Category: US Flag Etiquette
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.
When to Display the American Flag
The American flag should be displayed on all days, but especially on holidays. Displaying the US flag reminds us that we are fortunate to live in America, where freedom reigns and anything is possible! Here’s the official list of flag holidays: New Year’s Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln’s Birthday, February; Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May; and Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May. Other flag-flying holidays include:
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.
