The American Flag — ever since Betsy Ross stitched up her original version back in the 18th century, it’s been a staple of American life, aesthetics, and culture. More than half of the homes in America keep an American flag in stock. That goes to show you that even in times of turmoil, the spirit of American patriotism is still alive.
But how many Americans are displaying the American flag correctly?
While we all have the freedom to display the American flag, there are a lot more rules than you might expect. The flag holds a lot of meaning for a lot of people. You don’t want your act of patriotism to accidentally become an act of disrespect.
This article will walk you through a few things to make sure you’re displaying the American flag properly.
1. DO — Display the Flag During the Day
The American flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset so that its glory can shine in the light. If you have a system by which to illuminate the flag, you may fly your flag all night. However, if you do not, it is disrespectful to fly the flag at night.
BONUS TIP: Make sure you hoist the flag up briskly and quickly but lower it slowly and ceremoniously.
2. DON’T — Display the Flag With the Stars Down
This is more a matter of safety than of respect.
The proper way to display the American flag — when displaying it vertically — is with the stars on top, and the bars hanging down vertically. Inverting the flag is a symbol of distress.
However, if you do find yourself in a dire situation and have an American flag, now you know how to display it to signal distress.
3. DO — Fly Your Flag With State Flags
While the American flag is the highest symbol of national pride, there are many other flags that may display your patriotism. If you have a state flag you love, you may fly it on the same pole as your American flag, as long as the American flag is the highest and centermost flag.
Displaying the American flag with other flags is encouraged, as long as it’s done right.
4. DON’T — Let the Flag Touch the Ground
This is one of the most obvious rules for touching the American flag. When carrying the flag to and from the flagpole, make sure you don’t let the flag touch the ground.
The flag should also never be carried flat and horizontally. Just as important as the design of the flag is the motion of the flag flying free.
5. DO — Dispose of the Flag Properly
The American flag should never be thrown in the trash, dumpster, or disposed of in any other unceremonious way. Look for a proper flag disposal company.
You should never store or hang your flag in a way that will incur damage or disrespect. Never hang your American flag in inclement weather, unless it is specifically built for that. Never drape the flag over anything as a form of decoration; the flag is not a decoration, it’s a symbol of national pride.
However, even if you do take all of the proper precautions, flags will fade over time. Entropy and decay occur for all. Once you’ve noticed signs of wear and tear on your flag, find a proper flag disposal company; it is disrespectful to display a tattered and soiled flag, for reasons too obvious to name here.
6. DON’T — Display the Flag at Half-Staff… Unless You Mean It
The American flag should always be hoisted up to its full height on the flagpole, unless in honor of national mourning. The flag is flown at half staff to signify the death of a state official, member of the military, the honorarium of a date such as memorial day, and to show respect for national tragedies (9/11 comes to mind).
When flying the flag at half-staff, make sure you raise the flag to its full height and then lower it to its half-staff status. This signifies that the American flag still shines just as brightly, but bows in respect when it needs to.
7. DO — Make Sure the Union Is on the Left
The union — or the part of the flag that contains the stars and the color blue — should always be displayed to the left of the viewer. This goes for both horizontal display and vertical display.
This is one of the most common mistakes made when hanging the American flag.
8. DON’T — Fly a Flag That Isn’t Made in America
This isn’t an official rule, but it seems like an obvious addition. Displaying the pride of your nation will only mean that much more if it’s a flag that was actually made and manufactured with care in American, by Americans. No one produces quality American flags like Americans.
But it doesn’t stop at the quality of American flags. Flag poles are almost just as important in the display of patriotism. This great website we found, Flagpole Farm, has some of the best flag poles out there.
9. DO — Display the Flag on Certain Holidays
It’s always a good idea to display the American flag. However, we understand if you have a busy life and can’t hang it up every day. The best days to make sure you display the American flag are on Lincoln’s Birthday, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Labor Day, Colombus Day, and Inauguration Day (whether or not you’re a fan of the president who’s been elected).
Displaying the American Flag
Displaying the American flag is the god-given right of all Americans. However, in order to display it with respect and dignity, there are some rules that need to be followed.
Make sure you keep in mind all of these rules when showing the world your American flag. If you keep these rules in mind, you’re well on your way to turning your house into one that celebrates patriotism.
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