Etiquette of the Flag
Victor F. Lemmer
There are certain fundamental rules of heraldry which, if understood generally, would indicate the proper method of displaying the Flag of Michigan. The matter becomes very simple if it is kept in mind that the flag represents the living Commonwealth and is itself considered as a living thing.
If the Michigan Flag is displayed on a staff it should float below the Stars and Stripes. If displayed in a room against the wall, the State Flag should be in the left, the flag’s own left. When displayed in the speaker’s left, as he faces the audience, and the Stars and stripes on the speaker’s right.
When the state Flag is displayed it would be appropriate to display it with the Stars and Stripes if possible.
When the State Flag is carried in a procession with other flags, the State Flag should be carried a little back of the Stars and Stripes.
When displayed with the Stars and Stripes against a wall from crossed staffs, the Flag of Michigan should be on the flag’s own left and its staff should be back of the staff of the Stars and Stripes.
No State Flag should be placed above or to the right of the Stars and Stripes.
When the flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should not be cast aside or used in any way that might be viewed as disrespectful, but should be destroyed as a whole, privately, preferably by burning, or by some other method in harmony with the reverence and respect we owe to the emblem of our state.