your home you probably will be OK. Don't store it in the attic or basement (unless these are finished areas of your home that enjoy the same temperature and humidity that you do).  Avoid extremes of humidity and temperature.  Since most homes are heated in winter and Air Conditioned in summer this should not be a problem.  Natural material flags like 55%-75% relative humidity.  Anything higher will lead to mold, and very low humidity levels will lead to brittle fibers.  The rule is that if you are comfortable so is your flag.
     I hope this helps.  Most of these suggestions may be implemented without spending a fortune.  I'd like to thank you for your question, and Mr. Nelson for passing it along to NAVA.
Sincerely,
Richard R. Gideon

Q: I HAVE A ONE FOURTH OF A DOLLAR COIN WITH A US FLAG DISPLAYING ONLY 11 STARS ON FRONT AND OPEN WINGS OF AN EAGLE ON BACK.  NO DATE BUT IT HAS THE LETTER "M" IN PLACE OF THE DATE.  CAN YOU TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT THIS COIN OR FLAG?  adsrfree

A: Dear adsrfree:

I don't have any idea.  Can you send a scan or drawing?  I'm forwarding this to our webmaster and maybe he will pass it on to someone who may have some background with coins.  Sorry I can't help you, but do send me anything you find out as I am definitely interested.  Dave Martucci

(If anyone has information about either the flag or coin please contact webmaster@NAVA.org....Ed)

Q: Hi, I'm in search of the United States Civil Flag which had the stripes that ran vertical with blue stars on white background.  They say it was flown before the civil war.  The flag is similar to the U.S. Coast Guard Ensign 1799-1910, except with blue Stars. Please help.

A: "They" say wrong. There is a rumor floating in virtual space that such a flag existed and that it's disappearance "proves" the US is suffering under illegal martial law. This is nonsense. The "proof" of the flag's existence is a passage in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," published in 1850. The introduction, titled "The Custom House," includes this description: From the loftiest point of its roof, during precisely three and a half hours of each forenoon, floats or droops, in breeze or calm, the banner of the republic; but with the thirteen stripes turned vertically, instead of horizontally, and thus indicating that a civil, and not a military post of Uncle Sam's government, is here established.

This is, of course, a writer's interpretation of the flag that is authorized to fly from each and every Custom House, the US Customs Ensign, which you have described as the U.S. Coast Guard Ensign 1799-1910 (which it also was since the Coast Guard was at that time a part of the Customs Service).  Some early renditions of the flag show only stars instead of the blue eagle and blue stars on the white canton, but officially it has always been 16 (not 13 because it was adopted in 1799, before the flag settled out with 13 stripes) vertical red and white stripes with a white canton bearing a blue eagle and 16 blue stars usually arranged in an arc over the top of the eagle.  The eagle bears a shield of the US on its breast (13 white and red pales with a blue chief).

This flag is still used today and, with the addition of the USCG seal in the center of the fly, is still used by the Coast Guard.

Since 1777, the only official US Flag for civilian or military or any other use has been the good old stars and stripes that we are all familiar with.  Don't let yourself get hornswoggled!  Dave Martucci
Q:  I am an elementary education senior.  I am preparing a theme unit on Time Zones, including different regions across the globe.  As one lesson during the unit, we will be looking at the flag of South Africa.  I would like to be able to explain to my class why flags are so important as national emblems, etc.  Could you send me a brief paragraph about the importance of flags?  I would greatly appreciate any information that you could provide.  Thank you.  Stephanie


A: Hello Stephanie:
Thanks for your inquiry. The transition of South Africa from their previous flag to the present is one of the most important stories of the 20th century.  I applaud you for studying this with your class.  Please let me know if there is any further information you need on this flag.

As for your question, it is simply summed up in the following statement: Flags are the shorthand of history.

Even the simplest designs can convey the most complex symbolism and history, for example, the French Tricolor contains the entire history, philosophy and aspirations of the French Nation if you know how to read those three stripes.

