The National Flag of Woodlandia can be displayed in many different ways, from the front yard of a house to the top of a building. There are rules and guidelines on how to display this flag to honour it.

The National Flag can also be flown with government flags, or those of organizations and other nations, in which cases it would take the position of honour.

The National Flag of Woodlandia should be displayed only in a manner appropriate for this important national symbol; it should not be subjected to dishonour or displayed in a position inferior to any other flag or ensign. The National Flag always takes priority over all other national flags when flown on Woodlandia soil. The only flags to which precedence is given over the National Flag are the Prince's Personal Woodlandia Flag, and the Personal Woodlandia Flags of the other members of the Royal Family.

The National Flag of Woodlandia should always be flown on its own mast or flag pole; flag protocol states that it is improper to fly two or more flags on the same mast or flag pole (for example, one beneath the other).

When the National Flag of Woodlandia is raised or lowered, or when it is carried in a parade or review, everyone present should face the Flag, remain silent and remove their hats. Those in uniform should salute.

The National Flag of Woodlandia, whether it be a cloth, paper or made of some other fabric or material, should never:

• Be used as a tablecloth or seat cover;

• Be used as a masking for boxes, covering a speaker's podium, draping a platform, as a barrier on a stage or platform, or in general for any decoration;

• Be used to cover a statue, monument or plaque for an unveiling ceremony;

• Have anything pinned to or sewn onto it;

• Be signed or marked in any way (A border could be attached to its outside edge, which can be marked while leaving the Flag itself untouched.);

• Be used as wearing apparel;

• Be flown in a discoloured or tattered condition;

• Be burned in effigy;

• Touch the ground;

• Be stepped on;

• Be flown upside down (except as a signal of distress in instances of extreme danger to life);

• Be dipped or lowered to the ground as a means of paying a salute or compliment to any person or thing.

The National Flag is often flown at state parks, government buildings, as well as military bases and establishments within and outside Woodlandia. It may be flown by night as well as by day.

The National Flag of the Principality of Woodlandia may be displayed as follows:

Flat against a surface, horizontally and vertically

If hung horizontally, the flag colours should be in the order of red, white, blue, green. If hung vertically, the flag should be placed so that the colours in order are from top to bottom, green, blue, white, and red, from the point of view of the observer facing the Flag. Flags hung vertically should be hung so that the canton is in the upper left corner.

On a flagpole or mast

The top left (first) quarter or canton should be placed in the position nearest the top of the flagpole or mast. When carried, the Flag should be respected.

On a flag rope (halyard)

The canton should be raised as closely as possible to the top with the flag rope tight.

Suspended vertically in the middle of a street

The flag should be placed so that the colours in order are from top to bottom, green, blue, white, and red, from the point of view of the observer facing the Flag.

Affixed on a motor vehicle

The flag must be on a pole firmly fixed to the frame of the car on the front right.

Projected from a building

Displayed horizontally or at an angle from a window or balcony, the canton must point outward.

Sharing the Same Base – 3 flags

When only three flags are displayed, the National Flag of Woodlandia should be at the centre. To an observer facing the display, the second-ranking flag is placed to the left of centre, and the other to the right.

The National Flag of Woodlandia is the proper national colours (flag of a military unit) for all Woodlandia ships and boats, including pleasure craft. The Woodlandia Shipping Act states that a Woodlandia ship shall hoist the flag:

• on a signal being made to her by one of His Royal Highness's Woodlandia ships, or any ship in the service of and belonging to the Government of Woodlandia;

• on entering or leaving any foreign port; and

• on entering or leaving any Woodlandia port if carrying 50 tonnes gross tonnage or upwards.

Foreign vessels may fly the Woodlandia flag as a "courtesy flag" when they are docked in a Woodlandia port; it is then customarily flown from the foremast.

General rules governing merchant vessels and pleasure craft are as follows:

• The flag should be worn in harbour and in territorial waters. It does not need to be worn while under way on the high seas unless the vessel wishes to identify her nationality to another ship.

