As we are moving into the warmer months of spring and summer, I am beginning to see American flags once again adorn porches, yards, and businesses.  It’s a great way to show one’s patriotism and love of country, but as much as I enjoy seeing a street full of flags on holidays like Memorial Day or Independence Day, many people still don’t seem to realize that there are some rules and guidelines that should be followed when deciding to display the American flag.  To quote Peter Parker’s (aka “Spiderman”) Uncle Ben – “with great power comes great responsibility”.

Now, I’m no John Wayne or Medal of Honor recipient, but I’ve seen some pretty ratty flags in yards (and even in flying in front of public buildings) – and I have to admit, it does irritate me a bit.  Despite the moving lyrics of the “Star Spangled Banner”, the local Wastewater treatment plant or elementary school is not Fort McHenry, and its flag does not need to appear as if it was subjected to multiple nights of cannon fire from rogue British forces.

When an American flag has seen its better days, it is supposed to be retired from service and disposed of properly (which doesn’t mean balling it up and tossing it in your trash can).  According to the National Flag Foundation, the U.S “Flag Code” states “the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” [1] Most American Legions (and some other civic organizations) will accept old or worn-out flags, and will dispose of them in an annual ceremony.

There are also other rules that should be followed when displaying an American flag.  Here are a few that you may or may not be familiar with:[2] 

• The flag is to be displayed only from sunrise to sunset on buildings or on stationary flagstaffs however; the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during hours of darkness
• The flag should NOT be displayed on a float in a parade – except from a staff.
• The flag should NOT be draped over a car, train, or boat.  It may be displayed if affixed firmly to the chassis or attached to the RIGHT fender.
• When displayed horizontally (hanging across a wall or building), the “union” (the blue section with stars) should always be to the right.
• The flag should never be carried horizontally (flat and parallel to the ground), but upright.
• The flag should never be used as clothing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
• The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes, or in a temporary manner that can be thrown away (i.e. cups, plates, etc.)
• The flag should not be used as a costume or as part of an athletic uniform.

There are many, many more “rules”, but you get the idea.

FUN FACT:  How do some places seem to skirt these rules?  Well, at Walt Disney World (for example) the many, many flags you see used for decoration at attractions (like “The American Adventure” at EPCOT) are not “real” American flags.  They are missing a stripe or don’t have all fifty stars, so they don’t qualify as “actual” American flags.  Who knew? 

Then there is the matter of flying a flag at half-staff.  This is supposed to occur on Memorial Day (but only from morning until noon), by order of the President (upon the death of principle figures of the United States government or other circumstances of national mourning), by special proclamation of a state governor, and for specific time limits (number of days).  Maybe it’s me, but it seems like the flag is up and down a lot these days, and there is no clear communication on when this is supposed to happen.  I see some flags all the way up, some at half-staff, and some at various points in between.  If I inquire the reason (say at the Post Office), more often than not, it’s greeted with shrugged shoulders or the phrase “we got an email on it”.

The “half-staff” flag is supposed to be a somber and respectful act, but if it’s carried out with indifference or seemingly all the time, then it loses some of its meaning and impact.  Take a good look around your city or town, you’ll see what I mean.

So, if you’re thinking about flying the ‘ol Stars and Stripes around your property this summer, make sure you understand what you’re getting into.  It does require some work to give the American flag the respect and dignity it deserves.

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[1] “When to Dispose of An American Flag”, National Flag Foundation Website, accessed 4/21/21, https://nationalflagfoundation.org/etiquette/when-to-dispose-of-the-flag/#:~:text=When%20to%20Dispose%20of%20an,retired%20in%20a%20respectful%20manner.

[2] “United States Flag Code”, The American Legion Website, accessed 4/21/21, https://www.legion.org/flag/code