The Proper Way to Fly Your Flag on ‘Flag Day’

Flag Day is this Sunday, June 14th and it seems a little bit different this year. I've talked to a few of my neighbors and they say that they are a little concerned about putting their flag out this weekend.

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They didn't say why but I'm fairly certain that I know the answer...and you might too. That's another story for another day...or not. So what is significant about June 14th and the flag?

June 14th, 1777, the Continental Congress made the Stars & Stripes into the First National Flag. It's not an official holiday but is nationally recognized and it's a great day to fly the flag.

Did you know that there is a correct way to fly the flag? It's actually a law but we're pretty sure you won't get arrested. It's called the Flag Code. Here is what it says about flying, displaying, and respecting (it certainly needs that) the American flag.

1: The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by 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 flown upside down only 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 the top.

5: The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, print, or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use.

6: The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may 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 so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Please take a moment sometime this weekend and remind yourself that this is a great country, even with its flaws. We have more opportunities here than any other place in the world. God bless America...and its flag.

[via USFlag.org]