When to fly or display your flag?
A citizen may display a flag, any day he wants, especially during legal holidays. Flags can be displayed from sunrise to sunset on structures or fixed flagstaffs.
Places where the flags fly from day throughout the night;
Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore and Washington D.C.
How to fly the flag?
Flags are lowered and raised by hand. They should be raised promptly to the hoist, lowered ceremonially and should never be allowed to touch the ground.
When displayed with other flags during processions, it should be placed at the right-front of the column. When displayed with a group of flags on a staff, the US flag should be positioned at the highest point.
How To Maintain Your Flag
Keeping it clean
Regular washing of your flag is recommended, especially if it’s flying outdoors. Use mild detergent and avoid dry cleaning as it would ruin the fibers of the fabric. Avoid staining by allowing to dry completely before storing it.
Preventing Fading
Continuous exposure to the sun will fade your flag, but you can slow down the process by spraying your flag with UV fabric protector. Only store your flag in a dark and dry area.
Harsh Weather
Bad weather contributes to the wear and tear of your flag. Remember to lower your flag during harsh weather. Strong winds may damage your flag or totally tear it from it’s pole. It is also advisable to take down your flag during the evening because the weather can suddenly change from good to bad while you’re sleeping.
Repair your flag to prolong its life
If you notice wear and tear on some areas, repair it right away. Trim and stitch frayed areas, especially on the right edge of the flag. Mind where you fly your flag, keep it away from objects, buildings, or trees. Always fly your flag in free space.
What Holidays to Display your Flag?
Armed Forces Day
Christmas Day
Columbus Day
Constitution Day
Easter Sunday
Election Days
Flag Day
Inauguration Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Lincoln’s Birthday
Martin Luther King’s Birthday
Memorial Day
Mother’s Day
National Day of Prayer
Navy Day
New Year’s Day
Patriot’s Day
Thanksgiving Day
Veteran’s Day
Washington’s Birthday
How should you properly dispose of a flag?
For flags that are beyond repair. It should be turned over to the local government or the American Legion Post for proper disposal. Or destroy by burning in a respectable manner. See flag disposal locations nearby here.
How to properly salute the American flag
Officers in uniform should give a military salute, but when they’re not in uniform they should take off their hats with their right hand and keep it with the left shoulder and place their hands over the hearts. Noncitizens should stand at attention.
When to fly the flag at half-staff
Flying the flag at half-mast is a sign of mourning. When a flag is to be flown at half-mast, it should first be hoisted to the peak then lowered at half-mast. Before it is lowered for the day, it should be raised to the peak for a brief moment before lowering.
Can a flag that has been laid over a casket still be used?
It is up to the family of the deceased Veteran if they will display it or not. But most of the time they remain folded and stored. These types of flags are not recommended to be flown continuously because they’re made out of cotton and will only have two rows of stitching. They will wear out faster if they are flown continuously.
How to Properly Fold your Flag Before Storing : Traditional Method
- Hold the flag at full length.
- Fold the flag once, lengthwise.
- Fold the flag it again lengthwise, a large flag may need to be folded a third time. (Make sure that the blue field can be seen in full view).
- A triangular fold is made. The folded striped corner is brought to the open edge corner.
- A second triangle is made. The outer point is folded inward.
- The triangular fold is continued until it reaches the blue union. Only the blue union field should be showing and the form should be that of a three-corner hat.
