There is a persistent myth concerning the Texas state flag. It is frequently repeated in schools, veterans organizations, civic groups, and conversations about flag protocol.
Whose Rules Apply When a Color Guard Visits?
I was sent a message recently asking for guidance for presenting the colors in a very specific situation.
The POW/MIA Flag, the States Flag, and the Difference Between Protocol and Law
When a Texas municipality asks which flag belongs beneath the American flag, the answer must begin with the governing authority, not organizational preference. The DrillMaster | October 22, 2026 A Texas firefighter recently contacted me with a flag-display question. His city had purchased POW/MIA flags for its facilities, but the fire station had only one flagpole. The United States and …
The Difference Between Land and Sea Services and Carrying State Colors
A realization finally clicked for me while responding to a Navy JROTC color guard issue.
The team presented the colors with the National Color, the state flag, and the Navy departmental flag. On the surface, many people would look at that and think, “That seems reasonable. National, state, service. What is the problem?” The problem is not simply the order of precedence. The problem is authority.
One Casket, One Flag: Do Not Combine Flags
I recently saw an image of a casket with the U.S. flag and the Texas flag folded in half and laid on top together. That is not a minor mistake. It’s a complete breakdown of ceremonial understanding.
The Flag Detail’s Job is at the Flagpole
There is a misunderstanding that keeps showing up in morning colors and evening colors ceremonies: people see a flag being raised or lowered and folded, and an immediately thought is that the Flag Detail is a color guard, the flag fold is exactly like a funeral honors team, or that the ceremony can take place at a better position for all to see.
Image Analysis: Indoor Navy Flag Displays
Yesterday’s article had two photos of incorrect Navy Flag displays. This article goes in-depth to explain what the issues are for both.
Affiliation Is Not Authority: Who Gets to Carry Service Colors?
I get this question fairly regularly. What flags should we carry in the upcoming parade?
When Not Displaying the Flag Is the Right Call
Every year, as motorcycle season ramps up and public events increase, more people display the American flag on vehicles, apparatus, and equipment. The intent is almost always honorable.
The execution, however, is often incorrect.
How Cadet Programs Should Interpret Drill and Ceremonies Regulations
This is an extension of yesterday’s article and is geared for cadets.