2 FAM 150
SEALS, COAT OF ARMS, AND FLAGS
(CT:GEN-529; 10-09-2018)
(Office of Origin: A/GIS/DIR)
2 FAM 151 POLICY AND AUTHORITY
2 FAM 151.1 Policy
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. Because the seals, emblems, and flags of the United
States and its government units are their visual and symbolic representations
(and sometimes manifestations), it is Department policy that any use of such
shall be in a proper and dignified manner.
b. It is not appropriate to use representations of the
Great Seal of the United States, the Coat of Arms of the United States, or the
U.S. flag in such a manner as to be disposable items.
2 FAM 151.2 Scope
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
This subchapter applies to the use of seals, emblems, and
flags at the Department of State and Foreign Service posts and for other
official purposes.
2 FAM 151.3 Responsibilities
(CT:GEN-444; 06-16-2015)
a. Department:
(1) Flags: The Support Services Branch
(A/OPR/FMS/GSM/SS) manages the acquisition and display of flags for the Main
State building, and maintains a flag library for use in Main State. This
office can also provide information for posts on obtaining flags
(202-647-1634/35);
(2) Great Seal: The Office of Presidential
Appointments is the point of contact for questions concerning the use of the
Great Seal of the United States;
(3) Department Seal: The Bureau of Consular Affairs,
Passport Services Directorate's Office of Authentications (CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT)
manages the use of this seal for document authentication purposes. For
questions regarding other uses of the Department Seal, including use by
commercial entities, consult the Office of the Legal Adviser; and,
(4) Visa and passport seals: The Bureau of Consular
Affairs manages the domestic use of passport and visa seals.
b. At post: Post management officers manage the
acquisition, display, and use of flags and seals, except for consular seals.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs' Office of the Executive Director's General Services
Division manages the acquisition and use of specialized consular seals
overseas.
2 FAM 151.4 Authorities
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. Great Seal of the United States4 U.S.C. 41 - 42.
b. Use of likenesses of the Great Seal18 U.S.C. 713.
c. Wrongful use of a Government seal18 U.S.C. 1017.
d. Forging Government seal18 U.S.C. 506.
e. Impressing a seal directly on paper1 U.S.C. 114.
f. Display and use of the flag4 U.S.C. 5 - 10.
g. Display of the flag for mourningPresidential
Proclamation 3044, as amended by Presidential Proclamation 3948. See 2 FAM Exhibit
155.4-1.
h. POW and/or MIA flag36 U.S.C. 902.
2 FAM 152 SEALS
2 FAM 152.1 Description of Official
Seals
(CT:GEN-444; 06-16-2015)
a. Great Seal of the United States: The obverse of the
Great Seal of the United States is the Coat of Arms of the United States, a
bald eagle with its wings outstretched and with 13 arrows in its left talon and
an olive branch in its right talon. This image is the official emblem and mark
of identification of the U.S. Government. This seal was adopted by a
resolution of Congress passed on June 20, 1782, fixing the design of The Great
Seal for the United States in Congress. After adoption of the U.S.
Constitution, Congress provided by an Act approved September 15, 1789, that
this seal should be the Seal of the United States of America, and designated
the Secretary of State as custodian of the Seal.
b. Department of State seals: The official seal of the
Department of State carries the design on the obverse of the Great Seal of the
United States within an encircling legend Department of State, United States of
America. See 5
FAH-7 Exhibit H-122. Impression, wax, and rubber-stamp seals used at posts
bear the same design, generally encircled by a legend indicating the rank and
location of the post; e.g., Embassy of the United States of America, Caracas.
On seals for the use of consulates general, consular agencies, and consulates,
the location and name of the country also appears.
2 FAM 152.2 Using Official Seals
2 FAM 152.2-1 Great Seal of the
United States
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. The Great Seal of the United States is used for the
authentication of certain documents after the President of the United States
has signed them.
b. Federal law (1 U.S.C. 114) provides that where a
seal is necessary by law to any commission, process, or other instrument
provided for by the laws of Congress, it is lawful to affix the proper seal by
making an impression therewith directly on the paper to which such seal is necessary.
Such a seal is less likely to be defaced than one made on wax, and by
enactment, impressions of this kind are almost universally allowed as a
substitute for seals on wax.
c. For use of the U.S. Coat of Arms (the obverse of
the Great Seal) in overseas posts, see 2 FAM 153.
d. For use of the Great Seal on treaties and other
international agreements, see 11 FAM 734.
e. The Department of State is not authorized by law to
grant or to withhold permission to reproduce the design of the Great Seal of
the United States for unofficial purposes. Federal law prohibits many uses of
likenesses of the Great Seal, including uses designed to convey a false
impression of sponsorship or approval by the U.S. Government (see 18 U.S.C.
713). The Departments general policy is to strongly discourage use of the
Great Seal for unofficial purposes.
2 FAM 152.2-2 Department of State
Seals
(CT:GEN-444; 06-16-2015)
a. Department of State personnel are authorized to
affix replicas and reproductions of Department Seals to appropriate documents,
certifications, and other materials for all official purposes, consistent with
this section.
b. Department of State seals or reproductions thereof
may not be used for unofficial purposes by any person, and may not be used by
any nongovernment person or entity, without the express approval of the
Department. The chief of mission or designee must immediately notify the
Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations (OIG/INV) when misuse
of an official seal is determined.
c. Department seals are used:
(1) In the performance of consular services (see 7 FAM
800);
(2) When preparing Department correspondence (see 5
FAH-1, Correspondence Handbook); and
(3) When including Department Seals in printed or
electronic graphic products (see Graphics Handbook, 5 FAH-7 H-122
through H-125).
d. For instructions concerning the affixing of the
consular seal on the premises and property of U.S. decedents, see 7 FAM 294.2 paragraph a and 7 FAM 294.5.
e. Wrongful use of the official seals of the Department
of State could subject the individual or entity to the provisions of 18 U.S.C.
1017, which provides penalties for the wrongful use of an official seal; or 18
U.S.C. 506, which provides penalties for forgery or fraudulent making of a
Department seal, and to other provisions of law, as applicable.
2 FAM 152.3 Sealing Equipment at
Foreign Service Posts
(CT:GEN-444; 06-16-2015)
Each post is provided with the following necessary
supplies and devices for the affixing of its official seals:
(1) Impression seal: An impression seal (also termed
press seal) is a metal engraving seal die affixed to a press mechanism, used to
make a raised impression on an instrument, document, or other paper. The
impression seal is used in performing notarial services, issuing visas and
passports, and performing certain shipping and seamen services;
(2) Rubber stamp seal: A rubber stamp seal is a small
rubber seal die affixed to a round rubber stamp. It is generally used in
connection with the certification of consular invoices and for certain shipping
and seamen services and on certain administrative documents;
(3) Wax seal: A wax seal is a small metal engraving
seal die affixed to a short wooden handle, used for making impressions on wax.
It is used to seal premises and effects in estate cases, to seal envelopes and
packages, or other items as needed;
(4) Porter safety seal press: A porter safety seal
press is a metal press mechanism having a die affixed to each side bearing, on
the side having the emblem of the Great Seal, the rank of the office; on the
other side appears the name of the city (or city and country depending on rank
of post) where the office is located. It is pressed on small, blank lead seals
to seal official pouches;
(5) Embossing and printing dies: Embossing and
printing dies are small steel dies, which may be loaned to local printers by
posts for printing and embossing stationery procured locally; and
(6) Notarial wafer: A notarial wafer is a round, red,
blank paper wafer used in notarial acts when the instrument or document to
which the notarial act relates consists of more than one sheet, or when the
certificate will be attached and not written on the document itself. The
impression seal of the post is impressed on the wafer.
2 FAM 152.3-1 Requesting Sealing
Devices
(CT:GEN-444; 06-16-2015)
Requisition sealing devices from the Departments Office of
Logistics Management (A/LM). Requisition specialized consular seals from the
Bureau of Consular Affairs' Office of the Executive Director's General Services
Division (CA/EX/GSD).
2 FAM 152.3-2 Safeguarding
Sealing Devices and Supplies
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
To ensure accountability, the Departments approved
records systems, the nonexpendable property application (NEPA) records, or
manual cards, are maintained for all sealing devices, both documentary and
safeguarding types, regardless of cost (see 14 FAM 414.3,
Personal Custody Records). The affixing of the documentary type is under the
direct supervision of the signing officer. The affixing of the safeguarding
type by authorized employees at posts is under the direction of responsible
officers. After business hours, or when not in use, or in the absence of
responsible officers, sealing devices are placed in vaults, safes, or safe-file
cabinets equipped with three-way combination locks to which only U.S.
Government personnel have access. Where such safeguards are not available, the
sealing devices are protected in a manner specifically approved in writing by
the appropriate regional or resident security officer.
2 FAM 152.3-3 Sealing Device Die
Disposal
(CT:GEN-296; 10-01-1999)
Before disposition is made of obsolete, unserviceable, or
excess dies on sealing devices, the dies are mutilated beyond recognition to
preclude their use by unauthorized persons. This can be accomplished by
burning or cutting rubber stamps and by defacing metal dies with a file or
hammer. If attached to a metal device, the dies are removed and mutilated; the
remainder of the mechanism should be given to the general services officer for
disposal.
2 FAM 153 U.S. COAT OF ARMS
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
This section primarily concerns itself with the use of the
U.S. Coat of Arms (the obverse of the Great Seal of the United States) at
Foreign Service posts.
2 FAM 153.1 General
(CT:GEN-296; 10-01-1999)
The Coat of Arms of the United States is displayed on
stationery, publications, military uniforms, public monuments, public
buildings, and other public property issued, owned, or used by the U.S.
Government, and in various other connections pertaining to the Federal
Government.
2 FAM 153.1-1 Description and
Legends
(CT:GEN-303; 04-17-2001)
a. The U.S. Coat of Arms, as displayed by Foreign
Service posts, constitutes a permanent emblem of the authority and property of
the United States and is, therefore, a continuing form of protection for that
authority and property. The coat of arms of a Foreign Service post consists of
the obverse of the Coat of Arms of the United States together with the legend
of designation of the post. The normal practice is for the legend to encircle
the facsimile of the seal, but the legend may be a separate plaque. The
approved legends are as follows:
|
Embassy
|
United States of America
|
|
Consulate General
|
United States of America
|
|
Consulate
|
United States of America
|
|
Consular Agency
|
United States of America
|
b. Any coat of arms bearing a legend other than one of
the foregoing is obsolete and should be replaced.
2 FAM 153.1-2 Foreign Language
Legends
(CT:GEN-296; 10-01-1999)
Foreign Service posts are also encouraged, although not
required, to display the legend of the post in the local language, particularly
in countries where the language does not use the Roman alphabet. The legend
should not appear in a language other than English on the coat of arms, but it
may be displayed on a plaque of conservative size and taste in any appropriate
location near the entrance of a building or in some cases near the entrance of
the grounds.
2 FAM 153.2 Coat of Arms Display
2 FAM 153.2-1 Embassy
(CT:GEN-296; 10-01-1999)
The coat of arms of the U.S. embassy is placed, whenever
possible, above the principal entrance of the diplomatic representatives
residence, and the chancery, when it is separate from the residence, unless
such procedure is in conflict with local custom. If aesthetic objectives would
be better served, or if physical difficulties make placing it above the
entrance impractical, the coat of arms may be displayed elsewhere in a location
conspicuous to the public.
2 FAM 153.2-2 Consular Offices
(CT:GEN-296; 10-01-1999)
The coat of arms of the consular office is placed at or
near the entrance to the office, unless specifically prohibited by the laws of
the country.
2 FAM 153.2-3 Combined Offices
(CT:GEN-296; 10-01-1999)
At combined offices, only the coat of arms of the embassy
or post is displayed on the outside of the premises.
2 FAM 153.2-4 Exterior
Ornamentation
(CT:GEN-296; 10-01-1999)
The Coat of Arms of the United States may be used for
exterior ornamentation on diplomatic and consular buildings by means of carved
stone, mosaic insets, bronze plaques, etc.
2 FAM 153.2-5 Interior Display
(CT:GEN-296; 10-01-1999)
At the discretion of the principal officer, the U.S. Coat
of Arms may be displayed in an appropriate interior area, such as a public
reception room.
2 FAM 153.3 Coat of Arms Disposal
(CT:GEN-296; 10-01-1999)
Whenever a post changes status or is abolished, or when
diplomatic relations are broken, coats of arms, which are not permanently
affixed and which can be removed without extensive damage to the building, are
taken down. When a post changes status without disruption of normal functions,
the coat of arms bearing the legend of designation is made available to the
Department for transfer to another post. If conditions warrant, coats of arms
may be destroyed on the premises.
2 FAM 154 FLAGS
2 FAM 154.1 U.S. Flag
(CT:GEN-303; 04-17-2001)
a. Diplomatic missions have the right, under
international law, to display their national flag on the embassy, the ambassadors
office, and the ambassadors residence. Accordingly, chiefs of mission are
responsible to ensure that the national flag is prominently displayed daily,
weather permitting, on or near the building or buildings housing the mission.
b. Consular conventions and international custom
authorize display of the national flag on consular posts. Principal officers
are responsible to ensure that the flag is prominently displayed daily, weather
permitting, on or near the building housing the consular post. Posts
maintaining no staff on regular duty on days the office is closed to business
may limit the daily display of the flag to normal working days and holidays.
c. Posts may refrain from exterior display of the flag
when, in the judgment of the principal officer, local conditions make it
temporarily inadvisable.
2 FAM 154.2 Other Flags
2 FAM 154.2-1 Foreign Service
Flags
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. Foreign Service flags (see 2 FAM Exhibit
154.2) for interior and automobile display have been designated for use by:
(1) Ambassadors and ministers accredited to sovereign
foreign governments as chiefs of U.S. diplomatic missions (embassies);
(2) Chiefs of other Department of State diplomatic
missions (e.g., USUN, USRO);
(3) Accredited diplomatic officers other than the
chief of mission (automobile flag only); and
(4) Consular officers in charge of consular posts.
b. The Foreign Service flag of the principal officer at
a Foreign Service post is displayed, with the U.S. flag, in the office of the
principal officer. The flag of the principal officer also is displayed with
the U.S. flag in the main reception-entrance area at a consular post. The
interior display of flags at Foreign Service posts is prescribed in 2 FAM 154.3-2.
The display of the U.S. flag and Foreign Service flags on automobiles is
prescribed in 2
FAM 154.3-3.
2 FAM 154.2-2 POW and/or MIA Flag
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
The POW and/or MIA flag (see 2 FAM Exhibit
154.2) is the National League of Families POW and/or MIA flag recognized
officially and designated by 36 U.S.C. 189. See 2 FAM 155 for
information on displaying the flag on holidays and other occasions.
2 FAM 154.3 Specifications
2 FAM 154.3-1 Exterior Display
(CT:GEN-303; 04-17-2001)
The U.S. flag regularly flown on the building or grounds
of a Foreign Service post should be 5 x 9 1/2 feet, unless a larger or smaller
flag is desirable because of the size of the staff or the building, or the
location of the staff in the building. The flag flown on holidays may be
larger than that used for regular exterior display.
