Flag Etiquette
Today is Flag Day in the United States, a day specifically to honor the Flag. In doing so, it is important to know that flag wavers take their respect of the flag very seriously. Most of us know the basics, but if you don’t know what to do if you want to hang your silly Chicago Cubs “W” flag next to the American Flag, you should read this little refresher on flag etiquette. The rules are spelled out in the U.S. Flag Code.
- When hanging from your house, a balcony, or a window, the blue field should always be at the peak of the staff. When displayed over a street, the blue field should face north or east.
- If displayed with another flag, the U.S. flag should always be on top.
- When raising the flag, do it briskly. When lowering it, do it slowly and reverently.
- Never let the flag touch the ground. After lowering it, fold it neatly and ceremoniously. For a good diagram, look here: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html
- You may fly the flag in the rain if it is made of all-weather material.
- You should not fly the flag after dark unless there is a light shining on it.
- The flag should be displayed at half staff on days of national mourning. Briskly hoist it to the peak for an instant and then lower it halfway. When lowering it at sundown, raise it to the peak and then lower it ceremoniously.
- On Memorial Day, the flag is displayed at half staff until noon, and then at full staff until sunset.
- The flag should never be used as advertising, costume, or decoration.
- When too worn to be used anymore as a flag, make sure to dispose of it properly. The American Legion and/or the Scouts usually have days in which they burn retired US flags in a dignified manner.
Read on:
USHistory.org – Flag Rules and Regulations
USFlag.org – History of Flag Day
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Go Cubs go!
Thanks for the good information! (I wish I had read this in the morning and put the flag out today.)