NW LEGION RIDERS GROUP <<<<<<<<<<<
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OREGON AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS
FLAG LINES & FUNERAL ESCORTS
General Information
Flag lines that are set up at Willamette National Memorial Cemetery, prior to the arrival of the escort, are generally arranged through Patriot Guard. The Patriot Guard Riders require notification from a family member or designated representative to initiate the process and will require a copy of the Veteran’s discharge papers. Flag lines for funerals, memorials, celebrations of life, or events are set up by a local group, in our case, American Legion Riders. Respectful attire should be encouraged. Phones on silent.
Flag Line Etiquette
Number one rule is the American Flag, “Old Glory,” always stands a few inches higher than the other flags or banners and she always stands straight and never dips or touches the ground. The only other flag that never dips is the POW/MIA, KIA flag or banner.
The American flag should always be at least 2” taller than any other flag or banner in the flag line. Adjustable poles make this possible.
Flag Line Etiquette
Number one rule is the American Flag, “Old Glory,” always stands a few inches higher than the other flags or banners and she always stands straight and never dips or touches the ground. The only other flag that never dips is the POW/MIA, KIA flag or banner.
The American flag should always be at least 2” taller than any other flag or banner in the flag line. Adjustable poles make this possible.
If other flags or banners are being presented at a flag line, they are held straight up until the call “present arms” at which time they extend at a 45 degree angle. Again, the American Flag remains upright but is held extended straight out in front of the holder. When the call to “order arms” is made, all flags and banners return to the holder’s right side and remain upright until the flag line is disbanded.
The order for multiple service flags should be followed: Facing the flag line American, POW/MIA, KIA, Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, Merchant Marines.
By comparing the height of the flag poles prior to setting the flag line it will make the presentation more professional. Poles that are tall enough to stand on the ground should be the same height for the American flags and at least 2” shorter for the service flags and banners. Shorter poles that are hand held should not be held taller than the other poles, nor should they be set in the holder’s pocket and allowed to dip in any direction. This often happens with the shorter, thin telescopic poles.
Those holders that performed these duties in the military often hold their flag poles high in the air. This is not the proper presentation in these flag lines.
If there is an Honor Guard present, the flag line leader will follow the Honor Guard’s lead. In the event the Riders join a Patriot Guard (PGR) flag line they will follow the Ride Captain from the PGR.
In the case where the Riders are the lead group of a flag line, the calls to arms and order arms may come from the ALR Ride Captain of the escort or the host ALR Chapter. In this case, the Riders should present arms at the first note of Taps and hold until the end.
When standing a flag line at a funeral where there is a casket or urn, the Riders should present arms when the Veteran passes from the hearse or car to the memorial site and again when the Veteran is removed to the hearse or car for internment. Hold the line until the Veteran passes from view.
It is considered disrespectful to the Veteran and the family for the Riders to disband their flag line before the Veteran has left the memorial. It can also be very disturbing to the family to have motorcycles start up during a memorial. If Riders need to leave prior to the conclusion of the ceremony they should consider parking far enough away so that they can leave quietly.
Funeral Escorts
Funeral Escorts can be set up in house or through Post 58, Robert Lemke or Charles McCarthy. Unless a Post is arranging for a professional escort service or police escort, they should be properly educated on the legal procedures or request assistance in organizing and routing the escort.
Within city limits, it is legal for vehicles in a funeral procession to continue through an intersection that has a traffic control signal or sign, only if traffic permits and it is safe to proceed. None of our vehicles have the right to block or impede traffic flow to allow the procession to proceed. If the escort includes law enforcement, they will control the oncoming or cross traffic.
All vehicles in the funeral procession should have their headlights and emergency flashers on to alert other drivers. This will not prevent other drivers from attempting to enter the procession from on ramps or in an effort to access an off ramp. Long stretches between vehicles allows for other drivers to cut in and out of the procession. The group leader should advise all drivers to be aware and keep up with the other vehicles which will reduce this from happening.
Riding with inexperienced group riders can be a challenge. The Road Captain should be familiar with the route, road conditions, weather and potential hazards. Any areas of concern should be clearly explained in the briefing, prior to departure.
Motorcycles should ride staggered and not side by side. On single lane, narrow roadways riders should ride single file.
Riders should leave a minimum of 1.5 bike lengths between motorcycles.
Riders should be familiar with universal hand signals (attached). When the rider in front signals that alert should be passed back by each and every rider. This is vital when traveling with a large group that does not ride together on a regular basis.
If the escort has a rider that is carrying the cremains of a Veteran they are charged with the care and control from receipt until transferring custody. At no time should the cremains be left unattended.
For more information:
Robert “Bob” Lemke Post58ALR@gmail.com (503) 507-7897
Charlie McCarthy winchman53@gmail.com (541) 510-7582
General Provisions and Definitions for Oregon Vehicle Code
“Funeral escort vehicle”
- “funeral lead vehicle”
- “funeral procession”
Prohibitions on number and kind of lights for certain vehicles
