WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam H. Putnam (FL-12) encouraged his constituents to fly flags as a way to honor our troops and/or commemorate a birthday, holiday or special occasion. He also offered highlights of flag etiquette in federal law so that constituents can display their flags properly.

“Since its inception on June 14, 1777, the American flag has become the very symbol of our nation's strength and unity. It remains a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. And it has been a prominent icon in our nation's history,” stated Putnam.

“There is no better way to pay tribute to our heroes than having a flag flown in their honor. I encourage constituents to contact their Member of Congress to purchase an America flag to honor the brave men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve in our nation’s military,” said Putnam.

“My office can provide you with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Not only is this a wonderful way to honor our troops, but this makes a perfect gift to commemorate a birthday, holiday, or other notable occasion,” said Putnam. “Flags are available in either nylon or cotton and come in sizes from 3 x 5 to 5 x 8. All flags flown over the Capitol are ‘made in America.’”

Flags are available to constituents upon request. For further information and costs, please contact Congressman Putnam’s Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-1252, or his website at http://www.adamputnam.house.gov.

“To help you learn more about the proper way to display your flag, I have included highlights of flag etiquette in federal law, as reported by the Congressional Research Service. I hope it is useful to you,” concluded Putnam.

• When the flag is displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union (i.e. the blue field) should always be in the upper-left corner from the perspective of the observer.
• When the flag is displayed horizontally or vertically in a window, the union should always be in the upper-left corner from the perspective of the observer in the street.
• The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of extreme distress in an emergency that immediately threatens life and/or property.
• The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle, railroad train, or boat.
• The flag should never touch anything beneath it (such as the floor, office equipment, or water).
• The flag should never be drawn back or bunched up in any way.
• The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
• The flag should never have place upon it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any kind.
• If displayed on a flagpole, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day to achieve a patriotic effect, provided that the flag is illuminated during darkness hours.
• Only an all-weather flag should be displayed outdoors during bad weather.
• The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a way as to invite damage.
• When a flag is no longer in a condition suitable for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way. Burning a worn flag for the purpose of disposing it is allowed