Maryland Flag Etiquette

By Mike Landrum

For years I have traveled throughout Maryland and seen the Maryland State Flag displayed improperly at private residences, on boats, at restaurants, fire departments, government buildings and even the Annapolis Visitors Center. Now that Under Armour has popularized the Maryland colors with their sports clothing it seems to be everywhere. So let’s do the right thing and fly the Maryland State Flag correctly.
    Briefly, the flag consists of two heraldic emblems. The black and yellow is the George Calvert family of Lord Baltimore. The red and white is the Crossland family, the maternal side of the Calvert family.
    Only one corner of the flag has a black square. That square is to be flown highest on the pole. So remember when flying the Maryland State Flag, black square up in the air.
    –Mike Landrum, Chesapeake Beach