U.S. Flag Test

How much do you know about the U.S. flag and how to properly display and care for it? Take this test. Answers are at the end.

1. On whose authority shall the US flag be flown at half-staff?
a. Either the President or the Governor of a state, possession or territory
b. The University President
c. Any elected state official
d. Both a and c

2. How long is the US flag to be flown at half-staff upon the death of President or former President?
a. 30 days
b. 2 weeks
c. 90 days
d. State discretion

3. Can you wear the US flag like a shawl?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Yes, with proper approval
d. Yes, if you are a citizen

4. How do you half-mast the US flag?
a. It is raised slowly to the half-mast position
b. It is raised briskly to the half-mast position
c. It is briskly hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered ceremoniously to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised briskly to the peak before it lowered ceremoniously for the day
d. It is raised slowly to the half-mast position precisely at noon

5. How do you fly the US flag on Memorial Day?
a. It is raised to half-mast at noon and then lowered at dusk
b. It is flown at half-mast until noon when it is raised to the peak
c. It is flown at half-mast until dusk when it is briskly lowered
d. It is not flown at half-mast on Memorial Day

6. When can another flag or pennant may be flown above the US flag?
a. During church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for personnel of the Navy
b. It is never allowed
c. When an American vessel has been captured the capturing forces fly our flag below their flag
d. In time of distress



7. When is the US flag flown upside down?
a. As a signal of distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property
b. During a lawful protest
c. When an elected official has been assassinated
d. Never

8. Do you have to destroy a US flag if it touches the ground?
a. No
b. Yes
c. Yes—if the ground is wet
d. Yes—if it is not an all purpose flag

9. Is the US flag ever lowered into the ground when it is used to cover a casket?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Yes—and it is then retrieved, folded, and given to the next of kin
d. Yes—always. It is standard practice at military funerals

10. Can you display the US flag at night?
a. Yes—if it is properly illuminated
b. Yes—if there are other flags in the area that are being displayed
c. Yes—it’s your flag. Do what you want with it
d. Yes—if it has gold fringe

11. How is the US flag hoisted (raised)?
a. Slowly
b. By uniformed military personnel
c. Briskly
d. Only to reveille

12. How is the US flag lowered?
a. Briskly
b. Ceremoniously
c. By uniformed military personnel
d. To music





(Answers: 1a; 2a; 3b; 4c; 5b; 6a; 7a; 8a; 9b; 10a; 11c; 12b)