Etiquette for the Flag of the United States of America

As Independence Day passes and Labor Day fast approaching, it is appropriate that proper flag etiquette should be discussed and reviewed. Though I have been fortunate to have grown up knowing the proper treatment of the flag, many of our youth today have only a cursory knowledge of proper flag treatment.

Below are some of the basic rules I have been taught from an early age, regarding respect for the flag.

The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. The flag stands alone as an object of reverence and respect and should be treated accordingly. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal and should not be displayed in this manner on any other occasion....doing so shows great disrespect for the flag and what it symbolizes.

The flag should not be used for any decoration at any time. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes and can be purchases and can be found in many stores and online as well. When bunting is used, he blue stripe of the bunting should always be displayed on the top.

The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, with the exception that a flag patch may be used on the uniforms of fireman, policeman, military personnel and members of patriotic organizations. Though many have ignored this in the recent past, it is still a widely recognized sign of disrespect to use the flag as apparel. This does NOT include however, imprinted designs of the flag widely seen on T-shirts during patriotic holidays. Flags used in other manners can be questionable and should be used with care and respect...with "respect" being the operative word.

When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object. It should always be held by waiting hands and arms, never to touch any part of the ground.

To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously. Proper folding of the flag can be found on many websites and in books for those who are in
need of this information and local "veteran" organizations and even Boy or Girl Scouts can offer assistance in learning proper folding techniques.

When carried in a procession or ceremony, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried with the United States flag, there is the option available for the flag of the United States to be displayed in the direct center, in front of other flags, or carried to their right.

When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should rise and face the flag. Further more, men should remove their head coverings, military salute, and women and children alike place their hands over their hearts as the flag passes by.

The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. And when a flag is so worn or damaged, that it cannot be mended and is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Local American Legion Posts regularly hold flag ceremonies for flags that are no longer usable. If you are in need of this ceremony, contact your local American Legion for information.

Though these are but a few facts about proper flag usage, there are many more rules and regulations regarding our flag to be found on the internet. One only need search "United States flag Etiquette" to find dozens of articles much like my own from which to learn. Check it out for yourself and see what fascinating facts are literally at your fingertips.