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US Flag Retirement
While most of us know never to dispose of a tattered U.S. flag by throwing it in the garbage, many are unaware of the most appropriate way in which to retire a U.S. flag that is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country. On Dec. 22, 1942, the 77th Congress approved Public Law 829. This gave official sanction to most of the provisions of the Flag Code, the set of rules of civilian flag courtesy first formulated by the National Flag Conference in 1923, including the Flag Code § 176(k) on disposal of unserviceable flags.
Proper U.S. Flag Care
A torn, tattered American flag is not fit to serve as a symbol of our proud nation. Keep your flag in good repair and flying for a longer time with the following flag care tips:
- For best results, only display flags made specifically for exterior use outdoors. A good choice might be Tough-Tex American Flags, which are engineered for durability.
- Exposing your U.S. flag to rain, snow or abnormally high winds is not recommended.
- Don’t fold or roll-up a damp or wet flag. If your flag becomes wet, spread it out and allow it to completely dry before flying it.
- Clean your flag regularly, to prevent soil and discoloration from dirt, smoke, dust and other airborne contaminants from setting in the fabric.
- Outdoor flags can be hand-washed with cold water and a mild soap, then thoroughly rinsed and spread out to dry. Do not allow flags to stand in water too long to avoid color transfer onto white stripes.
- Professional dry cleaning is recommended for indoor/parade flags. Incidentally, some establishments will clean Old Glory free of charge.
- Do not hang the flag where the wind will whip it against rough surfaces, tree branches, wires, cables, etc. Small tears can soon result in a tattered flag.
- Keep pole surfaces clean! Heavy dirt, rust, scale and corrosion can damage your flag.
- Inspect your flag fabric or thread breaks which may occur in the end farthest from the pole (the fly end). Trimming off and re-hemming torn or frayed ends will help extend your flag’s life.
For large flag owners (12 x 18 ft and larger), you may want to purchase two flags and rotate them regularly. Tests have shown that flag fibers actually benefit from periodic “rest”. In addition, you won’t be without a flag while the other is being cleaned or repaired. Proper flag etiquette, including a prohibition on flying tattered, faded or soiled flags is outlined in the U.S. Flag Code.
Check out the huge selection of US flags at AmericanFlags.com – American’s largest online flag retailer.
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.”
The Pledge of Allegiance of the United States is an expression of loyalty to the American Flag and the United States of America. It was originally composed by Baptist Minister Francis Bellamy in 1892 and formally adopted by Congress as the U.S. pledge in 1942. The Pledge has been modified four times since its composition, with the most recent change adding the words “under God” in 1954.
The US Supreme Court has found that students can’t be compelled to stand for the pledge, but the pledge of allegiance is typically recited in schools, before government meetings and civic events. It is often accompanied by a salute to the United States Flag.
Battle Hymn of the Republic Lyrics
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored,
He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps
His day is marching on.
United States Flag Code
The laws relating to the flag of the United States of America are found in detail in the United States Code. Title 4, Chapter 1 pertains to the flag; Title 18, Chapter 33, Section 700 regards criminal penalties for flag desecration; Title 36, Chapter 3 pertains to patriotic customs and observances. These laws were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations.






