The American flag, with its 13 stripes and 50 stars, stands tall as a symbol of liberty and independence recognized around the globe. Proud Americans can show support by displaying the flag at home or work. But watch out for these five common mistakes when displaying it.
#1) Reversing the Union
A common mistake homeowners and business owners make when displaying the American flag is reversing the union. If you plan to display the American flag atop a flagpole, you don’t need to worry about the position of the union. When displaying the American flag on a wall or other flat surface, though, you should position the union in the upper-left corner to observers.
#2) Displaying in Bad Weather
If there’s a storm rolling your way, don’t make the mistake of leaving your American flag on display. The U.S. Flag Code specifically states “The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed.” Granted, a light rain shower shouldn’t cause concern. Severe storms with strong winds, on the other hand, may damage your American flag, which is why it’s a good idea to take it down in bad weather.
#3) Displaying a Worn American Flag
If your American flag is torn, ripped or otherwise physically worn, you shouldn’t display it. When the American flag is damaged to the point where it’s no longer fitting to display, you should consider retiring it. There are several ways to retire the American flag, one of which is to hold a burial ceremony. Alternatively, you can donate it to a local American Legion post.
Need to replace your American flag? You can proudly display your patriotism by flying our beautiful Made in USA nylon flags, embroidered polyester flags, cotton US flags or US sleeve flags.
#4) Not Illuminating at Night
You can display the American flag at night — but only if you illuminate it. In other words, don’t leave your American flag flying in front of your home or business at night without some sort of focused illumination. If you’re going to display it at night, place a spotlight in front of it. With a spotlight, your American flag will be illuminated throughout the nighttime hours.
#5) Allowing it to Touch the Ground
Under no circumstance should you allow the American flag to touch the ground. More specifically, you shouldn’t allow the American flag to touch anything below it. Whether it’s the ground, floor or a piece of furniture, your American flag shouldn’t touch anything below it.
Consider Sharing
If this post has helped you, please take a moment to share it with someone you know in your social accounts or email. The more people who know this information, the better America will be.
About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
