Proper Way To Fly Your Flag

On June 14th, 1777, the Continental Congress made the Stars & Stripes into the First National Flag. It was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 but it wasn't officially recognized until August 3rd, 1949.

That's when President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th as National Flag Day. It's not an official holiday but is nationally recognized and it's a great day to fly the flag.

I didn't know that there is a correct way to fly the flag, did you? It's actually a law but I'm pretty sure that you won't get arrested. I'm just glad that you are taking the time to fly Old Glory.

The Flag Code/Flag Etiquette

Here are some of the things to know about flying, displaying, and respecting the American Flag.

1) The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or an appropriate light source.

2) The flag should be flown in fair weather unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.

3) The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing and it is only to be flown upside down as a distress signal.

4) The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white, and red stripes is available for these purposes and the blue stripe of the bunting should be on top.

5) The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It shouldn't be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on articles like cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxed, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use.

6) The flag shouldn't be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch can be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman, and members of patriotic organizations.

7) The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it or attached to it.

8) The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

9) 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. When the flag is stored, it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

10) The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is worn, it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.