2 FAM 154.3-2 Flags for Interior
Display
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
U.S. flags and Foreign Service flags for display are 2
feet 11 inches x 5 feet 6 inches in size. Staffs are approximately 8 feet in
height. Both the U.S. flag for display in the office of the chief of mission
and in the main reception entrance to the mission is of extra-fine quality,
with gilt fringe, cords, and tassels; the staff for the U.S. flag is surmounted
with a gilt eagle; and that for the Foreign Service flag with a gilt
spearhead. U.S. flags and Foreign Service flags and their staffs, used for
other interior display, are plain.
2 FAM 154.3-3 Automobile Flags
(CT:GEN-303; 04-17-2001)
U.S. flags and Foreign Service flags for automobile
display are 12 by 18 inches. Staffs are of a length to assure that the flags
fly free from the vehicle. U.S. and Foreign Service flags of different sizes
are never displayed simultaneously.
2 FAM 154.4 Requisitioning
(CT:GEN-303; 04-17-2001)
Requisition from the General Services Administration (GSA)
all U.S. flags and Foreign Service flags, flag staffs, bases, eagles, and
spearheads. Although automobile fender flag staff sets are not stocked by GSA,
GSA will still procure them for post, upon receipt of a FEDSTRIP-coded
requisition. Post may also procure the automobile fender flag set, directly
from a commercial vendor.
2 FAM 155 DISPLAYING FLAGS ON HOLIDAYS
AND OTHER OCCASIONS
2 FAM 155.1 U.S. Holidays
(CT:GEN-303; 04-17-2001)
The U.S. flag is displayed outside, weather permitting, at
Foreign Service posts. Main State and posts must fly the U.S. flag on the
following national holidays and days which have been designated by acts of
Congress or by presidential proclamation as flag days:
|
New Year's Day
|
January 1
|
|
Inauguration Day (every 4th year)
|
January 20
|
|
Martin Luther Kings Birthday*
|
Third Monday in January
|
|
Lincolns Birthday
|
February 12
|
|
Presidents Day
|
Third Monday in February
|
|
Easter Sunday
|
(Variable)
|
|
Mother's Day
|
Second Sunday in May
|
|
Peace Officers Memorial Day
|
May 15
|
|
Armed Forces Day
|
Third Saturday in May
|
|
Memorial Day
|
Last Monday in May
|
|
Flag Day
|
June 14
|
|
Independence Day
|
July 4
|
|
Labor Day
|
First Monday in September
|
|
Patriot Day
|
September 11
|
|
Constitution Day
|
September 17
|
|
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day
|
Variable
|
|
Columbus Day
|
Second Monday in October
|
|
Navy Day
|
October 27
|
|
Veterans Day
|
November 11
|
|
Thanksgiving Day
|
Fourth Thursday in November
|
|
Remembrance of Pearl Harbor
|
December 7
|
|
Christmas Day
|
December 25
|
And in other American Republics on:
|
Pan American Day
|
April 14
|
|
Pan American Aviation Day
|
December 17
|
b. Foreign Service posts also display the U.S. flag on
such other days as the President may proclaim.
c. At the Departments headquarters (Main State, HST
Building), the POW/MIA flag 303; 04-17-2001) is publicly displayed on the
following dates:
2 FAM 155.2 Occasions Other Than
U.S. Holidays
2 FAM 155.2-1 Host Country
Holidays
(CT:GEN-307; 08-14-2003)
a. The U.S. flag may be displayed:
(1) On the local holidays of the country or city in
which a Foreign Service post is located;
(2) When requested by the national or local
authorities;
(3) When required by custom; or
(4) At the discretion of the principal officer.
b. The management officer at each post maintains a list
of such holidays, plus a summary of all other flag days, in a special folder.
2 FAM 155.2-2 Holidays of Other
Sovereign States
(CT:GEN-303; 04-17-2001)
It is sometimes the custom at Foreign Service posts to
display the U.S. flag on the various national holidays of the sovereign states
maintaining missions or consulates in the same city. Verify this by consulting
with the dean of the diplomatic corps, who also may be called upon to furnish
lists of such holidays if the information is not available directly from the
resident representatives of those states.
2 FAM 155.2-3 Other Occasions
(CT:GEN-296; 10-01-1999)
a. The flag is flown daily for 1 month at half-staff
during a period of national mourning, as for the death of the President.
b. At the discretion of the officer in charge, or as
requested by the dean of the diplomatic or consular corps or by local
authorities, the flag may be displayed during the visits of high national or
foreign officials.
c. An especially important use of the flag at Foreign
Service posts may be its prominent display intended to protect U.S. citizens
and property from molestation, as an emblem of authority.
d. The flag may be used to cover a veterans casket at
a funeral. The flag may also be used to cover the casket of a deceased U.S.
citizen Foreign or Civil Service employee pending completion of arrangements
for transportation of the remains or up to the time of burial if burial takes
place at the post.
e. The U.S. flag may be used on vehicles, carried in a
parade, or placed on or near a speakers platform.
