With the July 4th holiday on the horizon, we thought it’d be a good time to dust off a few DIY tips to help you get your flags up and flying high.
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There are standards to follow when flying the American flag. According to the United States Flag Code: “No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.” As you prepare to bring out the stars and stripes, here are a few rules and etiquette to help ensure the honor and respect of the flag with a careful, thoughtful display:
Handle with care
Always handle the flag carefully. It should not touch the ground, become worn or soiled. Flags should also be folded with the same care and respect.
How to Attach a Flagpole
Union Up
When flying the American flag, it should be displayed with the blue union up, except as a distress signal in times of dire emergency. So, if you fly your flag from a staff, make sure the union is stationed at the staff’s peak, and if the flag is displayed on a flat surface outside or inside the home, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right; that is, to the observer’s left.
Another important etiquette: never use the flag as a wrapping or any other sort of decoration. That’s what red, white and blue bunting is for.
Raise flag briskly
When hoisting the flag, raise it briskly. Lower it ceremoniously to a recipient’s waiting hands and arms, taking care that no part of it touches the ground or any nearby objects along the way. Then fold the flag neatly and carefully for storage.
Keep lights on
When flying the American flag at night, make sure there is a light on it at all times. Pick a spot that’s illuminated by a porch or street light, or consider installing sensor lights that automatically come on in the evening.
No ads please
The American Flag should never be used for advertising or printed onto anything designed for disposal, such as napkins and paper plates. The Stars and Stripes should also not be embroidered onto furniture, cushions and handkerchiefs, or worn as clothing. Flag pins are OK to wear; however, as a rule, they should be displayed on the left lapel, nearest the heart.
Dispose flag with dignity
If the flag becomes worn out, make sure to dispose of it properly, preferably by burning it.
So next time you’re driving down your street and pulling into the driveway of your beautiful home, think about flying the American flag. Use these rules and etiquette to honor and respect the symbol of freedom that has made so many things possible for Americans.
I agree that we should all follow the Flag Code and show respect for the flag. So many signs of disrespect are everywhere. I’m not sure the stock photos you chose really reflect the spirit of the code. The flag painted on bricks? It’s a subject that bugs me all year round, but you may as well go talk to that brick wall about it. You’d be hard pressed to find a sympathetic ear. Also a highly charged political issue. Definitely not going there. Well, maybe you’ll inspire a handful of people to get it right, and we can pause to reflect on the meaning of those flags, thoughtfully displayed. Peace be with those gave the ultimate sacrifice, and the loved ones left behind.
Coming up a driveway…. we have an American flag and a Marine Corp flag, which goes on the left of the driveway? Thank you.
Jonie, not sure about the driveway question but here is a good reference for flag display right vs left
Great question. The American flag always goes on the left (as viewed by the observer). So as you pull in your driveway, the American Flag would be on your left and the Marine flag on your right.
Thanks for this article. Seems like many people need a heads up about the Flag Code, and a reminder to treat our nation’s flag with dignity. One request, though. PLEASE DON’T DISPOSE OF A WORN FLAG BY BURNING IT. When flags were made of cotton or wool, it wasn’t such a bad way to dispose of them. Now they’re made of nylon and other petroleum based synthetic materials. When you burn them, not only do they smell nasty, you’re polluting the environment with harmful gases. Do an internet search for an environmentally safe way to recycle or dispose of your flag.
Well said!!! We live next to a VFW post. They gather flags from nearby cemeteries when they put up new ones before Memorial Day. They then burn them in a 55 gallon drum. There is no ceremony involved. Just one or two people in jeans and t-shirts tending to the fire in the driveway, for hours. It is not in any way, shape or form a suitable way to honor the flag, or America. I can attest to the fact that a huge amount of very acrid smoke is generated. I have raised this issue with many different people and organizations. It falls on deaf ears. I have not personally talked to the VFW members, though other angry neighbors have. The VFW doesn’t care, and continues to burn them year after year. I did find one sympathetic voice in Mr. D’Amico of American Flags Express. He says there is a modern, dignified way to dispose of one symbolic flag and recycle the rest. It’s only a matter of lighting a fire under the people who want to burn the flag to get them to change their old habits. I’ve given up trying, but it’s nice to see that you care.
Hello, we have just purchased a beautiful 3′ x 5 ‘ American Flag. We have a very bright porch light shining on it from dusk till dawn. Is that not good enough? We just want to be completely respectful. The porch light is just as bright as a f;ood light. Please advise us. Thanks.
JJ
We have 48 star flags from WWII. Is it disrespectful to the 50 star flag that has meaning to so many.
Lights on- I always thought the flag deserved a dedicated light, not some ambient light from a porchlight.
I think the worst breech of etiquette is when people have a shirt or tie that is designed like a flag. A picture of a flag should be okay but the whole flag designed as a shirt or tie should be a no-no. And don’t get me started on the lawn chairs that are designed like a flag. Would you sit your butt on a real flag?
So nice that you posted the article on flying the American Flag – for everyone to know & remember…
Keep up the good work – THANK YOU !!