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Information:
Flag Care and
Etiquette
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Displaying
and Caring for the Flag of the United States of America.
Following the tragedies in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania,
Americans are seeking ways to publicly express a wide range
of emotions as well as support for one another during this difficult
time. One of the most popular methods of showing support is
displaying the flag of the United States of America.
Flying the Colors
The U.S. Flag Code, adopted in 1923 and amended by Public Law
94-344 in 1976, states "It is the universal custom to display
the flag only from sunrise to sunset ... However, when a patriotic
effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day
if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness."
When flags
or pennants of states, cities, or societies are flown with the
national flag on the same halyard, the U.S. flag should fly
at the peak, above all others.
If other flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the U.S. flag
should always be to the right of all others and should be hoisted
first and lowered last.
Flags of other nations must be flown from separate flagpoles
of equal height, and all flags should be approximately equal
in size with the U.S. flag. International usage forbids the
display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation
in time of peace.
Displaying the Flag
When the national flag is displayed flat, either horizontally
or vertically, on a wall or in a window, the union (blue field)
should be at the top and to the observer's left when facing
the flag.
When displayed from a staff projecting from a windowsill, balcony,
or the front of a building, the union (blue field) should be
at the staff's peak (unless the flag is at half-staff).
The U.S. Flag Code, adopted in 1923 and amended by Public Law
94-344 in 1976, states "It is the universal custom to display
the flag only from sunrise to sunset ... However, when a patriotic
effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day
if properly illuminated during the darkness hours.
When displayed on a stage or platform, the national flag should
be to the speaker's right. Any other flag is on the speaker's
left.
When suspended, the flag should be vertical with the union to
the north over an east-west street and to the east over a north-south
street. The flag should be hoisted out union (blue field) first.
Flag decals and stickers may be correctly displayed on the inside
of motor vehicle side windows.
Flag Care
Be sure flags are dry before storing them.
Colors affixed to staffs should be carefully furled, placed
in a flag case or boot, or wrapped in plastic, then stored upright-preferably
in a cool, dry, dark place.
Iron-on patches make rips and holes easy to repair. They can
be bought in fabric departments in colors and various materials
to match the flag. Follow the directions on the fabric package.
Outdoor flags should be correctly folded and sealed in moisture-
and bugproof plastic bags. Store in a safe, cool, dry place.
Destroying Worn_out Flags
When the national flag is worn beyond repair, burn it thoroughly
and completely on a modest, but blazing, fire.
This
should be done in a simple manner with dignity and respect.
Be sure the flag is reduced to ashes unrecognizable as a former
flag.
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