By Kelly Taylor, WKTV
Old Glory is displayed practically everywhere on Independence Day, but did you know one cannot simply hoist up the flag? There’s a certain way to do it, and there many, many rules to follow.
We thus take this occasion to review the rules of displaying the United States flag, under Chapter 1 of U.S. Code: Title 4 — Flag and Seal, Seat of Government, and the States. As with any U.S. Code, things can get mighty confusing, so we’ve abridged the rules here, in no particular order:
- The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
- It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
- When flown at half-staff, the flag should first be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position.
- When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the field of stars should be in the uppermost corner and to the observer’s left.
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No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America.
- The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is used.
- When displayed on an automobile, the staff should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
- The flag should never be used as clothing, bedding or drapery.
- The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
- The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged.
- The flag should never be displayed with the field of stars down, except as a distress signal.
- The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor or water.
- 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.
Fun fact:
The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, a lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
If you’d like to see a cool, historical progression of flag designs over the years, go here.