2 FAM 155.3 Displaying the U.S.
Flag
(CT:GEN-296; 10-01-1999)
a. When the flag is displayed on a staff, the blue
field is in the position nearest the peak of the staff; on a halyard, the blue
field is uppermost.
b. When the flag is hung vertically over the middle of
the street, the blue field is toward the north in an east and west street, or
toward the east in a north and south street. If the flag is displayed between
a house and a pole at the curb so that it hangs over the sidewalk, the blue
field is toward the pole.
c. When the flag is displayed flat against the wall,
the blue field is the upper left-hand corner as viewed by an audience looking
toward the wall.
d. When displayed in a public auditorium, the flag may
be placed on the speakers platform; if displayed flat, it is above and behind
the speaker, but if displayed from a staff it stands in a position of honor to
the speakers right as when facing the audience. When displayed in a public
auditorium but not on the speakers platform, the flag is placed before and to
the right of the audience.
2 FAM 155.4 Displaying the U.S.
Flag at Half-Staff During a Period of Mourning
2 FAM 155.4-1 State Department
Procedures
(CT:GEN-444; 06-16-2015)
a. The Secretary has delegated to the Assistant
Secretary of State for Administration the authority to decide to lower the
American flag to half-staff in certain instances. Upon the death of a current
or former official, or due to other tragic circumstances, lowering the flag to
half-staff can be initiated in four ways:
(1) Automatically, as specified in the governing
authorities;
(2) By the President;
(3) By the Secretary of State or his or her designee;
or
(4) By a chief of mission abroad;
b. The Assistant Secretary for Administration (A) has
been delegated responsibility for the overall management of this policy and for
notifying all Department of State domestic and overseas locations of the
requirement to display the flag at half-staff under circumstances initiated by
law, by the President, or by the Secretary of State. Chiefs of mission abroad
are delegated authority for events originating at post. The Secretary of
State, Deputy Secretary, and Under Secretary for Management also may exercise
these delegated authorities.
2 FAM 155.4-2 Procedures
Initiated by Law
2 FAM 155.4-2(A) Domestic
Locations
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. In most instances, Presidential Proclamation 3044; 2 FAM 155.6-2,
When Used for Mourning; and 4 U.S.C.7(m) prescribe when and where flags are to
be lowered to half-staff.
b. If the General Services Administration (GSA)
Administrator determines that the Washington metropolitan area should lower
flags, GSA notifies the National Capital Region Administrator, who then
instructs personnel at GSA-leased and U.S. Government-owned buildings to lower
flags to half-staff.
2 FAM 155.4-2(B) Locations
Abroad
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. According to the authorities cited in 2 FAM
155.4-2(A), paragraph a, there is only one instance when our flags overseas
are automatically lowered to half-staff: upon the death of a President or a
former President. In all other instances, the President, the Secretary, or a
designee must specifically direct that the flags overseas be lowered.
b. During normal duty hours, A/OPR will draft a cable,
cleared by A and S/ES-O, instructing posts to lower flags. During off-duty
hours, the DAS for A/OPR or a designee will contact S/ES-O to issue a standard
cable to notify posts.
2 FAM 155.4-3 Procedures
Initiated by the President
2 FAM 155.4-3(A) Domestic
Locations
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. In situations not covered by the authorities cited
in 2 FAM
155.4-2(A), paragraph a, the President can direct the Executive Clerk to
issue a Proclamation or Executive Order stating that flags should be flown at
half-staff. The Proclamation or Executive Order gives the length of time and
the locations where flags are to be lowered and is published in the Federal
Register.
b. The GSA administrator receives a copy of the
Presidents proclamation and determines which of the 10 regions should lower
flags.
c. If the GSA administrator determines that the
Washington metropolitan area should lower flags, GSA notifies the National
Capital Region administrator, who then instructs personnel at GSA-leased and
U.S. Government-owned buildings to lower flags to half-staff.
2 FAM 155.4-3(B) Locations
Abroad
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. During normal duty hours, the Executive Clerk to the
President will phone the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for the Office of
Operations (A/OPR) when overseas flags are to be lowered. She/he will also
send a copy of the Proclamation or Executive Order to the Department. After
duty hours, she/he will call the Operations Center, senior watch officer. The
Operations Center will then contact the DAS for A/OPR or the A bureau duty
officer.
b. During normal duty hours, A/OPR will draft a cable,
cleared by A and S/ES-O, instructing posts to lower flags. During off-duty
hours, the DAS for A/OPR or a designee will contact S/ES-O to issue a standard
cable to notify posts.
2 FAM 155.4-4 Procedures
Initiated by the Secretary
of State
2 FAM 155.4-4(A) Special
Instances
(CT:GEN-444; 06-16-2015)
a. The authorities cited in 2 FAM
155.4-2(A), paragraph a, authorize the heads of the various departments and
agencies of the U.S. Government to direct that the U.S. flag be flown at
half-staff at locations under their control in special instances.
b. When the Secretary of State or the designee
(normally the Assistant Secretary for Administration) determines that the
Departments flags should be flown at half-staff, the Office of the Executive
Secretary will be notified during duty hours, and the senior watch officer will
be notified during off-duty hours.
c. The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS)
for Operations (A/OPR) is then notified by the A Bureau during duty hours, or
S/ES-O during off-duty hours.
d. A/OPR notifies Diplomatic Security to have staff
lower the flags at Department of State controlled buildings.
e. During normal duty hours, A/OPR will draft a cable,
cleared by A, instructing posts to lower flags. During off-duty hours, the DAS
for A/OPR or a designee works with S/ES-O to issue a standard cable to notify
posts.
f. On occasion, flags may be lowered to half-staff in
only one country or a group of countries (i.e., NATO countries). In these
instances, the country desk involved will draft an action memorandum and cable
for approval by the Secretary or the designee, the Assistant Secretary for
Administration, requesting that flags be lowered in the country or group of
countries in question.
