US FLAG QUIZ

Honoring the flag shows respect for the symbol of our nation. Test your knowledge with the following quiz. For more on flag etiquette, see the Boy Scout Handbook or go online and check out the United States Flag Code.

1. Question: What should I do when an American flag goes by in a parade?
   Answer: When in uniform, use the Scout salute. Otherwise, place your right hand over your heart.
   
   
2. Question: Is flag burning ever allowed?
   Answer: A national flag that is worn beyond repair may be burned in a fire. The ceremony should be conducted with dignity and respect, and the flag burned completely to ashes.
   
   
3. Question: Can the flag be flown outside at night?
   Answer: While it is customary to fly the flag between sunrise and sunset, it can be displayed at night if it is properly lit.
   
   
4. Question: Can I wear an American flag as a clothing item?
   Answer: Not the flag itself. Flag designs can be including in clothing patterns.
   
   
5. Question: In 1910 when the Boy Scouts of America was founded, how many stars were on the American Flag?
   Answer: Forty-six. (New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii were not yet states.)
   
   
6. Question: How do you fold the flag into that triangle shape?
   Answer: According to the Boy Scout Handbook, "Two people holding the flag at waist-level between them fold the flag in half lengthwise and then again in half lengthwise, keeping the blue field on the outside. While one person holds the flag by the blue field, the other makes a triangular fold in the opposite end. Continue folding the flag in triangles until only the blue field is visible."
   
   
7. Question: A flag over a street should be hung with the blue field in which direction?
   Answer: The blue field is toward the east over a north-south street, or toward the north above an east-west street.
   
   
8. Question: When should the flag fly at half staff?
   Answer: A flag at half-staff shows sorrow following a national tragedy or the death of a president or other national or state figure, and to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for their country.
   
   
9. Question: Which way is a flag displayed on a wall?
   Answer: The blue field goes to the flag's own right. (To your left as you look at it.)
   
   
10. Question: Where should a flag on a staff placed on a stage?
    Answer: To the flag's own right. (On the left side of the stage as the audience sees it.) Any other flags on staffs are placed on the right side of the stage, as viewed by the audience.
    
    
11. Bonus Question: Why do the flag patches sewn on the right sleeves of BSA uniform shirts appear to be flying in the opposite direction as those sewn on the right sleeves of many U.S. military uniforms?
    Answer: Following the guidelines of the United States Flag Code, the flag patch on a Scout uniform shirt sleeve is placed with the blue field to the flag's own right. Flag patches on military uniforms fall under Department of the Army regulations stating that "When worn on the right sleeve, it is considered proper to reverse the design so that the union is at the observer's right to suggest that the flag is flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward." In other words, the blue field is to the flag's own left.

For more information about flags, see the Your Flag book, No. 33188A.