Perhaps the following two statements, the first by the greatest living vexillologist (and the man who coined the word "vexillology") and the second by the late director of the Flag Institute in Great Britain, will be of some
use in your class: Understanding then why and how certain shapes, designs, colors, and usages have prevailed in flags can give us remarkable insights into wider aspects of human endeavor.  -- Whitney Smith, Jr., "Flags Through the Ages and Across the World"  

Many flags start life being locally designed and made by individuals in response to the need for symbols of religious, political, or social action. ... Some go on to become well-established political or national flags; others exist only for the moment. They are often subject to local changes and variations and are rarely made in a standard form. ... they are more often used to rally the faithful than for identification.
-- William G. Crampton, "Flag"

Good luck!  Dave Martucci
Q:  Hello there. I was poking around on the web and found the NAVA site. I find it quite interesting that there is a specific study of flags and their symbolism and history. Anyway, I have one simple question: What does the red in the U.S.A. flag stand for?  If I could get a reply ASAP it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a million.  John

A: John:
Thanks for your inquiry. Ever think of joining us? Let me know your address and I'll send you a free sample copy of NAVA News.

To answer your question, simply put it means whatever you want it to mean.  There is no official explanation of the symbolism in the colors of the US Flag or of the stripes. The stars, on the other hand, officially represent "a new constellation."  Dave Martucci
Q: I have a description of the flag for the 1904 world's fair but it does not show picture of it and I cannot find it anywhere on a page. I need it for a 10 page research paper for a class I'm taking. Maybe you know of a place where I can find a picture of it in color. The description goes like this: Official World's Fair Flag: Fleur-de-lis and stars of gold on a field of blue; red, and white and yellow stripes of equal width. Maybe this will help you find it or maybe you all ready know where to find it. Any thing would be a huge help to me. Thank you for you time and dedication to your interest.  Chris 

A:

Q:  Hello: 
I am a member of The Flag Institute and just applied to NAVA for  membership effective 1/1/2000. I didn't realize that NAVA existed.  During my Navy days, I spent some time in Panama, and have long been interested in the Panama Canal and Canal Zone Stamps. Can you tell me if there was ever a distinctive flag for the Canal Zone and/or The Panama Canal Commission other than the flags of the USA and Panamá? If so, how could I obtain a good quality illustration of that flag(s)? 

Thanks.  Bill


A: Bill :
The Canal Zone itself has never had a distinctive flag except for the signal flown by ships of the Canal Zone Government since circa 1915. It is square bearing two very square letters "PC" in white on a blue field.

There is a flag prescribed on 8 June 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson for use by the Governor of the Canal Zone. It is also blue (usually with gold fringe) bearing a white circle on which is a shield showing the central emblem from the seal of the Zone - an 15th Century Spanish Galleon passing between two
heads of land, below 13 vertical red and white stripes, below a blue chief (upper area of the shield). Below the shield is a ribbon of gold bearing the words in blue: "The Land Divided The World United." Presumably this flag will expire when the Zone reverts to Panamanian ownership.

These flags are illustrated in "The Flag Book of the United States" by Whitney Smith [Morrow & Co., New York, 1970], which you should be able to find in a good library or through inter-library loan.
Dave Martucci

Q: Where would I find, or can you provide me with information about the history of the Ireland flag such as the meaning of the colors, when it was made, etc.

Thank you,
Susan 

A: Hi Susan:

A history of the Irish flag can possibly be trace as far back as the Netherlands flag of orange on top (now red), white, blue horizontally, according to Mr. Don Healy in an article in the Flag Bulletin. He stated the 
fact that the Dutch fought for independence with this flag and formed the first republic in modern Europe.

When the French formed their republic during the French Revolution they adopted the same colors, red, white, blue, perhaps with an eye to the Dutch Republic.

According to Dr. Whitney Smith, in his great book, Flags Across the World and Through the Ages, on page 231, the Irish revolutionary movement adopted a tricolor under the influence of the French Republic.

