You all know how much I love to research, so several years ago when I decided to show my true patriotism by purchasing a flag to fly on my front porch, I wanted to know how to properly display the American flag at home. I wanted to show the flag the respect and honor it deserves.
Plus, as my daughters will tell you, I’m a stickler for proper etiquette. I’m trying to change, but any good southern girl knows that we were born knowing that the fork was always placed to the left of the plate and the knife and spoon on the right, with the sharp edge of the knife facing the plate. (I still can’t stand to see a place setting done all wrong on TV shows). And I pinkie swear that we came out of the birth canal with a fist full of monogrammed thank you notes in one hand and a black (blue is not the proper ink color for thank up notes) ink calligraphy pen in the other hand.
Getting back to the flag . . .
In order to show my love for my country, you can see the importance of me wanting to know how to properly display the American flag.
Do’s
1. If you are standing in front of your house looking toward your home, the flag should be displayed to your left of the front door if you are flying more than one flag. Of course, if you are walking out the front door of your house, the flag would be on your right. If you are displaying the American Flag only, either side is correct.
2. Fly the flag with the union (blue field of white stars) at the peak of the staff and always in the upper left hand corner. Flying the flag with the union down is a sign of distress.
3. The flag can be displayed every day, but especially on holidays, including Memorial Day (half staff until noon), Flag Day (June 14) Independence Day (July 4) and Labor Day.
4. If you are displaying another flag, the American flag is always above and to the right. If you have a group of flags, the American flag is in the center and above the others.
5. In public places, such as a church or auditorium, the American flag should always be displayed to the speaker’s right.
Don’ts
1. Never fly another flag above the US flag!
2. Never display the flag during inclement weather (unless it’s weatherproof).
3. Never, ever let the flag touch anything beneath it, including the ground or shrubs.
4. Don’t drape the flag over cars, etc.
5. Don’t wear the flag as clothing.
6. Never draw or write on the flag.
These are the main rules and regulations we should know concerning the displaying of the flag.
How do I dispose of an old flag?
According to US Flag Code. TITLE 4, CHAPTER 1, Sec. 8(k). It states:
“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
Do you display your country’s flag at your home? Why or why not?
