PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- While admittedly less exciting than The Big Bang Theory’s segment where Sheldon Cooper gives a presentation titled “Fun with Flags,” this article is sure to teach you some fun facts about Old Glory and the company she’s authorized to keep during public displays or depictions of flags by Service members and civilian employees in all Department of Defense workspaces, common areas and public areas.
After all, this week is “Flag Week” and 14 June marks the 107th anniversary of “Flag Day”, so grab your favorite episode of School House Rock (I’m partial to “The Preamble”), bring your bunting, and climb into the way back machine to familiarize yourself with the proper public display or depiction of flags in the Department of Defense.
I’m especially excited for all the vexillologists residing in base housing (like yours truly), to absorb these fun facts and share them with nearby residents to ensure your neighborhood is both patriotic and compliant with DoD policy.
Fun Fact: Old Glory doesn’t hang out with your alma mater (in public view), nor can she be replaced by it on game day (or ever). If you want to give Old Glory a rest in favor of flying a different flag, make sure it’s an approved acquaintance. Besides designation flags for Flag Officers (no pun intended), General Officers, members of the Senior Executive Service or Senate-confirmed flags, friends of Old Glory that may be flown and displayed on a DoD installation include:
- Flags of U.S. States and Territories and the District of Columbia
- Military Service Flags (Did you know the U.S. Army shares a birthday with Flag Day?)
- The POW/MIA flag
- Flags of countries for which with United States is an ally or partner
- Flags of organizations in which the United States is a member (think NATO)
- Ceremonial, command, unit or branch flags or guidons
That’s it. If it’s not on this list, it’s not an approved stand-in for Old Glory in public displays on a DoD installation (e.g., including your front porch in housing). Just remember this jingle: While flags depicting your favorite sports team, politician or slogan may be tempting to display, now you know to put them away!
Have a wonderful Flag Week everyone and celebrate Flag Day in style with Old Glory or one of her DoD-approved flags that promote unity and esprit de corps!
~ ‘Tis the Star Spangled Banner, oh long may she wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave ~
To read the 2020 OSD Memorandum for Public Display or Depiction of Flags in the Department of Defense, visit https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jul/17/2002458783/-1/-1/1/200717-FLAG-MEMO-DTD-200716-FINAL.PDF