WHEN TO DISPLAY THE FLAG


The flag should be displayed on all days especially on:


  • New Year's Day - January 1
  • Inauguration Day - January 20
  • Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday - Third Monday in January
  • Abraham Lincoln's Birthday - February 12
  • George Washington's Birthday - Third Monday in February
  • Easter Sunday (Date is Variable)
  • Mother's Day - Second Sunday in May
  • Armed Forces Day - Third Saturday in May
  • Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
  • Flag Day - June 14
  • Independence Day - July 4
  • Labor Day - First Monday In September
  • Patriot Day - September 11
  • Constitution Day - September 17
  • Columbus Day - Second Monday in October
  • U.S. Navy Day - October 27
  • Veterans Day - November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November
  • Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - December 7
  • Christmas Day - December 25
  • The date of admission of States and on State Holidays.

Other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.


CARE OF YOUR FLAG

1. The life of the flag depends on how it cared for. Dirt can scratch fabrics, dull colors and cause wear. Most outdoor flags can be washed in mild detergent and thoroughly rinsed. Indoor and parade flags should be dry-cleaned. Damaged flags can be repaired and utilized as long as the overall dimensions are not noticeably altered.

2.  Store the flag in well-ventilated area away from any harsh chemicals or cleaning compounds. If a flag gets wet, never store it until it is completely dry. Wet folds caused permanent creases. Dampness ruins fabric and causes mildew.

3. Flagpole care is also related to flag care. Rust and scale cause permanent stains and some metallic oxides actually eat holes in fabrics.

SALUTING THE FLAG


In saluting the flag those present in uniform should render the military salute.  When not in uniform, men should remove the hat with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Women and men without hats should place the right hand over heart.  Aliens should stand at attention.


All person present should face the flag, stand at attention and salute on the following occasions:


  • When the flag is passing in a parade or review. The salute to the flag in the moving column is rendered at the moment the flag passes.
  • During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag.
  • When the National Anthem is played and the flag is displayed.  When National Anthem is played and the flag is not displayed, all present should stand and face toward the music. Those in uniform should salute at the first note of the anthem, retaining this position until the last note. All others should stand at attention, men removing their hats.  When the flag is displayed, all present should face the flag and salute.
  • During the Pledge of Allegiance, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all".



PROPER FLAG RETIREMENT


As a revered symbol of freedom and justice, the flag of the United States of America needs to be treated with the utmost respect.  


This respect extends to the flag's eventual retirement and destruction.  The United States Flag Code (4 USC Sec 8 Para (K) Amended July 7th,1976) states: "The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

RESPECT FOR THE FLAG


The U.S. Flag should always be treated with utmost care and respect.  Remember, the flag represents a living country and itself considered a living thing.

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of The United States of America.  The flag should never;

  • Be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, States Flags, Organization or Institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
  • Be displayed with the union down except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
  • Be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and floating free.
  • Be allowed to touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water or merchandise.
  • Have objects placed on, over it, or be used as covering ceiling.
  • Have any mark, insignia, letter, work, figure, picture or drawing of any nature placed upon attached to it.
  • Be used as a receptacle for carrying anything or be used to cover a statue or monument.  If it used in connection with unveiling ceremonies, it should not serve as a covering the objects unveiled.
  • Be used for advertising purposes or have advertising signs fastened to its staff or halyard.
  • Be embroidered on such articles as handkerchief or cushions, or be printed or otherwise impressed on boxes.
  • Be used as a costume or athletic uniform or part of one.  However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman, and members of patriotic organizations.  
  • Be used as a drapery of any sort whatsoever, never festooned, drawn back or up in folds but always allowed to fall free.  Bunting of blue, white and red always arranged with the blue above, white in the middle and red below should be used for such purposes or decorations as covering speaker's desk or draping the front of platfrom.