UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

• WHEN TO FLY THE U.S. FLAG

The U.S. flag can be flown everyday of the year. If it is flown for 24 hours, it should be illuminated so the flag is not in complete darkness. The flag should especially be flown on the following days:

New Year's Day, January 1

Inauguration Day, January 20

Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, third Monday in January

Lincoln's Birthday, February 12

Washington Birthday, third Monday in February

Easter Sunday, varies yearly

Mother's Day, second Sunday in May

Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May

Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), last Monday in May

Flag Day, June 14

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, first Monday in September

Constitution Day, September 17

Columbus Day, second Monday in October

Navy Day, October 27

Veterans Day, November 11

Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Day, December 25

All days declared by the President

State holidays

• WHEN TO FLY THE U.S. FLAG AT HALF-STAFFED (SUNRISE TO SUNSET)

Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15

Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), last Monday in May

National Korean War Armistice Day, July 27

Patriot Day, September 11

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7

 

• FLAG ETIQUETTE

Here are some of the rules for proper display and use of the U.S. flag, as established by generally accepted custom and by Public Law 94-344 approved by Congress and signed by the President in 1976. The Flag Code does not impose penalties for the misuse of the flag. Such penalties are determined by the individual states and the District of Columbia.

 

• STANDARDS OF RESPECT

The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:

• The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
• The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
• The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
• The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
• The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
• The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.

When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

• HOW TO FOLD THE U.S. FLAG

• CARING FOR THE FLAG

• If soiled, the flag may be washed or dry cleaned.

• When torn or frayed but not faded, the flag may be mended.

• A worn or faded flag should be retired with respect. Fold the flag and place it on a fire. The ashes should then be buried.

• Some VFW Posts and other community groups collect worn flags and conduct a retirement ceremony. Check in your community for who conducts the ceremony.