Displaying The Flag The flag of the United States of America is a very important symbol. Its stripes symbolize the rays of the sun. There are thirteen of them, to represent the thirteen original colonies, which got their freedom from England. The stars represent each state in the Union as well as being symbols of the goals people set. The flag itself is a symbol of our nation and its democratic ideals. Because the flag has such special meaning, it's treated in special ways.
You can help people show respect and love for the flag by displaying it at your home and business on a regular basis, and especially on patriotic days.
- Hoist the flag briskly - lower the flag ceremoniously.
- During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag, or when the flag is passing by, stand at attention and salute. Salute by placing the right hand over the heart. Stand at attention and salute when the flag is being raised or lowered, when the flag passes in a parade and when the national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner", is played. Sometimes "The Star Spangled Banner" is played when the flag is not present. When this happens, face the music and salute. Men and boys take off their hats. Women and girls do not. Men and women in uniform use the military salute.
- If it is impossible to SEE the flag for the salute, persons should NOT salute but stand at attention. If you cannot see the flag without straining the head upward, wait at attention until the ceremony is over.
- Pledge of Allegiance: This is recited at Flag Raising after the flag has reached its highest peak. All recite the Pledge in unison, remaining in the salute position until it has been completed.
- Always give the flag of the United States the place of honor when you display it with other flags. It should be placed to the right of other flags, in front of other flags or higher than other flags. To the right means to your right as you stand holding the flag in front of you and facing the people who will see it. In front means that you always carry the American flag first or place it a little ahead in a line of flags. Higher means that the American flag is a little larger or it is on a taller pole or a platform.
- When placing a flag at half mast, raise the flag completely to top of pole and then lower to half mast.
- Fly the flag only from sunrise to sunset. A flag can be flown at night if it is lighted.Weather permitting, the flag should be displayed on all days, especially on:
New Year's Day, January 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
Easter Sunday (variable)
Mother's Day, second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May & May 30
Flag Day, June 14
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, first Monday in September
Constitution Day, September 17
Columbus Day, second Monday in October
Navy Day, October 27
Veterans Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, December 25
The birthdays of States (date of admission)
State holidays
and such other days as proclaimed by the President of the United States.
- Do not use the flag as drapery for a platform or as clothing. Do not embroider it on items or print it on napkins or anything designed for temporary use.
- Take every precaution to prevent a flag from being soiled. Do not let it touch the ground, floor, water or brush against objects.
- When a flag is damaged or too worn for use, dispose of it in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
