Overhills High School – JROTC partners with local Elementary Schools

Writer – OHS, PAO C/1LT Isabella McIver

Photographer –

Overhills High School Army JROTC recently participated in mentoring Anderson Creek Primary and South Harnett Elementary School, instructing them on proper flag protocols. The day culminated with a lesson on how to properly display and store the flag.

There are several traditions and customs associated with the American flag, including how to display it, how to salute it, and how to honor it.

Display:

● The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
● The flag should be displayed on national holidays.
● The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset, unless it’s illuminated.
● The flag should never touch the ground.
● The flag should be stored carefully so it doesn’t get dirty or torn.

Salute:

● Salute the flag when it’s raised or lowered.
● Salute the flag when it passes during a parade.
● Stand at attention and face the flag when the national anthem is played.
● Place your right hand over your heart when saluting the flag or saying the pledge of allegiance.

Honor:

● Display the flag at half-mast on Memorial Day until noon, then hoist it to the top of the staff.
● Destroy old flags in a dignified way, preferably by burning them.
● Display the flag on all national holidays.

Other traditions:

● The flag is flown from flagpoles, flagstaffs, or other structures.
● The flag should never be used as clothing or bedding.
● The flag should never be flown upside down, except as a signal of distress.

The Overhills JROTC program is led by Major (R) Lex McClain, Command Sergeant Major (R) Cedric Thomas and First Sergeant (R) Jeffery Campbell.