They used the color of green, .."which figured in almost all flags raised by the Catholic majority as they struggled to end English rule over their land. Irish protestants, recalling the victory of King Willian III in the Battle of the Boyne, in 1690, have used his livery color (orange) since that time." A white stripe of peace was added which has been used since independence was declared on 21 January 1919.

The presidential flag is blue with the harp of Brian Boru in gold centered on it. The harp has been used at least since the 15th century as an Irish symbol.

I hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you need more information.  Lee L. Herold

Hi:
Being from Newfoundland, I know most of the history of the "old" Nfld flag - the pink, white and green tri-color, which was in use from the 1830's until around 1911. My question is this: Would the flag have been flown with the pink portion to the halyard, or the green? The flag is usually depicted as pink, white, and green, from left to right, as you look at the page. Any info in this regard would be greatly appreciated. Thanks .
Milt

Hi Milt:
As you may have assumed, the pink would have been attached to the pole, and the green would be the fly end (the unattached end). It is standard practice in flag books published for English speakers to assume a pole to the left of the picture.  Sometimes it is actually shown. There is an exception sometimes for Arab or Israeli flag because their script is opposite.

This historic flag is shown in Dr Whitney Smith's classic book: Flags through the Ages and Across the World, pg 302.

Hope this helps.

Lee L. Herold

Q: Would you be able to tell me or preferably show me what the U.S. flag looked like in 1872 ? I would appreciate any help.

A: Nebraska was admitted as the 37th State on March 1, 1867 and so, according to the Third Flag Resolution of Congress, the 37th Star was added to our flag on July 4, 1867. It lasted until July 3, 1877 (the 38th star [for Colorado] was officially added the next day).

As there were no specific design regulations in those days, a valid US Flag had to have 13 horizontal red and white stripes, with a blue union bearing 37 white stars. All other details were supplied by the maker of the flag (whether there were more red or white stripes, the number of points on the stars, exactly how they were arranged).

By custom, the US Navy arranged the stars in rows, however citizens were probably more likely to follow either concentric circles (or ovals) or a great star pattern.  David Martucci
Q:  I work in an elementary school and we have heard that the flag now does not need to be illuminated at night as long as it is a weather proof flag.  We had a veterans day program and were told by the VFW members putting on the program that the flag still needs to be illuminated at night. Can you help us by providing us with the correct flag etiquette.
Barbara

A: Hello Barbara:
The US Flag Code says, "It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.  However, the flag may be displayed at night upon special occasions when it is desired to produce a patriotic effect."

Illuminating the flag when it is flown at night is a custom that has developed over the past few decades, especially where the flag is flown around the clock.  There is, however, no rule, code or law that requires this.

The Flag Code, by the way, was originally adopted in 1942.  David Martucci
Q: Dear Mr. Martucci:
I am doing a school project about Bunker Hill. The flag has caught my attention. I like your web site and am looking for more information. Is Maine the only state which still uses the tree? Do any of the colors mean anything? Was the flag only recalled through paintings? I am still unsure which one was used at Bunker Hill. Was there only a flag at the redoubt, was there also a flag along the fence line or possibly the fleches? Thank you for your assistance. 
Benton 

A: Hello Benton:
Thanks for your inquiry. About 25 years ago, NAVA (the North American Vexillological Association) appointed a special committee to study your question. Their findings were that if any flag at all was used, it probably looked like the one Jonathan Trumbull painted into his famous scene of "The Death of General Warren on Bunkers Hill". It was red, with a white canton (that's the area at the top of the flag next to the pole, where our stars are on the US Flag) bearing a green pine tree. 

However, the committee also concluded that there was little hard evidence that any flag at all was actually displayed on Bunker Hill. By tradition, there was a militia color belonging to a Connecticut company of minutemen there, but that is unsubstantiated. None of the British reports of the battle mention any American flags.