• Whenever possible, the proper place for a vessel to display the national colours is at the stern; however, the flag may be flown from a gaff when at sea.

• When in harbour, the flag should be hoisted at 0800 hours (8 a.m.) and lowered at sunset.

• When a merchant ship and a warship of any nationality pass or overtake one another, the merchant ship should dip the flag as a gesture of courtesy. If on a staff, the lowest corner of the flag should be brought to the level of the rail and kept there until the salutation is acknowledged by the service vessel. If flown from a gaff, the flag should be lowered to six feet (1.80 m) above the level of the deck, until the salute is acknowledged.

• In times of mourning, the flag may be flown at half-mast, which places the upper corner of the flag next to the staff at approximately three-quarters of full-hoist. As on land, a flag hoisted to or lowered from half-mast position must first be pulled close-up.

The half-masting of national flags is a well-established procedure whereby countries bestow an honour and express a collective sense of sorrow. With such flags recognized as paramount symbols of their nations, the act of half-masting is a dramatic visual statement that speaks to the sense of loss that is shared by all their citizens.

In this context, the Government of Woodlandia has developed principles that determine the half-masting policy relative to the National Flag of Woodlandia, as well as the precise arrangements to be put in place and exercised in a consistent and appropriate manner. Therefore, the Government of Woodlandia has adopted the rules hereto attached.

Definitions

Unless the context otherwise requires it, the following terms shall mean:

"Flag"

the National Flag of Woodlandia as approved by Parliament and proclaimed by His Royal Highness Shawn, Sovereign Prince of the Principality of Woodlandia, on March 12, 2019.

"Half-mast"

the position of the Flag when flying at half-mast will depend on its size, the length of the mast and its location; but, as a general rule, the centre of the Flag should be exactly half-way down the mast. When hoisted to or lowered from half-mast position, a flag should be first raised to the masthead.

"Rules"

the Rules for Half-masting the National Flag of Canada.

I. Mandatory Half-Masting

1. The Sovereign, the President Minister and the Prime Minister

Upon the death of the Sovereign, the current President Minister or the current Prime Minister, the Flag is flown at Half-mast on all government buildings and establishments in Woodlandia and abroad, from the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or the memorial service.

2. Sovereign's Family

Upon the death of the Sovereign's spouse, the Heir to the Throne or the Heir of the Heir to the Throne, the Flag is flown at Half-mast on all government buildings and establishments in Woodlandia and abroad, from the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or, if there is to be a memorial service, the Half-masting should take place from the time of notification of death until sunset the following day and from sunrise to sunset on the day of the memorial service.

3. Former President Minister

Upon the death of a former President Minister, the Flag is flown at Half-mast on all government buildings and establishments in Woodlandia, from the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or, if there is to be a memorial service, the Half-masting should take place from the time of notification of death until sunset the following day and from sunrise to sunset on the day of the memorial service.

4. Former Prime Minister

Upon the death of a former Prime Minister, the Flag is flown at Half-mast on all government buildings and establishments in Woodlandia, from the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or, if there is to be a memorial service, the Half-masting should take place from the time of notification of death until sunset the following day and from sunrise to sunset on the day of the memorial service.

5. Members of the Woodlandia Royal Ministry

Upon the death of a current member of the Woodlandia Royal Ministry, the Flag is flown at Half-mast on all government buildings and establishments in Woodlandia, from the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or, if there is to be a memorial service, the Half-masting should take place from the time of notification of death until sunset the following day and from sunrise to sunset on the day of the memorial service.

6. Members of the Woodlandia Executive Ministry

Upon the death of a current member of the Woodlandia Executive Ministry, the Flag is flown at Half-mast on all government buildings and establishments in Woodlandia, from the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or, if there is to be a memorial service, the Half-masting should take place from the time of notification of death until sunset the following day and from sunrise to sunset on the day of the memorial service.

