not be sounded until the flag is lowered to half-mast. At
evening colors, “Attention” is sounded and the salute
rendered before raising the flag to the top of the flagstaff
from its half-mast position.
If the ensign is flown from the flagstaff and is
half-masted, the union jack is half-masted also.
Distinctive marks, such as commission or command
pennants, are not half-masted except when the ship’s
commanding officer or the unit commander dies.
A special ceremony calling for half-masting the
ensign is required of ships passing Washington’s
tomb between sunrise and sunset. A full guard and
band are paraded (if aboard), the ship’s bell is tolled,
and the ensign is half-masted as the ship comes in
sight of Mount Vernon, Virginia. When the ship is
opposite the tomb, the guard and all persons on deck
face the tomb and salute. When the bugler begins to
sound taps, the ensign is raised to the peak; tolling of
the bell ceases on the last note of taps. The band then
plays the national anthem, followed by the command
to “Carry on.”
You may have the duty of raising or lowering the
ensign at some time in your career. You should
remember that the ensign is raised smartly but lowered
ceremoniously. After the ensign is lowered, it is folded
properly and placed in safekeeping until morning
colors. Figure 9-9 shows the correct way to fold the
ensign. The union jack is folded and handled in the same
manner as the national ensign.
NATIONAL ANTHEM AND FLAG HONORS
Honors to the ensign or national anthem are
rendered on occasions other than at colors. In this
section, you will learn about procedures for rendering
honors when the anthem is played indoors and outdoors,
with or without the flag present. Foreign anthems and
ensigns are shown the same mark of respect as our own
anthem and ensign. All salutes are held from the first
note of the anthem to the last.
All the following rules for saluting the national
anthem apply only when you hear it played as part of a
public ceremony at which you are present. If you hear a
broadcast or recording of the anthem on a radio, tape or
CD player, television, or as you pass a store, you don’t
need to stop or salute.
Indoors
If the flag is not displayed when the anthem is
played inside a building, you stand at attention facing
the source of the music. If you are in uniform and
covered, you render the hand salute; if not covered, you
stand at attention. If you are in civilian clothes, render
the hand-over-the-heart salute.
9-13
Student Notes:
Figure 9-9.—Folding the ensign.
