Flag Etiquette

Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. Some general guidelines from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:

• The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
• The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
• The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
• The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
• The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
• The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
• The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.
• The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
• When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
• The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
• When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Please visit http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette.shtml to learn more details about flag etiquette.

Displaying the Flag

The flag may be flown at all times, weather permitting, day or night, if properly illuminated. However, certain patriotic days are particularly appropriate for flag display.

Some Special Patriotic Holidays

Lincoln's Birthday
February 12

Washington's Birthday
February 22

Presidents' Day
3rd Monday in February

Battle of Lexington
April 19

Armed Forces Day
3rd Saturday in May

Mecklenberg Declaration of Independence
May 20

Memorial Day
Last Monday in May

Adoption of the National Flag
June 14

Battle of Bunker Hill
June 17

Signing of the Declaration of Independence
July 4

Constitution Week
September 17-23

Columbus Day
2nd Monday in October

Surrender of Yorktown
October 19

Veterans Day
November 11

Bill of Rights Day
December 15

"The things that the flag stands for were created by the experiences of a great people. Everything that it stands for was written by their lives. The flag is the embodiment not of sentiment, but of history." -- President Woodrow Wilson

 

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Site last updated: July 22, 2024