Actually a pine tree is on the Vermont flag, arms and seal as well as Maine's and one is also depicted on the Naval flag of Massachusetts and on the reverse of their state seal. New Hampshire's first seal also bore the pine tree.  David Martucci
Q: Looking for info on the Christian Flag: History and Who designed it etc.  Need for Sunday 11/20/99.
Brian 

Hi Brian:
According the the Flag of the World website, Eyewitness Guide to Flags, and Steve's Christian Flag Page, the Christian flag is a white field, a dark blue canton (upper left corner) with a red cross centered in the blue canton.  It was designed by Charles C. Overton on Sunday, September 26, 1897 at Brighton Chapel, Coney Island, New York.

The story is that a featured speaker did not appear and Mr. Overton began talking about the U.S. flag as the Sunday School Rally awaited the speakers arrival.  As he was talking about the US flag he thought their should be a Christian flag, and consequently designed the flag described above.

This flag was designed to represent Protestants of all denominations.

There are many other flags used by various specific denominations of Christians churches, among which are the Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Lutheran, Greek Orthodox, and many, many others.

Hope this answers your question and thanks for your interest in flags.  They are fun, symbolic, and a taste of history and culture.

Lee L. Herold

Q: Hello! I'm looking for information regarding hammers in symbolism and so would like to know a little bit more about the soviet flag; can anyone help me please?
...Thanks, Lorna.

A: The hammer in the former soviet flag represented the workers while the sickle represented the peasants and the red star the red army. The arms of Austria, which pre-date the soviet emblems, show a hammer and sickle also with the same symbolism.  Dave Martucci
Q: Just a quick question, what is the name for the flag of England?

A: The traditional flag of England is usually referred to as the Cross of Saint George or the George's Cross.  Dave Martucci
Hello Mr. Martucci-
  I'm with the San Francisco Examiner and have some questions I hope you can answer.  I was reading an article in our competition about the recent protests in Afghanistan, the article talked about the burning of American flags. Suddenly the question popped into my head: where do they get our flags?  Do these foreign governments manufacture easily ignited flags?  Stockpile them?  One would think that most flag shops in those counties would not carry our flags, might be considered treason.
  Perhaps this seems silly, but I am truly interested in whatever ideas you have on the subject, or perhaps you might point me in some direction. 
  Thanks for you time, Charlie

(Answer from Jim Ferrigan attached....Ed)

The answer to, "Where do foreign demonstrators get US Flags to burn ?" is simple - they either:

1. Steal them form a US Embassy, Consulate, Mission or other "official source. For evidence of this see the numerous news photos of the Iranian takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran.

2. They make them. see numerous news photos of crude US and other "Star & stripe" flags. Just enough to get the general idea of an American flag.

3. They but them. This was the case when I had the Flag Store on Polk St, In San Francisco from 1978-1989.  During the Iranian Hostage crisis we sold out of Iranian flags in about an hour. (One erstwhile customer demanded , "I want the Iranian Flag and a phone book!" So he could look up the address of the Iranian Consular Office, and then go there and burn it. ) A capitalist solution no doubt.

The last alternative seems to be limited to those western nations which have a "flag industry"

Thank you,
Omnia pro vexillum,

James J. Ferrigan III
Q: I understand specific colors have specific meanings when used in flags.  Do you know of a web site which defines some of these conventions?
Thanks,
Bob

A: Hi Bob:
I'm afraid I'm unaware of such a code.  In my experience peoples and nations adopt colors for various reasons; historic, cultural, and by chance.  As far as I can tell there is very little extension of this choice beyond the borders of any country, and the importance of the colors is often quite local.

In Germany for example the black, red, & gold come from the colors of the Holy Roman Empire.  In Ireland the green from the natural landscape and orange representing northern culture.  In the Netherlands the blue represented the sea, the red (formerly orange) the House of Orange, who lead the fight for independence in the 1600's.  In Sri Lanka (Ceylon) they added a green and orange bar to their flag to represent the ethnic religions of the Muslim & Hindu population.  And so on.

Often the colors are given meaning after their adoption.  Or as in the US, the colors have no official meaning I believe, although many groups have ascribed virtues to the colors.  So, unless I have misunderstood your question, there may not be such a standard.

You can check further in many good books on flags, which often give the official meaning of the colors in flags when they are adopted, or the Flags of the World website (FOTW) at http://fotw.digibel.be/flags/index.html.

Lee L. Herold
Q: Dear Sir,
If you have time and the interest, I need help identifying a flag I saw yesterday flown from a California Government flagpole, below the United States flag and replacing the California State flag.  The flag is solid BLACK, about the proportions of the United States flag, bearing a WHITE cross (horizontal and vertical arms @ 2-3" wide, 90 degree angles) centered on both hoist and fly and extending to the edges of the flag.

I have never seen such a flag and am very curious about its meaning.  A cursory search on the Internet indicates this flag is NOT: a Maritime or U.S. Navy signal flag; a Nation's flag; or a U.S. Army guidon.  I would very much appreciate any information/graphics you may have.
Thank you.  Thomas

A: Hello Thomas:
The flag you describe is very well known among vexillologists and fans of Celtic culture.  It is the Flag of St. David, the 'national' flag of Cornwall, the westernmost area of England.  It has an ancient origin and may be related to the black and white flags of Brittany in France, another Celtic heritage region.  What it is doing flying in California, I don't know, but that is the flag.

NAVA published a very good article by Whitney Smith, the father of modern vexillology, in our January-April issue of NAVA NEWS on Black and White flags.  Send me your address and I will mail you a copy.  Dave Martucci
Q: This is going to sound like a really dumb question, but just what is polyester?  OK, I know it's a fabric of some type, but where did it come from?  Are flags made of polyester OK?

A: I'll bet that a lot of other people are wondering the same thing, so your question is certainly not dumb.  Polyester is a form of PLASTIC.  It's made by combining alcohol and acid (dihydric alcohol and terephalic acid to be exact).  The resulting reaction produces fibers that are used in making fabric. Polyester absorbs very little moisture, and can be washed or dry-cleaned.  Back in the 1970's clothing with a high polyester content became popular - for a time.  But the material just didn't have the feel of natural fabrics and fell into disfavor.  Then clothing manufacturers decided to combine polyester with natural fibers to produce a blended fabric that has the advantages of both materials.  Today a whole new breed of polyester fabric is giving some natural fibers a real run for the money, producing material with the look and feel of either Silk or cotton, depending on the weave.   Textile grade polyester is marketed under the names Dacron, Fibre V, Fortrel, and Kodel.

Polyester has an interesting history.  It was largely developed by American chemist Wallace Carothers at the DuPont Company during the 1920's and 1930's.  However, Carothers wasn't satisfied with the results, and it would take almost twenty years before a marketable product was achieved.  After World War II British scientists Jon Whinfield and J. T. Dickson improved on Carothers' experiments, making a stronger polyester, "Terylene," that produced usable fibers.

Today's stronger, silkier polyester is certainly a contender as a flag fabric.  Although the fibers become brittle with prolonged exposure to the sun, much has been done to improve the resiliency of the fabric.  It should be noted that prolonged exposure to the sun doesn't help any fabric, let alone polyester.
Richard R. Gideon
Q: Please let me know what the proper protocol is for flying the POW-MIA flag. I understand it should be flown under the U.S. Flag, and be carried next to the U.S. Flag in parades.  Thank You.  Art

A: Hello Art:
You are right, although flying more than one flag from the same pole is discouraged, if it is done, the US Flag goes on top; then any State, County, Municipal flags (in that order), and then the POW/MIA Flag.  In a parade or display, the US Flag goes on its own right with the State, County, Municipal and then POW/MIA Flag in that order, either in a line or in a row.
Dave Martucci

AND...

A: Here's some more information on the POW/MIA flag. Beginning in 1990, the U.S. Congress has recognized the POW/MIA flag and provided for its display. Pub. L. No. 101-355, § 2, 104 Stat. 416, amended by Pub. L. No. 102-190, tit. X, § 1084(a)-(d), 105 Stat.1482-83, repealed and codified by Pub. L. No. 105-225, § 1, 112 Stat.1268, amended by Pub. L. No. 105-354, § 1(1), 112 Stat. 3238. The current text, which is title 36, United States Code, section 902, follows:

(a) Designation. The National League of Families POW/MIA flag is designated as the symbol of our Nation's concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing, and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation.
(b) Required Display. The POW/MIA flag shall be displayed at the locations specified in subsection (d) of this section on POW/MIA flag display days. The display serves—
(1) as the symbol of the Nation's concern and commitment to achieving the fullest possible accounting of Americans who, having been prisoners of war or missing in action, still remain unaccounted for; and
(2) as the symbol of the Nation's commitment to achieving the fullest possible accounting for Americans who in the future may become prisoners of war, missing in action, or otherwise unaccounted for as a result of hostile action.
(c) Days for Flag Display. (1) For purposes of this section, POW/MIA flag display days are the following:
(A) Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May.
(B) Memorial Day, the last Monday in May.
(C) Flag Day, June 14.
(D) Independence Day, July 4.
(E) National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
(F) Veterans Day, November 11.
(2) In addition to the days specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection, POW/MIA flag display days include—
(A) in the case of display at medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (required by subsection (d)(7) of this section), any day on which the flag of the United States is displayed; and
(B) in the case of display at United States Postal Service post offices (required by subsection (d)(8) of this section), the last business day before a day specified in paragraph (1) that in any year is not itself a business day.
(d) Locations for Flag Display. The locations for the display of the POW/MIA flag under subsection (b) of this section are the following:
(1) The Capitol.
(2) The White House.
(3) The Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
(4) Each national cemetery.
(5) The buildings containing the official office of—
(A) the Secretary of State;
(B) the Secretary of Defense;
(C) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
(D) the Director of the Selective Service System.
(6) Each major military installation, as designated by the Secretary of Defense.
(7) Each medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(8) Each United States Postal Service post office.
(e) Coordination With Other Display Requirement. Display of the POW/MIA flag at the Capitol pursuant to subsection (d)(1) of this section is in addition to the display of that flag in the Rotunda of the Capitol pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 of the 101st Congress, agreed to on February 22, 1989 (103 Stat. 2533).
(f) Display To Be in a Manner Visible to the Public. Display of the POW/MIA flag pursuant to this section shall be in a manner designed to ensure visibility to the public.
(g) Limitation. This section may not be construed or applied so as to require any employee to report to work solely for the purpose of providing for the display of the POW/MIA flag.

Charles Spain
Q: Hi: I am trying to find some history on the Louisiana state flag.  My son is in the Cub Scouts and one of his tasks is to learn about his state flag.  Would you send me a link or some info about the Louisiana flag?  I really would appreciate it .

A: Hi,
I can give you the Flags of the World (FOTW) link, a good database for flags contributed to by volunteers - http://www.earthpage.com/fotw/flags.

And from the Flag Book of the United States, Dr. Whitney Smith (the world's greatest expert on flags) pp 146-147: " ...the earliest use of the pelican is not know for certain.  The Seal of the Territory under Gov. Wm C C Claiborne (1804-1816) pictures this local bird.  In 1812 the Legislature authorized the Governor to procure a ... seal.  There are also references to the early 19th century to a 'Pelican Flag'".  "... it is certain that a flag bearing a pelican was displayed in the hall of the Convention on 16 January 1861 when Louisiana adopted its Ordinance of Secession.  A Pelican Flag was also removed from the State House in Baton Rouge when Admiral Farragut captured the city..."

"The first official action regarding the pelican emblem cane in 1902 when the State seal was officially described, thus eliminating the variations that had existed at different periods.  Ten years later the present State flag was legalized on 1 July 1912.  It shows the pelican in its traditional heraldic form, known as "a pelican in her piety", or "a pelican vulning herself". That is, the pelican's beak is tearing at her breast to feed her own young, the bird being considered a symbol of self-sacrifice."

Despite its long service as an emblem of the State, the pelican was rejected in 1861 by the committee appointed to design a national flag for Louisiana.  Instead the committee, consisting of Messrs. Elgee, Roman and Briscoe, took as their inspiration the flag of the United States.  As in Texas and Florida a single star, the symbol of sovereignty, was substituted for the constellation of stars in the national flag.  In this case, however, the committee or perhaps their artist, C.A. DeArmas, while retaining the familiar stripes of red and white, added stripes of blue.  The symbolism created refers to the history of Louisiana: red, white, and blue are the colors of the flags of the United State and France, while red and yellow are the colors of Spain, all of which had once flown in the area.  This flag was adopted on 11 February 1861 and after 23 March, when Louisiana joined the Confederacy, it was transformed into a State flag."  The flag had 13 blue-white-red horizontal stripes, a red square like the US blue canton, with a large yellow 5 pointed star.

"Another, unofficial Louisiana flag was the one hoisted on the revenue cutter Robert McClelland in January 1861.  It consisted of the French tricolor of blue, white & red vertical stripes, with a circle of seven white stars on the blue."  Where the stars of the US flags are.

As stated above the Pelican has a long heraldic history.  Hope this helps you.  Lee L. Herold

(..and we receive a reply...Ed)

Thank you very much. What you have sent has been a big help. Because of it, my son (in Cub Scouts) can now work towards his badge. I appreciate this.

Glad to have been of help. Of course the real hero is Whitney Smith who wrote the book. Best wishes to your son on his badge.  Lee L. Herold
Q: Dear Nava,
I have a 20th Century color print of a Revolutionary War naval battle without a legend so I don't know what the subject matter is.  I am trying to identify the ships so I can identify the battle.  One ship is obviously British -- the Union Jack is at the top of the mainmast and the ship is flying a broad pennant that has the St. George Cross with a red, white and blue striped swallow tail.  The other ship is flying the "Betsy Ross" American flag at the top of the foremast (which puts the battle somewhere between 1777 and 1795) but it is also flying, what appears to be, a solid medium blue flag with a circle of white stars in the same position as the stars in the "Betsy Ross." It is possible that the flag is not solid blue but rather white and blue striped like the Betsy Ross but I can't be sure.  There is only a hint of a stripe in the print.  For the most part, the flag looks solid light blue.  The British ship has "T-boned" the American ship.  The American ship appears to be firing its forward cannon (there is white smoke obscuring that portion of the ship).  The British ship has lost its mizzen mast, which is bobbing about in the water at the bottom of the picture.

I need to identify the blue flag flying on the American ship.  None of the books that I possess on flags and standards of the Revolutionary War show anything like it.  Could it be a state flag?  Most of the Continental Navy was state owned.  If I can identify this particular flag, I think I may be able to identify the American ship and, ultimately, the battle.  If you can help in any way, I would appreciate it.   Joanna

A: Hello Joanna,
Often, paintings of battles and such were made long after the event and the artist paints what he thinks the correct details are. The so-called Betsy Ross flag cannot be documented to the Revolutionary War era except in a draft drawing by William Barton for a US Seal made in 1782, after the war was over.  There appears to be no other evidence for its existence in that era.  By contrast, there are some 15 star, 15 stripe flags from the War of 1812 era that do have their stars in a circle or in an oval.  Also there was real US Naval action during that war, which was sadly lacking in the Revolution.

As for the blue flag, a plain blue flag has been used as a Commodore's broad pennant since the beginning of the Navy.  My guess is that is what is being depicted there.  Which mast is it flying from?  The position of the flags will tell us specifically what the signal means.

For example, Thomas Birch painted four scenes of the Battle between the Constitution and the Guerriere, 19 August 1812, and these paintings show the Constitution's flags as having one star in the center and a ring of 14 surrounding it.  They also show the Commodore's flag as having the stars on a blue field.  See the McCandless-Furlong-Langley book "What So Proudly We Hail" published by the Smithsonian in 1981, page 172.   Dave Martucci

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