Displaying your American Flag~Know the flag code

Our country adopted an official flag code on Flag Day (June 14), 1923. I’m sure you’ve all heard bits and pieces of the code, about how you’re supposed to burn it to get rid of it, rules for flying it at night and so on. Well, here is a summary of some of the rules for flying your flag, since I’m sure many of us are flying flags this week. For the full code, visit the website on the flag code.

Weather & nighttime: Only all weather flags should be flown in inclement weather. Yes, you can fly your flag at night. However, it should be lighted.

Where and when to fly the flag: The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year’s Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12; Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays. The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution. The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days. The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.

With other flags: When flying your American flag with a flag from a state or municipality, the American flag should always be higher than the other flag. However, if flying it with the flag of another country, if we are at peace with that country, they should be the same height.

Position of the flag: Yes, the union (blue & white portion) should always be in the upper left. But, you may fly it otherwise, if you are in distress or in extreme danger to life or property. (Interesting, huh?)

Disposal: Burning is the preferred method. But…did you know you can contact your local VFW or American Legion, and they may take care of that for you? Good to know!

Wearing the flag: No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. The flag should not be used as “wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery” or for covering a speaker’s desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general (exception for coffins). Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.

Parades: In a parade, the flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle, railroad train, or boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

And also, you shouldn’t step on it, use it as a receptacle, allow it to be in a place where it will become soiled, attach any emblem or insignia to it, allow it to become dirty or tattered, allow it to touch anything else while being displayed, used for advertising and many other rules.

For the rest of the code, about raising & lowering, rules for half-mast, where to stand when honoring the flag and so on, visit the code site above I gave you.