Happy Flag Day!
We are currently doing some landscaping work at our house and are contemplating adding a flag pole and U.S. flag into our landscaping. We want to do it correctly so have been researching any laws or rules for displaying a flag. There is a U.S. Flag Code that was published on June 14, 1923 and adopted by Congress in 1942. It is a set of rules – not law. It is purely advisory but a very good guide.
The flag should always be treated with respect and honor. If flags are wrinkled, faded or damaged they should not be displayed. Flags should not touch the ground or any items below them such as a chair or table when they are being displayed. Most flags today are made of nylon but if the flag is not made from all-weather fabric it should not be displayed on days when there is inclement weather.
Flags are customarily flown from sunrise to sunset. They can be displayed 24 hours a day however if they are properly illuminated at night.
If your flag becomes damaged or worn out and is no longer fitting for display you should destroy it in a dignified manner. Typically flags are destroyed by burning. There are some organizations that offer planed flag retirement ceremonies. The American Legion and the U.S. Scouting Service Project are two organizations to check with to see what they offer for properly destroying flags.
There are many instances when the flag is flown at half-staff. One of those instances is on Memorial Day when it is customary to fly the flag at half-staff until noon.
Although Flag Day is not an Official Federal Holiday it is nice to take a moment and honor our American Flag today.
