American Flag Etiquette In A Nutshell

Following proper American flag etiquette can get complicated at times; here is a quick and easy guide to use whenever flying or handling a U.S. flag

The U.S. Flag Code is full of guidelines regarding how and when to handle and fly the American flag. With so many rules to keep track of, it can be difficult to follow them all. Here is an easy guide to American flag etiquette everyone can use!

American flag etiquette

When displaying the U.S. Flag:
  • Fly your flag from sunrise to sunset. If you want to fly it 24-hours, make sure it is properly lit up in the darkness. (Here is another article with more details)
  • The flag should always fly above every other flag when displayed on a single pole or lanyard.
  • If you’re displaying several flags in a row, the U.S. flag always goes to the observer’s left. Other world flags can be flown at the same height but state and local flags should always fly lower
  • On special flag holidays, the American flag should fly at half-staff. On Memorial Day, it should fly at half-staff until noon and then be raised to full height
  • When you fly your flag at half-staff, you should first raise it to full staff and lower it half way down the pole
  • When displaying a flag on a casket, the Union should always be placed at the head and over the left shoulder
When storing or disposing the U.S. Flag:
  • Fold the flag in the traditional triangle, never crumple it up. (For more details on how to fold an American flag, check out this article)
  • Proper disposal is done by burning. First fold the flag and while its burning, everyone present should salute the flag, say the Pledge of Allegiance, and follow with a brief moment of silence. (For more specific steps, read this article on Proper Flag Disposal)

American Flag Flying Etiquette

Make sure you NEVER:
  • Dip the American flag to any person, vessel, or flag
  • Let the flag touch the ground
  • Fly the flag upside down, unless in case of serious emergency
  • Carry anything in the flag
  • Use the flag as clothing
  • Store the flag in a place where it can get dirty
  • Draw on it, or otherwise mark it in any other manner

 

 

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Joke Of The Day: Cell Phone Etiquette

Rubber ChickenAfter a tiring day, a commuter settled down in her seat and closed her eyes. As the train rolled out of the station, the guy sitting next to her pulled out his cell phone and started talking in a loud voice:

“Hi sweetheart, its Eric. I am on the train.”

“Yes, I know it’s the six thirty and not the four thirty, but I had a long meeting”.

“No, honey, not with that blonde from the accounts office. It was with the boss”.

“No sweetheart, you’re the only one in my life”.

“Yes, I’m sure, cross my heart”

Fifteen minutes later, he was still talking loudly. When the young woman sitting next to him had enough, she leaned over and said into the phone,

“Eric, hang up the phone and come back to bed.”

Eric doesn’t use his cell phone in public any longer :-)