Happy Flag Day to our American Flag!!  Many may not be aware that there are specific rules for displaying and caring for our flag.  I think I see many of these rules broken, pretty regularly.  From displaying the flag on a parade float, to writing on it...there are several DO's and DON'T's...

The American Flag, according to Federal Code, is mistreated...right before your eyes on a daily basis.  Here's how:

  • The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade
  • The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
  •  The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
  • The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general
  • The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
  • The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
  • The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.
  •  No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform

According to the VFW, here is how you properly dispose of the Flag:

1. The flag should be folded in its customary manner.
2. It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.
3. Place the flag on the fire.
4. The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
5. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
6. Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.

Note: Please contact your local VFW Post if you'd like assistance or more information on proper flag disposal.

If you choose to display a flag, click here for some other important rules to follow

You can also sign up to receive immediate notifications on when the flag should be flown at half mast.

 

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