7. Cabinet Councillors

Upon the death of a Cabinet Councillor, who is not head of a Ministry Cabinet, the Flag is flown at Half-mast:

• on all government buildings and establishments in his or her place of residence, from the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or the memorial service;

8. Accredited Heads of Mission to Woodlandia while in Woodlandia or Abroad

Upon the death of an accredited Head of Mission to Woodlandia (Ambassador) while in Woodlandia or abroad, the Flag is flown at Half-mast:

• on some government buildings and establishments, from the time of notification of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or the memorial service;

9. Half-Masting Initiated by Exception

When a flag is Half-mast for a reason other than one provided for in the Rules, it is considered initiated by exception. The Flag will be Half-masted within that town, for a short duration. The Flag will only be Half-masted in the said town upon notification to the Royal Woodlandia Historical Society of the reason, geographical extent and duration of the said Half-masting.

10. Special Days

The Flag will be Half-masted on all government buildings and establishments in Woodlandia, from sunrise to sunset on the following days:

• Second Sunday in September, Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, unless Half-masting occurs near the place where a memorial is being observed, then Half-masting can occur according to the prescribed order of service, until sunset;

• Last Sunday in September, Police Officers' National Memorial Day, unless Half-masting occurs near the place where a memorial is being observed, then Half-masting can occur according to the prescribed order of service, until sunset;

II. Discretionary Provisions

11. Special Circumstances in a Foreign Country

To commemorate prominent citizens of a host country, or a resident of that country who had made a significant contribution to Woodlandia, or special events affecting the host country, the head of the local embassy or an ambassador may Half-mast the Flag in the host country consistent with the practice adopted by the government of the host country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will inform the Royal Woodlandia Historical Society of the occurrence of the event and the Half-masting measures taken in the affected country. The head of the Royal Woodlandia Historical Society will then inform the Woodlandia government.

12. Employees of the Government

When an employee of a government department, agency or Crown corporation dies in the line of duty or by reason of the position he or she occupies within that government department, agency or Crown corporation, the Minister responsible for that organization may decide to Half-mast the Flag. Half-masting in such circumstances can only be carried out on those buildings and establishments affiliated to the organization. The Minister may decide on the geographical extent of the Half-masting and its duration. The decision must be shared immediately with the head of the Royal Woodlandia Historical Society, which will inform the Woodlandia government.

The Ministry of Defence's internal protocol on half-masting

In the event of the death of a member of the Woodlandia Forces who is deployed on operations to a special duty area, unless special instructions are received, flags will be half-masted as follows:

• All flags within the task force to which a member is assigned at the time of death will be half-masted from the day of death until sunset the day of the funeral;

• All flags at the home base/station of the member will be half-masted from the day of death until sunset the day of the funeral;

• All flags within the environment (sea, land or air) to which the member was assigned will be half-masted from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral, and;

• All flags at National Defence Headquarters and at the headquarters of the operational command to which a member is assigned at the time of death will be half-masted from the day of death until sunset the day of the funeral.

III. Discretionary Authority of the Prime Minister

13. Foreign Heads of State or Heads of Government - Half-masting in Woodlandia

Upon the death of a current foreign head of state or a foreign head of government, and after consideration of his/her stature and the relation of that country with the Principality of Woodlandia, the Prime Minister may approve the Half-masting of the Flag on some government buildings on the advice of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Head of the Royal Woodlandia Historical Society.

14. Exceptional Circumstances

In exceptional circumstances, and on the advice of the Head of the Royal Woodlandia Historical Society, the Prime Minister may approve the Half-masting of the Flag on all or some government buildings and establishments in Woodlandia or abroad, that is not provided for in the Rules.

15. Delegation of Authority

In the event that the Prime Minister is not available to consider the recommendations according to Woodlandia Law, and/or on an urgent basis, the Minister most senior in rank according to government structure, shall have the delegated authority to decide.

