When to Fly the US Flag

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Flag Days 2024

Jan 1 – New Year’s Day
Jan 15 – Martin Luther King Day
Feb 12 – Lincoln’s Birthday
Feb 19 – President’s Day
May 15 – Peace Officers Memorial Day
May 18 – Armed Forces Day
May 27 – Memorial Day
June 14 – Flag Day
July 4 – Independence Day
July 27 – Korean War Veterans Day
Sept 2 – Labor Day
Sept 11 – Patriot Day
Sept 17 – Constitution Day
Oct 9 – Fire Prevention Day
Oct 14 – Columbus Day
Oct 27 – Navy Day
Nov 5 – Election Day
Nov 11 – Veterans Day
Dec 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

DID YOU KNOW? Red, White and Blue colors are carefully choices made by the founding fathers. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

US Flag flying on blue sky background

Proper Care and Handling of the US Flag

The United States flag is a powerful symbol of our nation’s history, values, and unity. Whether proudly displayed at homes, businesses, or public spaces, it’s essential to treat the flag with the respect and dignity it deserves. Our flag symbolizes the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Choosing the Right Flag

It’s important to choose high-quality, durable materials. Choose nylon or polyester, as these materials are known for their resilience against the elements. Consider the size you choose in relation to the size of the flagpole and the location where it will be displayed.

Proper Display

The proper display of the US flag is crucial to show respect. Here are some key guidelines to follow:

  • The union (the blue field with stars) should always be in the top-left corner when displayed vertically or horizontally.
  • When displayed with other flags, it should be at the center and higher than the others.
  • If you are displaying at night, it should be properly illuminated.
  • US Government guidelines for proper display

Raising and Lowering the Flag

    • When raising the flag, do it briskly and ensure it reaches the top of the flagpole, and lower it ceremoniously and respectfully.
    • The flag should never touch the ground, floor, or water. Handle it with clean hands, and avoid letting it come into contact with anything that might soil it.

Half-Staff Protocol

    • Lowering to half-staff is a symbol of mourning. Only the President of the United States or state governors can order this, typically in response to the death of a government official or national tragedy.

Folding

  • If you need to store or transport the flag, it should be folded properly. The traditional method involves a series of folds that result in a triangular shape resembling a cocked hat, symbolizing the tricorn hats worn by colonial soldiers.

Proper Cleaning and Maintenance

  • Keep the flag clean by washing it regularly. Hand wash with a mild detergent, and always allow it to dry thoroughly before storing it.
  • Repair any tears or frayed edges promptly to keep it in good condition.

Retirement Ceremony

Retire your flag in a dignified manner when it becomes worn or tattered. Many organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America, conduct retirement ceremonies. This involves burning the flag in a respectful and solemn manner.

Conclusion:

Follow these guidelines for flying, caring, and handling the US flag. Be proud that this influential symbol of our nation’s unity and values is handled with the respect it merits. By showcasing it proudly and observing proper etiquette, we pay homage to the ideals it represents—liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness.