Post 153 seeks vet to serve as Americanism officer

AUBURN — As sergeant-at-arms of the American Legion, William J. Roger’s Post 153, Don L. Beaulieu is concerned about the standards and respect of the United States flag code.

The code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are: The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal. The flag should not be used as a drapery or for covering a speaker’s desk, draping a platform or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.

The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.

The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations. The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure or drawing of any kind. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying or delivering anything.

When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Beaulieu would like to remind all members of veteran organizations, Boy Scout troops and Girl Scout troops to remove the flags from cemeteries before inclement weather hits and they become frozen on the ground buried in snow.

“Most American Legion posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14,” said Paul R. Bernard, public relations officer. “Many Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops and Girl Scout troops retire flags regularly as well.”

Bernard also said that veterans organizations in Central Maine are becoming more concerned about flag etiquette, including rules and customs on displaying the flag outdoors and indoors, raising and lowering the flag, the Salute, The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem and more. That is why the William J. Rogers post is looking for a veteran who would like to serve as the post Americanism officer, teaching flag etiquette and Americanism to the community in the upcoming year.

Contact Commander Dave Richardson at 782-1118 or email www.legionpost153.org or send mail to New Auburn American Legion, William Rogers Post 153, 71 South Main St., Auburn, ME 04210.