Folding Your Flag and Other Flag Etiquette You...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

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As you celebrate the birth of our nation today, which will hopefully entail some flag waving please keep in mind to honor the Star Spangled Banner. Here are a few quick reminders on appropriate flag etiquette:

Flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset. If desired, the flag can be displayed 24 hours a day, but MUST be properly illuminated.
Flags should NOT be displayed during inclement weather unless you use an all weather flag.
The Flag should NOT be used for advertising purposes or used on disposable items or clothing. A patch may be attached to uniforms. Think of the Flag as a living entity and this should help you remember to treat it decorously.
Flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
Flags can be flown on all days, but should be displayed on the following days:
1. New Year's Day- January 1^st
2. Inauguration Day- January 20^th
3. Martin Luther King Day- 3^rd Monday in January
4. Lincoln's Birthday- February 12^th
5. Washington's Birthday- 3^rd Monday in February
6. Easter Sunday- varies
7. Mother's Day- 2^nd Sunday in May
8. Armed Forces Day- 3^rd Saturday in May
9. Memorial Day- last Monday in May (half staff until noon)
10. Flag Day- June 14^th
11. Labor Day- 1^st Monday in September
12. Constitution Day- September 17^th
13. Columbus Day- 2^nd Monday in October
14. Navy Day- October 27^th
15. Veteran's Day- November 11^th
16. Thanksgiving- 4^th Thursday in November
17. Christmas Day- December 25^th
18. Days proclaimed by the President of the United States, State birthdays (date of admission), and all other State holidays.
Never fly a flag in a state of disrepair. Flags should be cleaned and mended as necessary. I have seen well meaning people flying tattered and soiled flags- this is not appropriate. The proper way of disposing of a flag is through ceremonious burning. Your local American Legion often does this on Flag Day with local Scout troops.
If flying multiple flags, the American flag should be flown at the peak among state and other pennants; i.e., college flags and teams flags should be flown beneath the American flag. When the American flag is displayed with other foreign state flags, we should be displayed at equal heights.
When observing half staff, briefly hoist the flag completely and then lower to half staff. To be done on Memorial Day and other days to observe the passing of important government officials.

For those who would like the entire Flag Code for reference please click on the link.

Folding Your Flag

There are thirteen folds to properly folding a Flag for storage. Each of the folds has a meaning. The American Legion has a well done page regarding this matter with illustrations and complete explanation of the folds. The American Legion also offers reasonably priced flags that are made in America. I encourage you to consider purchasing flags and emblems from them as the American Legion serves veterans in your community.

Comments: 9

Vivian A. Jun 13, 2008, 2:33pm EDT

June 14th is tomorrow- Saturday. Fly your flags everyone.

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Samantha C. Jun 13, 2008, 2:41pm EDT

interesting

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Peter Joseph Swanson Jun 13, 2008, 2:49pm EDT

My flag is stuck in a plant pot

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Destiny W. Jun 13, 2008, 3:00pm EDT

DB 10 =] have a great day!

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Susan S. Jun 13, 2008, 3:04pm EDT

i love it peter!

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Jamie C. Jun 13, 2008, 3:52pm EDT

Nice article, Vivian. Thanks for the info!

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~Sia McKye~ Jun 13, 2008, 4:22pm EDT

I learned so much of this when I was a school patrol. It was our responsibility to put the flag up and take it down. Certain protocol was required. The flag is considered a sacred object. Sounds corny in this day and age but these rules show that to be true.

I'm amazed at how many flags I see flying that are tattered and trashy.

Nice article Viv.

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