Care and Keeping of the American Flag

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

30 Jun 2006 04:33 AM

Did you know that your flag should not be flown after dark unless it is properly lit? Did you know that displaying the flag with the Union, or field of blue, facing down is considered a distress signal and should only occur in case of imminent and grave danger? There are some other tips you might be interested in learning, regarding the care and keeping of Old Glory.

If it rains, or other bad weather occurs, the flag should be taken down. It should always be kept clean and dry. A flag that is made from weather resistant material may be flown in bad weather, but some people see doing so as a sign of disrespect, despite the fact that the flag will not be damaged.

No other flag should be displayed above or at the same height of the U.S. flag.

Out of respect, the flag should never be allowed to touch the ground, or even to skim the ground, a floor, water, or anything else that rests beneath it.

When a flag has seen better days, it should be respectfully disposed of. The preferred method has in the past been to burn the flag. With radicals today burning the flag in protest, it is especially important to show respect when a flag is being dispatched.

The flag may be displayed on any day of the year, but it is especially befitting for special occasions including Independence Day.

When displaying your flag, if it is hung flat rather than from a flagstaff, the Union should be viewed on the observer's left (whether the flag is horizontal or vertical).

When storing your flag when it is not in use, take care to keep it from becoming dusty or otherwise soiled or damaged. A torn or soiled or otherwise damaged American flag should not be displayed.

Have a great Fourth of July, and display your flag with pride!

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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Heather Long (16954) 30 Jun 2006 05:11 AM

Great info, Sherry. I remember doing a report on this years ago in High School and I was actually amazed by how much I didn't know with relationship to the customs and expectations associated with caring for the Flag.