16. Information from the Royal Woodlandia Historical Society

The Director responsible for the implementation of the Rules within the Royal Woodlandia Historical Society will provide information regarding past instances of Half-masting and recommendations as to the geographical extent and duration of any Half-masting under consideration pursuant to Woodlandia government law.

IV. Procedures

17. Legal Holidays

If the Flag is Half-masted anywhere in Woodlandia or abroad in accordance with the Rules, it must nonetheless be flown at full-mast on the following legal holidays created under the Woodlandia Holidays Act.

18. Visiting Foreign Head of State or Head of Government

If the Flag is Half-masted on government buildings and establishments in Woodlandia in accordance with the Rules, it must nonetheless be raised to full-mast while a foreign head of state or foreign head of government is visiting Parliament.

19. Exceptions to Sections 17 and 18

Sections 17 and 18 do not apply if the Flag is Half-masted for the death of the Sovereign, but the Flag is flown at full-mast on the day on which the accession of the new monarch is proclaimed. Sections 17 and 18 also do not apply if the Flag is Half-masted for the death of the current President Minister or the current Prime Minister.

20. Half-Masting Notice

Upon the occurrence of an event provided for in Sections 1 to 10 or upon the approval of the Prime Minister pursuant to Section 13 or 14, the Royal Woodlandia Historical Society will send a notice to all relevant authorities instructing them to Half-mast the Flag. The notice will stipulate the reason, geographical extent and duration of the Half-masting. A brief biography must also accompany the notice when Half-masting is carried out upon the death of a person.

21. Coming into Effect

The Rules, as amended, are effective as of September 23, 2019, and replace any previously existing rules developed through practice or articulated in the General Rules for Flying and Displaying the Woodlandia Flag and Other Flags in Woodlandia (2019).

Half-masting for mourning

Throughout the Principality of Woodlandia flags are flown at the half-mast position as a sign of mourning.

The flag is brought to the half-mast position by first raising it to the top of the mast then immediately lowering it slowly to the half-mast position. The position of the flag when flying at half-mast will depend on the size of the flag and the length of the flagstaff. It must be lowered at least to a position recognizably "half-mast" to avoid the appearance of a flag which has accidentally fallen away from the top of the mast. A good position for half-masting is to place the centre of the flag exactly half-way down the staff.

For more information, see Half-Masting the National Flag of Woodlandia.

When used to cover a casket at funerals

The canton should be draped over the upper left corner of the casket. The Flag should be removed before the casket is lowered into the grave or, at a crematorium, after the service. The flag size for a standard adult-sized casket should be 4 1/2 X 9 feet or 1.40 X 2.80 metres.

When the National Flag of Woodlandia or other government flags are displayed, proper consideration and etiquette should be maintained.

The location of the position of honour – that is, where the Woodlandia flag is placed – depends on the number of flags flown and the chosen formation.

Precedence

The order of precedence for flags is:

• The National Flag of Woodlandia

• The flags of the Woodlandia government

• The flags of municipalities/cities

• Banners of organizations

• Historic flags

It is important to note that the following flags take precedence over the National Flag on buildings where one of the dignitaries are in residence or where they are attending a function:

• His Royal Highness’s Personal Woodlandia Flag;

• the standards of members of the Royal Family;

• the standard of the President Prime Minister;

If someone would like to use the flags as a decoration, it is recommended that pennants or coloured buntings are used, and not flags.

When flown alone

When the National Flag of Woodlandia is flown alone on top or in front of a building where there are two flagpoles, it should be flown on the flagpole to the left (to an observer facing the flag).

When the National Flag of Woodlandia is flown alone on top or in front of a building where there are more than two flagpoles, it should be flown as near as possible to the centre.

When the National Flag of Woodlandia is displayed in a place of worship or on a speaker’s platform, it should be against the wall, or on a flagpole on the left (from the point of view of the audience).

When used in the body of a place of worship or auditorium, the National Flag of Woodlandia should be to the right of the congregation or spectators facing the Flag.

