How To Display And Respect Our Flag: A 1941 Pamphlet

Are you wondering how to display and respect our flag? I found a pamphlet form 1941 that explains best practices from back then! This was a great read – filled with information and also some really cool graphics!

Several years ago, when I was digging in some boxes filled with old papers at an estate sale, I came across a weathered pamphlet entitled, “How to Display and Respect our Flag.” The pamphlet itself was in pretty bad shape … the corners are curled, the paper is falling apart in some places, and it appears to be soiled in a few spots with dirt. This is normally something I would have passed up because of such things, but there is a graphic on the front and when I saw it … it just ‘drew me in’ for some reason!

Once my interest was peaked, I decided to open up this pamphlet a little further and I am so glad that I did. Right away I noticed a copyright date of 1941 on the bottom right corner – I always like to identify a date when I looking at any old paper/book/writing. (And for me, the older the better in most cases!) I also noticed right away that this little paper is full of pictures that were printed to SHOW readers all of the special rules that we should follow when we display our flag. For example, when the American flag is paired with another flag against a wall, “the United States Flag is to be on the observers left and its staff in front of the staff of the other flag.” You can view the photos below for some other great tips and reminders on how to display and respect our flag.

Some of the tips mentioned here made me chuckle a bit. For example, did you know that back in 1941 there were 4 “best practices” (or ways) to display a flag from a car. They include:

• Best Way (1) – Flagstaff fastened to bumper bracket.
• Another Way (2) – Small flagstaff fastened to radiator ornament.
• Another Way (3) – Small flagstaff fastened to grill work in front of car.
• Another Way (4) – Very small flagstaff fastened to top of aerial.

Of course, in these days if you wanted to display a flag from your car you would probable use one of these!

Other significant sections in this pamphlet include:

• Significance of saluting to the Flag.
• Significance of displaying the Flag.
• How to salute the Flag.
• How to pledge to the Flag.
• Cautions section.
• Often asked questions.
• Other General Rules.

One section of the pamphlet that I enjoyed looking at was the list of occasions on which the flag should be displayed. Back in 1941 the list included:

• January 20 – when a President of the United States is being inaugurated
• February 12 – Lincolns Birthday
• February 22 – Washingtons Birthday
• April 6 – Army Day
• April 14 – Pan American Day
• Second Sunday In May – Mothers Day
• Third Sunday in May – I Am An American Citizenship Day
• May 30 – Memorial Day
• June 14 – Flag Day
• July 4 – Independence Day
• Augusty 19 – National Aviation Day
• First Monday in September – Labor Day
• September 14 – Anniversary of writing the Star Spangled Banner in 1814
• September 17 – Constitution Day
• Last Sunday in September – Gold Star Mother’s Day
• October 12 – Columbus Day
• October 27 – Navy Day
• First Tuesday after the first Monday in November every 4th year – Presidential Election
• November 11 – Armistice Day
• Last Thursday in November – Thanksgiving Day

This is the list that was printed back in 1941 and the list looks a little different today. You can click here for an updated list of dates when the United States Flag should be displayed.

I wasn’t able to find the same pamphlet online – but I wanted to share with you a few of cool vintage pamphlets that I did find – all of them centered around the American Flag!

“The only bond that unites every American to every other regardless of race, creed or condition in life.” This is the quote that is on front of this pamphlet. That quote warms my heart. It reminds me of a simpler time and, if I am being honest, I like that. In all, I am so glad that I decided not to bypass this old paper pamphlet when I was at that estate sale and I appreciate all of the information packed inside that reminds us all to be respectful of our nation’s flag. I hope enjoyed this little piece of history as much as I do! Wishing you all peace!

If you liked this post then you may also enjoy:

• this post including all of my favorite patriotic songs.
• this post sharing my patriotic mantel.
• this post sharing my patriotic kitchen cupboard.

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