How to Care for the U.S. Flag

Many already have the U.S. flag flying in their front yard. Many more flags will appear as the Fourth of July draws near. That's great, but do you know how to properly care for your flag? For example, if your flag touches the ground, you're supposed to burn it, right? Wrong!

The urban legend or myth of burning your flag when it touches the ground has been dispelled by snopes.com. This urban legend is likely the confusion of two rules set by the U.S. Code. One rule states the flag should not touch anything beneath it, such as the ground or water. The other rule states that when a U.S. flag is no longer fit to be displayed, it should be properly disposed of. Burning is the preferable way to dispose of a flag in this case.

When the flag touches the ground, it is not automatically unfit for display; simple adjusting may be all that's needed.

Other guidelines set by the code dictate how the flag should be displayed, carried or stored. Here are more guidelines from the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10. When Old Glory is displayed, the union should never face down. The exception to this is when one is facing extreme danger.

If you're carrying your flag somewhere, it should be carried "aloft and free", not horizontally or flat.

Using the flag as drapery, bedding or apparel is definitely a no-no. When displayed, it should always fall free and not be bunched up or tied back in any way.

No part of your flag's display, storage or use can cause it to be easily soiled, damaged or torn.

A U.S. flag should never cover a ceiling. Absolutely nothing (letters/words, designs, marks, etc.) should be placed on it.

Also, a flag should not be used to hold, deliver or carry anything (do not use it as a receptacle).

Flags should not be used for any advertising, especially temporary items napkins. Likewise, advertising should not be attached to the flag or the staff it is flown from.

A flag patch is acceptable for uniforms of military personnel, policemen or firemen. A patch is not acceptable as part of an athletic uniform or costume.

A lapel pin (depicting the flag of course) should be placed near your heart on the left, because the flag is considered a living thing (which also represents a living country).

Now that you know a bit about the code, treating our flag with respect should come a little easier - although I'd like to think our common sense alone guides us to treat the U.S. flag respectfully. The U.S. Code actually has many sections detailing how to treat or use the flag. Check out the code (in 'sources' below) for more.

Sources:

http://www.snopes.com/holidays/flagday/burnflag.asp

http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html