2 FAM 155.4-4(B) Cases of
Catastrophic Events
(CT:GEN-444; 06-16-2015)
a. The Department has determined that the flag will be
globally lowered rarely, only in cases of catastrophic events, such as embassy
attacks that result in mass casualties.
b. In the past, Department policy directed chiefs of
mission to lower the flag under very limited circumstances. These were:
(1) Upon issuance of any official proclamation
authorizing flying the flag at half-staff issued by a host country; and
(2) When the principal officer at a Foreign Service
post dies at the post.
c. Individual missions now are directed to lower the
flag in three additional circumstances. These are:
(1) When any employee (regardless of employment
category or nationality) under Chief of Mission Authority at their post is
killed in the line of duty;
(2) When a U.S. citizen is killed by hostile action
directed against the United States (for instance, Peace Corps volunteers,
humanitarian workers, etc.); and
(3) When a local national employed in another U.S.
mission as a third-country national locally employed staff (LE staff) dies in
the line of duty.
d. Flags may be flown at half-staff from the day of
death, for a period of 3 days, or in accordance with recognized customs.
e. The assistant secretary for the respective regional
bureau must be notified through official channels of the name, title, and
circumstances of the individual(s) to be honored when a decision is made by the
chief of mission to bestow this mark of respect at locations abroad.
2 FAM 155.4-5 Procedures
Initiated by the Chief of Mission
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. Upon the issuance of any official proclamation
authorizing flying the flag at half-staff issued by a host country, the chief
of mission is delegated authority to display the U.S. flag at half-staff during
the decreed period of mourning or, if no specific period is prescribed, from
the day of death through the day of interment, as provided in 2 FAM 155.4.
b. When the principal officer of a Foreign Service post
dies at the post, the flag may be flown at half-staff from the day of death
through the day of interment or the day the body begins its journey to another
locality for interment, as provided in 2 FAM 155.6-2,
paragraph e.
c. The Assistant Secretary for Administration must be
notified through official channels of the name, title, and circumstances of the
individual to be honored when a decision is made by post to bestow this mark of
respect at locations abroad.
2 FAM 155.5 Displaying the U.S.
Flag With Other Flags
(CT:GEN-444; 06-16-2015)
a. The only flag or pennant that may be displayed above
the U.S. flag is the church pennant, which is flown above the flag during
divine services aboard a U.S. war vessel.
b. When flown with flags or pennants of non-sovereign
entities, such as cities, states, or clubs, the U.S. flag is above them on a
halyard, at the right of a group of staffs to the viewers left, or otherwise
accorded the honor position. When the flag is displayed to the speakers right
on a platform of a public auditorium, any non-sovereign flag on the platform is
displayed to the speakers left. When the flag is not on the speakers
platform but is displayed before and to the right of the audience, any
non-sovereign flag is displayed before and to the left of the audience.
c. When flown with flags of other sovereign nations,
the U.S. flag is always accorded strict equality; no flag is displayed higher
than any other, and all are of the same size if possible. On U.S. Government
premises, the U.S. flag is accorded the position of honor by being placed first
in the line up (on the left when facing the display) of a group of sovereign
flags, displayed in alphabetical order with a second U.S. flag in the line-up.
However, in a display not on U.S. Government premises, the flag of the host
country may be accorded the honor position among a group of flags of sovereign
nations.
2 FAM 155.6 Care and Protocols of
U.S. Flag
2 FAM 155.6-1 General Care
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. The flag is treated with honor and respect. It is
not displayed in severe stormy weather nor allowed to touch the ground when
being hoisted or lowered. The flag is never used for a costume or as a
draping, nor shall any lettering or other object be placed on it.
b. When not in use, roll the flag on a staff or fold it
into a small triangle with only the blue field showing on the outside. When
the flag is damp, hang it up flat until dry, then roll it on the staff or
properly fold it.
c. Display only clean, undamaged flags. Privately
burn flags that have become torn or badly faded. Posts should maintain a
supply of flags adequate to permit immediate retirement of flags that become
damaged.
d. When diplomatic relations are broken, take care to
ensure that all flags are either carefully packed for shipment or burned before
personnel leave the post.
