Flag etiquette: Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

PRESS RELEASE

The following is the first in a series of articles sponsored by American Legion Post 100 in Union on the proper etiquette towards the U.S. Flag as we approach Memorial Day. We will host a brief ceremony at the courthouse in Union at 3:00PM on Monday, 25 May 2026 to honor our fallen service members. All are welcome. The information comes from U.S. Code Title 4, also known as “The Flag Code.”  This week’s installment describes the appropriate manner of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” It should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute unless otherwise directed by the chain of command. Members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and veterans may render the military salute in the manner provided for persons in uniform.

Post 100 and the local JROTC Maverick Battalion collect unserviceable U.S. Flags for a respectful retirement ceremony scheduled annually at the Monroe County Board of Education Offices in Union. This year’s event occurred on 19 May 2026. Citizens wishing to turn in their unserviceable U.S. Flags may mail or bring them to James Monroe High School, c/o JROTC, at 142 James Monroe Drive, Lindside, WV  24951 or place them in the drop box in the county courthouse. Contact Scott Womack via email at swomack@k12.wv.us or via Facebook Messenger, or call the JROTC office at 304-753-6906 to arrange a drop-off of your unserviceable U.S. Flag.