Happy Flag Day!

The American Flag is an important part of our lives as American Citizens. Starting in grade school we learn the pledge of allegiance and recite it everyday. Each day we see it displayed outside people’s homes, buildings and even celebrate it with holidays. May, June and July play host to some incredibly important holidays that honor America’s history and those who have served it. With today being Flag Day we are honoring the American Flag.

Flag Etiquette 101:

• The sun should never set on a flying flag. Flags can only be displayed for 24 hours a day if they are properly illuminated.
• If multiple flags are being displayed the American Flag should always be on the observer’s far left.
• While a flag makes its way up the flagpole, everyone should stand at attention while watching the flag. Those who are in uniform should salute the flag while those who are not should place their hand over their heart.
• All-weather flags may be flown during rain however they should be taken down during high winds.
• Never let the flag touch the ground. Having to burn a flag that touched the ground is a myth. Flags that have been soiled that are able to be repaired should be fixed and re-flown.
• Don’t fly a flag upside down except in cases of emergency.  Don’t use the flag to decorate shelves, railing or lecterns.

Displaying the Flag

At Home:

During holidays in which we honor our flag, many of us will be displaying them outside our home. If doing so, it is important to remember that the flag should be either hung in an upwards position or horizontal.

Public Buildings:

You may notice a flag at half-staff and wonder what this might mean. A flag at half-staff can only be ordered by the president or state governor. In cases where a US president passes the flag is at half staff for 30 days and 10 days for vice president, supreme court justices and the house of representatives.

On Memorial day the flag is also flown at half staff from sunrise until noon. This is done to honor those who served our military. Other days this is done includes 9/11, Pearl Harbor Day and Peace Officer Day. The flag is not to be flown at half staff on Veteran’s Day.

What is the proper way to dispose of the flag?

Over time a flag will become worn and will need to be disposed of, in order to do so you must do it properly. The proper way to dispose of the flag is to burn it. You may also be able to check with your local Boy Scouts or American Legion as they may take them in order to dispose of them properly.

Our flag honors those who have fought to protect it and it serves as a reminder of the sacrifice of our nation’s founders and heroes. As the ultimate icon of America’s storied history, the Stars and Stripes represent the very best of this nation. Paul Hall Insurance wishes you a very Happy Flag Day!