Celebrate Flag Day: Do’s and Don’ts

“Flag etiquette” doesn’t seem to be an expression you hear much these days, but there are many, many people who deeply and respectfully display the flag. 

Flag Day is celebrated June 14, it might be valuable to share some of flag basics. You might find it a good review, or maybe will want to share some of it with a young person in your life who is not aware.

The U.S. Flag Code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, It also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. The following is a list of do’s and don’ts associated with the U.S. Flag that Military.com synthesized into an easy-to-understand list:

*Display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. When a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

*When placed on a single staff or lanyard, place the U.S. Flag above all other flags.

*When flags are displayed in a row, the U.S. flag goes to the observer’s left. Flags of other nations are flown at same height. State and local flags are traditionally flown lower.

*When used during a marching ceremony or parade with other flags, the U.S. Flag will be to the observer’s left.

*On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day, it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised.

*When flown at half-staff, it should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. By “half-staff” is meant lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. Crepe streamers may be affixed to spear heads or flagstaffs in a parade only by order of the President of the United States.

*When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union (blue field of stars) to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

*When the flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union (blue field of stars) should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left. When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way — with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

*When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

*When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

*All persons present in uniform (military, police, fire, etc.) should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.

*All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

*Fold in the traditional triangle for stowage, never wadded up.

*The flag should be folded in its customary manner.

*It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.

*Place the flag on the fire.

*The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.

*After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.

*Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.

*Don’t dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.

*Don’t let the flag touch the ground.

*Don’t fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.

*Don’t carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.

*Don’t use the flag as clothing.

*Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.

*Don’t use it as a cover.

*Don’t fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.

*Don’t draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.

*Don’t use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red.

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. Flag Day – the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress’ Flag Resolution of 1777 – was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after the proclamation, it was not until August 3, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day. Not only does the day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States but it also recognizes the day in 1775 when Congress established the "the American Continental Army."

Furthermore, the week of June 14 is designated as "National Flag Week." During National Flag Week, U.S. citizens are encouraged to fly the American flag for the duration of that week.

*Landing Craft Flag Survived D-Day

*What you need to know about "Patriot Day"

*Celebrating the Battle Hymn of the Republic

*As an Amazon Associate, Military Trader / Military Vehicles earns from qualifying purchases.