Flags - period correct or not

[Phil Waterman]

Hi All

I have always gone with the period flags on my trucks for parades and display, using a vintage 48 star US flag and the 1937 Canadian Ensign. Both draw comment and questions which is the point of showing the vehicles and the flags.

Flag etiquette here in the State has really gotten rather sloppy during my lifetime with people not standing as the colors pass, not taking off their hats etc. (though in the last few years it seems to be coming back). But the WWII generation seems to spot the period flags more often and comment. One bit of flag etiquette that I have never been able to please everyone on is which flag on the right side of the vehicle. Some say US because that's where I am, other say Canadian because that is what the truck represents.

Flags displayed on vehicles in parades don't draw the salute that those carried by a color guard do. But over the years I seen a number of older men snap to attention and salute when they see the Canadian Ensign on the truck.

Picture below was taken at the Patriots Day Parade in Lexington, Massachusetts.