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Observing Flag Day
Posted by Randy | June 14, 2010
In June of 1777, the Continental Congress established an official flag for our newly founded nation. Today, over 230 years later, our flag continues to stand as a symbol of freedom, valor, and hope. Constituents often ask me about the proper treatment of such an important symbol to our nation. As we celebrate Flag Day today, I want to share with you the following questions and answers regarding the United States Flag Code to help you in following proper flag etiquette. 

What is the proper time of day to fly the flag?
It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

Should I take the flag down during a rain storm?
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.

When should the flag be displayed?
The flag should be displayed daily and on all holidays, weather permitting, on or near the main administration buildings of all public institutions. It should also be displayed in or near every polling place on election days and in or near every schoolhouse during school days.

What is the proper way to display the flag?
The flag should never be displayed with union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. When displayed against a wall or a window, the blue field should be uppermost and to the left of the observer.

Where should my flag be mounted in relation to the front of my house?
The flag should be displayed in a position of prominence. This usually means to left or right of the front door, or at the center of the house. If you are flying two flags, however, the American flag should always be positioned to the left of the other flag as the viewer approaches the house.

Should I destroy the flag if it touches the ground?
No. The flag should never be dipped toward any person or object, nor should the flag ever touch anything beneath it. However, if your flag does touch the ground, you should immediately correct the situation and clean the flag with a mild soap solution if it has been dirtied.

My flag is really old and is ready to be retired. How should I dispose of it properly?
The Flag Code states that when the condition of a flag is no longer fitting for display that it should be disposed of in the most dignified way possible. Your local VFW chapter, the American Legion, and some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops offer services to help you properly dispose of your flag.

For more flag etiquette tips or if you would like to purchase a flag flown over the United States Capitol, please visit my website at randyforbes.house.gov.
Comments
The opinions expressed below are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent those of this office.
  • Jack Johnson commented on 6/15/2010
    I can still remember the awe and respect I experienced when we said the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag in the corner of my 1st grade classroom in 1947. I can still remeber saying the Pledge and learning to fold the flag as a Cub Scout, and I can still remember placing a pole and raising the flag at all of our new campsites as a Boy Scout. I can still remember marching behind the flag as a young Navy recruit and when they handed me a folded flag at my retirement from the Navy 24 years later, I was proud and emotional for the honor of having sereved under it. I still have it and keep it in a safe place and I touch it from time to time with reverence. A flag will be there when they read my eulogy, and they will bear me to the grave under cover of the flag, and I will have been truly honored. God I love this country. God protect it and never let the significance of its colors fade. Amen.
  • Jack Johnson commented on 6/15/2010
    Congressman, if you ever feel like you need a change of scenery, we could use you in Colorado. Thanks for your hoorable service to the country. Respectfully, Jack Johnson Woodland Park, CO
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