Rules of the American Flag: Displaying an American flag is a great way to demonstrate your love for our country. However, your patriotic act can quickly (unintentionally) become disrespectful if you are not aware of an important set of rules. The U.S. flag code introduced by Congress in 1942 provides guidelines for the dignified use of this national symbol.
You can raise the American flag any day, but the flag code, in particular, recommends displaying it on Independence Day, as well as on other major holidays such as flag day, labour day, and veteran's day.
Note something: Memorial Day has its own flag label. The American flag should be raised to half-mast from sunrise to noon and then raised to the full mast for the rest of the vacation.
Improve the rest of your flag label before Memorial Day weekend by learning how to fly the stars and stripes properly.
There is a right and a wrong way to hang the flag vertically.
Do not hang your flag upside down or in any other inappropriate way. If you hang your flag vertically (e.g. on a window or on a wall), the Union part should be displayed with the stars to the left of the observer. Never dip the flag on a person or anything.
Don't let the flag touch the ground.
Prevent your flag from touching the ground, the ground or the water. There is no need to dispose of your flag if it accidentally hits the sidewalk. However, you should make sure that it is in good condition before displaying it again.
Do you know the difference between half staff and half mast.
There is a difference between half-staff and half-mast, although they are usually used interchangeably. "Half mast" technically refers to a flag that is hoisted on a ship mast, while "half mast" describes flags that are flown ashore.
Fly your flag on half the staff at the right time.
The flag is raised at half the occupation when the nation is mourning, for example due to the death of a government official or as a reminder, and from sunrise to noon on the day of remembrance. If you raise the flag with a half stick, first raise it to the top for a moment and then lower it to the position of a half stick.
Half the rod is defined as half the distance between the top and bottom of the flagpole. The flag should be raised to the top again before being lowered for the day.
Only hoist a flag at night when it is illuminated.
Custom stipulates that you should only display flags from sunrise to sunset, but you can let the stars and stripes fly 24 hours a day if it is properly lit in the hours of darkness.
Don't fly the flag when it rains.
If the forecast requires bad weather, you should not display the flag - except if it's an all-weather flag. However, most flags today are made of weather-independent, non-absorbent materials such as nylon, according to the American Legion.
Always fly the American flag over other flags.
These include state and city flags. If they need to be at the same height (i.e., hang them vertically on a house or porch), put the American flag on the left. Always raise the American flag first and lower it last.
Only hoist a flag in good condition.
No matter how well you take care of Old Glory, sometimes age just wears down a flag. Newer flags made of synthetic materials can be machine washed in cold water with a mild detergent and hung up to dry.
Older, more fragile flags should be hand washed with Woolite or a similar product. Small cracks can be repaired by hand as long as the touch-ups are not visible when the flag is displayed. Excessively worn, torn or faded flags should be disposed of properly.
Dispose of an old flag in a respectful manner.
The Federal Flag Code states that unusable flags should be burned in a respectful, ceremonial manner, but discreetly so that people don't misinterpret your intentions. If burning your synthetic material is illegal in your state, or if you feel uncomfortable with it, contact your local American Legion post to find out if there are flag disposal ceremonies that usually take place on June 14. Local scout troops are another resource for the dignified and respectful disposal of your flag in retirement.
Fold your flag before you save it.
The American flag is traditionally folded in a specific arrangement, but we guarantee that this is easier than folding a fitted sheet. If you need to keep your flag, reach for someone else to help you. First, hold it parallel to the floor with another person and fold the bottom stripes lengthwise across the union, keeping the edges of the flag sharp and straight. Fold it lengthways again and keep the blue union outside
Now make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge of the flag and then rotating the outer point parallel to the open edge to form a second triangle. Make more triangular folds until the entire flag is folded into a triangle of blue and white stars.
Skip clothing and items with flags.
While this section of the flag code is rarely followed, guidelines do not recommend using the flag on clothing, costumes, sports uniforms, bedding, pillows, handkerchiefs, other decorations, and temporary items such as paper napkins and boxes. It allows flag pins to be worn over the left lapel and flags on military and first aid uniforms.
However, the Supreme Court ruled on the case in 1984 Texas v. Johnson that the government cannot enforce flag protection laws so that you are not arrested for wearing an American flag T-shirt. Do what you think is most respectful and appropriate.
Also avoid these common flag mistakes.
In addition to wearing flag-covered clothing, there are several other flag code violations that you can easily avoid. Most of these concern the placement of flags - a flag should never touch anything underneath it during flight, it should never be used as a cover for a blanket, and you should never place anything on the flag (such as a "marker, a badge, a letter , a word ", figure, design, picture or drawing of any kind").