Inside Congress....what are the...

[b0rg13]

what are the golden symbols on each side of the flag ?, where did they come from,what do they represent?.

im also curious why the flay would be hung in a back to front and down ward way?.

[hansvonlieven]

G'day all,

The symbol on either side of the flag is a fasces, a bundle of white birch rods with an embedded axe tied together with a red leather ribbon. It was the symbol of power and authority in ancient Rome.

Mussolini revived the symbol for his fascist party (this is where the term fascism comes from).

America also uses the symbol extensively.

Hans von Lieven

[vonwolf]

 Hi bOrg13;

   apparently there is indoor flag etiquette -
                                                              Other than being Flown from a Staff
The flag should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way, that is with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
   It looks like congress didn't know all the rules-
                                                                     Public Auditorium on a Podium
The flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience.   

    It doesn't look like its in a position of superior prominence or at the speaker's right? I guess different rules for different people, who knows? It sure does give the impression that these folk's are really full of them self's.

   Pete           

[flyag1]

Per:
http://www.ushistory.org/BETSY/flagetiq.html

8. When the flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. 

So accordingly the display is correct.   

[vonwolf]

Per:
http://www.ushistory.org/BETSY/flagetiq.html

8. When the flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. 

So accordingly the display is correct.   

Hi flyag1
  There is more on displaying the flag in this manner;
                                The flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience.
   The way the flag is displayed here looks more like it there to grandiose the the People standing in front of it.Its obviously not in a position of superior prominence or to the right of the speaker. I know this is nit picking but they do seem to put them self's in in a prominent position for vanities sake.
    Pete