You want to fly Old Glory but you aren’t quite sure how to treat that honorable old lady of a flag? Well it just so happens that on July 7, 1976, the United States Government decided to write up the Flag Code about the subject of the honorable treatment of the United States flag. If you would like to read the law and regulations of proper flag etiquette, go here. But like most laws, it’s filled with way too much jargon. For the major highlights, keep reading.
Some etiquette to keep in mind when flying the flag…
- Never let the flag touch the ground.
- You should salute the flag while it is being raised or lowered and during the national anthem. You salute the flag the same way you say the Pledge, with your right hand over your heart.
- Raise the flag briskly, but lower it slowly and ceremoniously.
- Try to display your flag only during daylight hours. If the flag must be displayed at night, be sure to illuminate it properly.
- Don’t fly the flag in bad weather.
- Don’t use the flag as a mere decoration; either on clothing, a car, a party decoration or anything else like this. It should not be used on anything that will be thrown away later.
- If you would like to display the flag somewhere other than a flagpole, the union (that’s the blue part with stars) should be on the top, left if you are facing the flag. This is for either horizontal or vertical display.
- If the flag is to be flown half-mast, it should be raised all the way to the top of the pole and then lowered to the halfway point.
- The flag should be displayed at half-mast on Memorial Day until noon and by order of the President.
- If your flag has become damaged (frayed, torn or faded) it should be properly and honorably destroyed. Most of the time, your local American Legion Post or Boy and Girl Scout Troop can do this for you.
So now that you have learned a little about flag etiquette, get out there and show your patriotism. Fly the flag of the United States proudly!