Clan Flag Protocol

[macwilkin]

At some of the games I attend there is an honor guard that would be positioned next to the podium that we troop by when leaving the field. I always dip my tartan when passing out of respect. I was surprised when I checked on the COSCA site that there was no mention of any standard practices agreed upon by their council. Seems to me that it would be something they would be involved with.

They may not be aware of this particular question. I will mention to a friend of mine who is active in COSCA in St. Louis and see what he thinks.

T.

[sirdaniel1975]

In the US the "Star Spangled Banner" (American Flag) gets the right of way so to speak.

My suggestions:

American flag should; fly highest, be center or lead.

[budd4766]

It's not just flags. Not many people take their hats off for the national anthem, or places the hand over the heart anymore. Nobody's being taught this stuff in schools anymore, and unless you've got military experience, it pretty much just isn't practiced. Sad, but true.

[macwilkin]

It's not just flags. Not many people take their hats off for the national anthem, or places the hand over the heart anymore. Nobody's being taught this stuff in schools anymore, and unless you've got military experience, it pretty much just isn't practiced. Sad, but true.

While I agree with the spirit of your post, there are a number of us on "civvie street" that do remove our hats and render the proper salute during the playing of the National Anthem, and rest assured my daughter will learn as well when she's older.

T.

[Bluescelt]

That's true. That is why I think Clan Societies who revere history and tradition so much would have a guideline for something this simple.

[macwilkin]

That's true. That is why I think Clan Societies who revere history and tradition so much would have a guideline for something this simple.

Indeed.

I will also send an e-mail to our clan society VP, who is also a member of the Scottish-American-Military-Society (SAMS) and see what they think. Since SAMS usually provides colour parties at games, they might be the best source.

T.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

When parading (in the USA) all flags should be dipped when they pass the reviewing stand. The only exceptions would be:

1) The flag of the United States of America. This flag is never dipped.
2) Other national flags (this is a matter of courtesy).

So, in answer to your question:

All clan flags (including those of individuals entitled to personal flags or banners) are to be dipped when passing the reviewing stand.

Here comes the contentious part:

The Union "jack", the Scottish Saltire, and the "Red Lion of Scotland" should not be paraded at Highland games.

1) The Union "jack" and the Saltire, if displayed, should properly be placed on the reviewing stand along with the flag of the United States of America.

2) The "Red Lion of Scotland" is the personal flag of the Sovereign and may only be flown in her presence or in the presence of one officially appointed to represent her (ie: The Lord Lyon). It should never be paraded, or displayed.

Now for the really contentious part:

I have noticed some SAMS color guards parading the pre-union British flag at Highland games. This is not only wrong, it is as insulting to the British as it would be insulting to Americans to parade something other than the official flag of the United States at a sporting event in the UK.

If you are part of an official color guard, then you should parade the flag of the United States of America, your State or Commonwealth Flag, any "unit" flag you may possess, as well as the flag of any nation you may wish to honour at the moment.

Displaying a foreign flag in conjunction with the flag of the United States of America makes a political statement. Just as it would be politically inappropriate to display the flag of Quebec instead of the Canadian flag, it is also inappropriate to display the flag of Scotland instead of the flag of Great Britain.

[thescot]

MacMillan of Rathdown--I will not even begin to agree or disagree with your ideas re the saltire and other flags. But I do wonder: isn't the saltire the flag of a nation, i.e., Scotland? I was instructed long and well on the fact that Wales, Scotlend, etc. were separate nations on my first trip to the UK, and it seems that the proper group might want to march their own country's flag. If they do, I won't be upset.

I will say that any and all flags--club, society, organizational, etc. and tartans used as flags, or even white rags used for surrender --should be dipped when passing in review and also when the national anthem is played. Only the US flag is never dipped.

One final note: last year Congress amended the--flag code, I think--to allow for all veterans to salute a passing US flag while those who had not served were to place the hand over the heart while standing. This was, I think, at the encrouragement of some veterans' groups who wanted to be a little different at parades and such. At least, that's what my reading between the lines led me to believe at the time. So, vets, let's all stand and salute when Old Glory passes at the next parade. Lord knows, most folks now days won't even take off their hats.

And, there are many of us who also stand at attention when the "Marine Hymn" is played, too, but that's another story for another day.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Just as each of the 50 States is represented by the stars in the canton of the flag of the United States of America, so is Scotland represented, as a nation, by the blue field and white saltire on the flag of the United Kingdom.

As this is the flag officially recognized by the government of the United States as representing the united kingdoms of Scotland and England, it is the only flag that should be flown or paraded at Highland games.

Whilst I can sympathize with the desire of many to recognize Scotland in an independent way, especially at Highland games, the established protocols regarding national flags do take precedence.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

One final note: last year Congress amended the--flag code, I think--to allow for all veterans to salute a passing US flag while those who had not served were to place the hand over the heart while standing. This was, I think, at the encrouragement of some veterans' groups who wanted to be a little different at parades and such. At least, that's what my reading between the lines led me to believe at the time. So, vets, let's all stand and salute when Old Glory passes at the next parade. Lord knows, most folks now days won't even take off their hats.

And, there are many of us who also stand at attention when the "Marine Hymn" is played, too, but that's another story for another day.

I'm 110% with you on this one!