JROTC Color Guard Questions
How is the U.S flag placed on a casket?
Lengthwise over the casket with the Union over the head and left shoulder of the deceased.
What are the colors of the flag and what do they stand for?
The colors of the flag are: Red - Hardness and Valor White - Purity Blue - Justice
What is the flag head or finial?
The decorative ornament on top of the flag staff or flag pole.
What is the proper way to lower the flag from the half-staff position?
The flag is first raised to the top of the staff and lowered.
What is the proper way to raise the flag to half-staff position?
The flag is first raised to the top of the staff, then lowered to the half-staff position.
What is the fly of the flag?
The fly of the flag is the width (horizontal edge) of the flag, measured from left to right.
What is the hoist of flag?
The hoist of the flag is the length (vertical edge) of the flag, measured from top to bottom.
What is the size of the Garrison Flag and when is it hoisted?
The size of the Garrison Flag is 38 ft by 20 ft and is hoisted on holidays and special occasions.
What is the size of the Post Flag and when is it hoisted?
The size of the Post Flag is 19 ft by 10 ft and is hoisted when the Garrison Flag is not flown.
How many stripes are on the U.S. flag and how are they arranged?
There are 13 stripes: 7 red stripes and 6 white stripes with the first and last stripe being red.
How many stars are on the U.S flag and what do they represent? How are they arranged?
There are 50 stars on the U.S. flag, representing the 50 states. The stars are white and are arranged in 4 rows of 5 and 5 rows of 6.
What do the 13 stripes represent on the U.S. flag?
They represent the 13 original colonies.
What is the length of your flag staff with the finial? Without the finial?
10 with the finial. 9 1/2 without the finial.
Define Colors.
A specific flag symbolic to the spirits and traditions of the U.S.
Who is given credit for sewing the first U.S. flag?
Betsy Ross.
How is the U.S. flag displayed when placed on a wall?
Either horizontally or vertically, with the Union to the upper-most and the flag's own right.
What are several named used to describe the U.S. flag?
Flag, Color, Standard, and Ensign.
Where is the U.S. flag flown 24 hours a day?
Fort McHenry, Maryland; Flag-House Square, Baltimore; The Capitol and the Marine Corps Memorial.
How are flags and pennants flown when hoisted?
In order of precedence, with the U.S. flag on top.
How long is the flag flown at half-staff after the death of a president or former president? Vice-President?
It is flown at half-staff for 30 days after the death of a president or former president and 10 days after the death of a vice president.
What is the proper way to display the flag?
It should be free with the stars to the marching right.
What is the birth date of the 1st U.S. flag?
June 14, 1777.
What are streamers?
Long narrow ribbons displayed from the top of the flag staff.
Who is authorized a U.S. flag over their casket in a military funeral?
Members of the active military force, National Guard, Reserve, honorably discharged, and retired military.
Who wrote the Stars and Stripes?
Sir Francis Scott Key.
What is the name of the shiny piece located at the bottom of the staff?
The Ferrule.
Where is the U.S. flag carried or displayed in relation to other flags?
The U.S. flag is carried or displayed in the position of honor.
How are flags flown when a center point is established?
The U.S. flag is centered at the highest.
How is the U.S. flag placed when displayed at cross staff with another flag?
The U.S. flag with be on the marching right and its staff in front of the other staff.
What is the size of the Storm Flag and when is it hoisted?
The size of the Storm Flag is 9 1/2 ft by 5 ft and is flown during inclement weather.
What is a flag staff?
The staff on which the flag is mounted.
What is the U.S. flag's position in an auditorium or chapel?
To the speaker's right and audience's left.
When is the only time the U.S. flag is dipped?
Upon receiving a salute from a passing vessel, by a nation recognized by the U.S.
Where is the U.S. flag carried in a procession?
When carried in a procession with other flags, the U.S flag is carried on the marching right or front and center when marching in line.
When and how do you dispose of the U.S. flag?
When the flag is no longer suitable for display it is destroyed, preferably by burning.
Can the U.S. flag ever be flown upside down?
Yes, in times of distress.