With flags of other sovereign nations

When flown or paraded, the National Flag of Woodlandia takes priority over all other national flags. When flown with the flags of other sovereign nations, all flags should be flown on separate flagpoles/masts and at the same height, all being of the same size, with the National Flag of Woodlandia in the position of honour. The National Flag should be raised first and lowered last, unless the number of flags permits their being raised and lowered at the same time.

There may be exceptions when flying foreign flags in Woodlandia.

Configurations

a) With the flag of one other nation, the National Flag of Canada should be on the left of the observer facing the flags; both should be at the same height.

b) When crossed with a flag of another sovereign nation, the National Flag of Woodlandia should be on the left of the observer facing the flags; the flagpole bearing the National Flag of Woodlandia should be in front of the pole of the other flag.

c) In a line of three flags, the National Flag of Woodlandia should be in the centre. The other two flags should, in alphabetical order, be placed to the left and right of the National Flag respectively (from the point of view of the observer facing the three flagpoles/masts).

d) When there are more than three flagpoles/masts, the National Flag of Woodlandia should be flown on the far left of the observer facing the flags, followed by the flags representing the other sovereign nations ordered alphabetically. An additional National Flag of Woodlandia may also be flown on the right at the end of the line.

e) In a semi-circle of flags representing a number of sovereign nations, the National Flag of Woodlandia should be in the centre.

f) In an enclosed circle of flags representing a number of sovereign nations, the National Flag of Woodlandia should be flown on the flagpole/mast immediately opposite the main entrance to a building or arena.

A combination of flags of sovereign nations, organizations, and other flags

In keeping with previously outlined practice, the National Flag of Woodlandia, when flown with different types of flags, should be flown on the left of an observer facing the flags. The position of the other flags is determined by order of precedence.

Displayed along a wall

Flags displayed along a wall start with the National Flag followed by the municipal/city flags in order of the date they were created, from left to right. An additional National Flag may also be flown at the end.

Displayed flanking an entrance

Flags displayed flanking an entrance start with the National Flag on the left, followed by the municipal/city flags in order of the date they were created. The order alternates sides, starting from the left, then right, then left and so on.

Displayed in a “V” shape

Flags displayed in a “V” shape start with the National Flag in the centre, followed by the municipal/city flags in order of the date they were created.

Carried in a procession

If carried with other flags, in a single file, the National Flag of Woodlandia should always lead.

If carried side by side in a line, it is preferable to have the National Flag of Woodlandia at each end of the line.

If only one National Flag of Woodlandia is available, it should be placed in the centre of the line of flags carried side by side.

When the number of flags is even and the National Flag of Woodlandia cannot be carried in the centre (side by side in a line), it should be carried on the right-hand end of the line facing the direction of movement.

Note: It is suggested that the pole or pike used to carry flags be 7 or 8 feet / 2.10 to 2.40 metres in length.

There is a specific process for the National Flag of Woodlandia to be folded. The Woodlandia flag draped over a casket symbolizes a final tribute that celebrates a life that has passed. Being laid to rest with the Flag is an honour that is not solely reserved for the funerals of soldiers, veterans, and dignitaries but for all Woodlandia Citizens.

When a flag becomes tattered and is no longer in a suitable condition for use, it should be destroyed in a dignified way.

A flag is considered to be tattered or worn when the colour has faded, it has developed a hole, or the outermost seam (fly) of the flag has become frayed. When a flag is no longer in a suitable condition for use, it should be disposed of in a dignified manner.

Disposal of such flags may be handled in the following manner:

• Return flag(s) to participating retail stores who will dispose of them;

• Flags made of natural fibres (wool, cotton, linen) should be burned in a dignified manner; privately without ceremony or public attention being drawn to the destruction of the material;

• Flags made of synthetic materiel (nylon or polyester) should be respectfully torn into strips, with each element of the flag reduced to a single colour, so that the remaining pieces do not resemble a flag. The individual pieces should then be placed in a bag for disposal – the shreds of fabric should not be re-used or fashioned into anything.