2 FAM 155.6-2 When Used for
Mourning
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. Show official mourning by displaying the flag at
half-staff. See also 2 FAM Exhibit
155.4-1 on the display of the U.S. flag at half-staff upon the death of
certain officials and former officials.
b. The flag is draped only when a Presidential
declaration of national mourning so provides. A standard parade-size flag on a
staff is draped by attaching at the peak of the staff two streamers of black
crepe, 7 feet long x 12 inches wide, tied in a bow; flags displayed on halyards
or on walls are first raised to the peak then lowered to the half-staff
position; in the evening the flag is raised briefly to the peak before being
lowered.
c. On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff
(but not draped) from sunrise to noon, then at the peak from noon until sunset.
d. When the host government decrees official mourning
upon the death of a head of state or other foreign dignitary, Foreign Service
posts fly the U.S. flag at half-staff during the decreed period of mourning,
or, if no specific period is prescribed, from the day of death through the day
of interment.
e. When the principal officer at a Foreign Service post
dies at the post, the flag may be flown at half-staff from the day of death
through the day of interment or the day the body begins its journey to another
locality for interment.
2 FAM 155.6-3 Covering a Casket
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
When used to cover a casket, place the flag so that the
union is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. The flag is
not lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
2 FAM 155.6-4 Civilian Salute to
the Flag
2 FAM 155.6-4(A) How To Salute
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
A man salutes by removing his hat with his right hand and
holding it over his heart. A woman, or a man without a hat, salutes by placing
the right hand over the heart. A person saluting should stand at attention and
face the object being saluted. While the national anthem is being played and
there is no flag displayed, the salute is rendered toward the music. If a
salute is to be held only momentarily, as in a salute to a flag passing in a
parade or review, a man removes his hat, dips it toward his heart, then
replaces it upon his head.
2 FAM 155.6-4(B) Flag and
National Anthem
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
Civilians salute the U.S. flag while it is being raised or
lowered, or while it is passing in parade or review. They salute while the
national anthem is being played, whether in the presence of the flag or not.
However, render salutes to the flag and the national anthem only out-of-doors.
Indoors, one should stand at attention while the anthem is played or sung.
2 FAM 155.6-4(C) Naval Vessels,
Honor Guards, and Reviews
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
Civilians salute the flag when boarding a naval vessel and
when leaving it, and they return the salute of the honor guard, if any. These
are momentary salutes, as are the many rendered by civilians reviewing troops.
2 FAM 155.6-4(D) Saluting Flags
and National Anthems of Other Nations
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
Members of the Foreign Service salute the flags and
national anthems of other nations under the same circumstances and in the same
manner as prescribed for saluting the U.S. flag and national anthem.
2 FAM 155.6-4(E) Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag
(CT:GEN-368; 03-01-2010)
a. Congress has designated the following pledge of
allegiance to the flag:
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United
States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under
God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
b. Civilians render the pledge the same way as saluting
the U.S. flag (2 FAM 155.6-4(A).
Persons in uniform render the military salute.
2 FAM 155.7 Interior Display of
Flags at Foreign Service Posts
2 FAM 155.7-1 Office of Principal
Officer
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. The U.S. flag is displayed at a mission with the
Foreign Service flag of the chief of mission, and at a consular office with the
flag for consular officers. The U.S. flag is displayed on a staff to the right
(officers right) of the desk of the principal officer, and the Foreign Service
flag on a staff of equal height to the left of the desk.
b. At combined posts, the U.S. flag and the flag for
consular officers may be displayed in the office of the officer in charge of
the consular section.
2 FAM 155.7-2 Missions Main
Reception Entrance
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
The U.S. flag and the Foreign Service flag of the chief of
mission are displayed on staffs of equal height in the main reception entrance
of the mission. The U.S. flag is displayed to the left and the Foreign Service
flag to the right of a person entering the building.
2 FAM 155.7-3 Consular Offices
Public Waiting Room
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
Display the U.S. flag and the consular officer flag on
staffs of equal height in the main public waiting-room area at a consular
post. Display the U.S. flag at the right (waiting audiences right) front of
the room, as determined by the arrangement of waiting-room seating facilities,
and the consular flag to the left front of the room.
2 FAM 155.7-4 Other Areas and
Offices at Foreign Service Posts
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. Display the U.S. flag on a staff in any room or
office within a Foreign Service post in which the administration of oaths is a
regularly performed function.
b. Posts may display the U.S. flag in any office,
reception, or waiting room, or other area within a Foreign Service post where
its display is considered by the principal officer to be appropriate to the
room or area.
2 FAM 155.8 Displaying the U.S.
Flag and Officers Flag on Automobiles
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
a. Both the U.S. flag and the Foreign Service flag of
the principal officer may be displayed on the automobile used by the principal
officer on official business, including attendance at ceremonial functions and
on official travel in the country or consular district of assignment. As a
general rule, the principal officer follows the clear dictates of established
local custom in determining whether and when flags are to be displayed on the
automobile, except when an emergency situation may warrant their display for
reasons of personal safety.
b. At missions, the chief of mission, in the chief of
missions discretion and following the clear dictates of established local
custom, may prescribe the display of the U.S. flag and the diplomatic officers
automobile flag on vehicles occupied by officers of the chief of missions
staff when, representing the chief of mission, they attend important ceremonial
or other official functions. Such display of automobile flags may also be
determined by the chief of mission to be warranted in circumstances of
emergency for reasons of personal safety.
c. For automobile display, the U.S. flag is flown from
a staff affixed to the right front fender or the right side of the front bumper
of the vehicle. The Foreign Service flag is flown from the left front fender
or the left side of the front bumper. When the principal officer does not
occupy the vehicle, the flags are either removed from the vehicle or rolled and
hooded on their staffs.
