The Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance has provided explanations regarding the use of the State Flag of Ukraine — how to handle damaged flags and which actions may result in a fine, reports UNN.
Details
The Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance published recommended procedures for the use, placement, storage, explanation and handling of the State Flag of Ukraine during official, state, commemorative, memorial, cultural and educational, and other public events.
The main rules for using the State Flag of Ukraine:
1. When displayed in Ukraine among other flags, the State Flag must occupy the first and most honorable place. It is displayed either higher than all others or, in the front line of other flags, on the right heraldic side (the viewer’s left). The flags must be of the same or comparable size and be in proper physical condition.
2. During ceremonies, the State Flag is placed to the right of the podium; if the Flag is displayed from the audience’s side, it occupies the right-hand side facing those present. During official events, the Flag must not be positioned so that it is obscured by decorations, banners, screens, furniture or other objects.
3. In processions, the State Flag is carried in front of the other flags or to their right.
4. During ceremonies, a damaged, dirty, faded or otherwise impaired Flag may not be displayed.
5. The State Flag is raised on a flagpole accompanied by the National Anthem of Ukraine. At this time, all those present stand respectfully facing the Flag.
6. During the performance of the national anthem of Ukraine, Ukrainian citizens look at the Flag. In its absence, they look straight ahead. Placing the right hand on the left side of the chest (over the heart) is recommended as a ceremonial gesture of respect.
7. When displayed, the fabric of the State Flag must not touch the ground, floor or other surfaces.
8. On days of mourning, the State Flag of Ukraine with a black mourning ribbon is flown at half-mast (lowered).
9. Objects, emblems, decorations, inscriptions and the like may not be placed on the State Flag used in ceremonies, except in cases provided for by the ceremonial protocol.
10. A non-public Flag Burial Ceremony is conducted for obsolete and damaged flags. It involves separating the two stripes (and thus turning the flag into two separate single-color pieces of fabric) and burning them.
11. The State Flag may not be used as an ordinary decorative element in the form of a drawing in unauthorized places, as a curtain or tablecloth, or as an item that diminishes its symbolic significance.
12. Under Article 338 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, public desecration of the State Flag of Ukraine is punishable by a fine or probationary supervision for a term of up to three years, or imprisonment for the same term. Desecration may include, in particular, the public destruction or damage of the flag (coat of arms) by burning, breaking, painting on it, placing offensive inscriptions on the flag, maliciously caricaturing the coat of arms or anthem, and so on.
In addition, the Institute of National Remembrance explained how to use the State Flag of Ukraine in military burial sections:
- as a sign of respect for fallen defenders — ensure that all flagpoles are of the same height;
- monitor the condition of the State Flags. In the event of damage, replace them promptly;
- do not throw obsolete State Flag fabric into the trash. Initiate the installation of special boxes in cemeteries for placing obsolete or damaged flags;
- particularly valuable examples of the State Flag of Ukraine must not be disposed of if damaged, but instead transferred for safekeeping to museum institutions;
- if the Flag is used to cover a coffin, it is removed after the ceremony, folded and handed over to the designated persons in accordance with the established procedure.
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