How to Properly Display the Flag

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Today is Memorial Day, a day we pause to remember and honor the brave who have fallen in defense of our great nation.  One way we show respect for our country and its heroes is to display the flag of the United States of America.  While we can proudly fly the flag each and every day, displaying the flag is particularly appropriate on national and state holidays.  To help us fly Old Glory with proper respect, here are some flag display guidelines as found on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website:

Things to Remember When Flying the USA Flag:

• Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag.
• When the U.S. flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. When suspended from a rope extending from the building on a pole, the flag should be hoisted out, union first from the building.
• During a ceremony when hoisting, lowering or when the flag is passing in parade, all persons should face the flag, stand at attention and salute. A man should remove his hat and hold it with the right hand over the heart. Men without hats and women salute by placing the right hand over the heart. The salute to the flag in the moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.
• When the U.S. flag is displayed other than from a staff, it should be displayed flat, or so suspended that its folds fall free. When displayed over a street, place the union so it faces north or east, depending upon the direction of the street.
• When the flag is worn out or otherwise no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning (contact your city for information regarding local flag retirement ceremonies).

Things NOT to do with the USA Flag:

• Dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.
• Let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise.
• Place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.
• Use it as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be used on a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police officers and firefighters.
• Use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper napkins, boxes or anything else intended for temporary use and discard.

For more information regarding respectful display of the flag of the United States of America, visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs website at http://www1.va.gov/opa/feature/celebrate/flagdisp.asp.

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