2 FAM 156 THROUGH 159 UNASSIGNED
2 FAM Exhibit 155.4-1
PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATIONS ON FLAG DISPLAY
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION 3044
Display of the Flag of the United States of America at
Half-Staff Upon the Death of Certain Officials and Former Officials
WHEREAS it is appropriate that the flag of the United States
of America be flown at half-staff on Federal Buildings, grounds, and facilities
upon the death of principal officials of the Government of the United States
and the Governors of the States, Territories, and possessions of the United
States as a mark of respect to their memory; and
WHEREAS it is desirable that rules be prescribed for the
uniform observance of this mark of respect by all executive departments and
agencies of the Government, and as a guide to the people of the Nation
generally on such occasions;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, President of the
United States of America and Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the
United States, do hereby prescribe and proclaim the following rules with
respect to the display of the flag of the United States of America at
half-staff upon the death of the officials hereinafter designated:
1. The flag of the United States shall be flown at
half-staff on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels of the Federal
Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its
Territories and possessions for the period indicated upon the death of any of
the following- designated officials or former officials of the United States:
(a) The President or a former President: for thirty
days from the day of death.
The flag shall also be flown at half-staff for such period
at all United States embassies, legations, and other facilities abroad,
including military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
(b) The Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired
Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of
Representatives: for 10 days from the day of death.
(c) An Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a member
of the Cabinet, a former Vice-President, the Secretary of the Army, the
Secretary of the Navy, or the Secretary of the Air Force: from the day of
death until interment.
2. The flag of the United States shall be flown at
half-staff on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels of the Federal Government
in the metropolitan area of the District of Columbia on the day of death and on
the following day upon the death of a United States Senator, Representative,
Territorial Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, and it shall also be flown at half-staff on all buildings,
grounds, and naval vessels of the Federal Government in the State,
Congressional District, Territory, or Commonwealth of such Senator,
Representative, Delegate, or Commissioner, respectively, from the day of death
until interment.
3. The flag of the United States shall be flown at
half-staff on all buildings and grounds of the Federal Government in a State,
Territory, or possession of the United States upon the death of the Governor of
such State, Territory, or possession from the day of death until interment.
4. In the event of the death of other officials,
former officials, or foreign dignitaries, the flag of the United States shall
be displayed at half-staff in accordance with such orders or instructions as
may be issued by or at the direction of the President, or in accordance with
recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law.
5. The heads of the several departments and agencies
of the Government may direct that the flag of the United States be flown at
half-staff on buildings, grounds, or naval vessels under their jurisdiction on
occasions other than those specified herein which they consider proper, and
that suitable military honors be rendered as appropriate.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington this 1st day of
March in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty four, and the
Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and
seventy-eighth.
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
By the President:
Walter B. Smith
Acting Secretary of State
36 U.S.C. 175
PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION 3948
Amending Proclamation No. 3044 With Respect to Display of
The Flag of the United States of America at Half-Staff Upon the Death of
Certain Officials and Former Officials
By the President of The United States
A Proclamation
I, RICHARD NIXON, President of the United States of
America and Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the United States, do hereby
proclaim that Proclamation No. 3044 of March 1, 1954, prescribing rules with
respect to the display of the flag of the United States of America at
half-staff upon the death of certain officials, is amended by substituting for
subsection (c) of section 1 thereof the following:
(c) An Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a
member of the Cabinet, a former Vice President, the President pro tempore of
the Senate, the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the
Senate, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, or the Minority
Leader of the House of Representatives: from the day of death until
interment.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
this twelfth day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-nine,
and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and
ninety fourth.
/s/ RICHARD NIXON
36 U.S.C. 176
2 FAM Exhibit 154.2
FOREIGN SERVICE FLAGS
(CT:GEN-344; 08-26-2008)
CHIEF OF DIPLOMATIC MISSION FLAG
a. This flag is for the use of chiefs of Department of
State diplomatic missions other than those accredited to sovereign foreign
governments (e.g., USUN, USRO, NATO, etc.).
b. The design consists of a white background bearing
the Seal of the United States set in the center and encircled by 13 blue stars.
c. This flag may be used for interior and automobile
display.
AMBASSADORS OR MINISTERS FLAG
a. This flag is for the use of ambassadors and
ministers accredited to sovereign foreign governments as chiefs of U.S. diplomatic
missions (embassies and legations).
b. The design consists of a blue background bearing the
U.S. Seal set in a white circle in the center and encircled by 13 white stars.
c. This flag may be used for interior and automobile
display.
DIPLOMATIC OFFICERS FLAG
a. This flag is for the use of diplomatic officers
other than the chief of mission.
b. The design consists of a blue background bearing
encircled by 13 white stars set in the center.
c. This flag may be used for automobile display only.
CONSULAR FLAG
a. This flag is for the use of consular officers in
charge of consular posts.
b. The design consists of a blue background bearing the
letter C in white in the center encircled by 13 white stars.
c. This flag may be used for interior and automobile
display.
POW/MIA FLAG
a. The POW-MIA States flag is the one prescribed by
legislation.
b. This flag is used for exterior display.