This is the time of year that we show our American pride by waving the American flag, hanging it on our homes, boats, bikes, buildings, and cars. It’s easy to forget, though, the proper way to handle and hang the American flag. But, did you know that there are rules for how to handle, respect, honor and dispose of Old Glory?
Here are the top ones.
Orient it correctly. The field of stars should always be at the top-left corner, whether you are hanging it horizontally or vertically. The view should always be from the outside-in, so you still have the field of stars in the top left corner if it’s horizontal or vertical. It’s important that the flag be flown higher than any other flag if there are others beside it.
Leave the light on. Traditionally the flag has flown outside from sunrise to sunset, but if illuminated properly it can be left out for 24 hours. You might try a solar light that gets dim during the day and brightens at night, or a garden spotlight to keep it illuminated throughout the evening.
Consider the weather. You do not want the flag subjected to harsh elements of rain, wind, or snow, but long as it is made of weather-resistant materials, it should be able to withstand those elements.
“Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness –
– whatever America means to you is symbolized by
the stars and stripes, and we should feel
a sense of pride and gratitude every time we
salute Old Glory.”
Retire the flag once it’s worn out. Traditionally, disposing of a flag is done via burning. If you don’t want to do this yourself, however, you can call the local VFW to dispose of it in a respectful way, or even in a ceremony.
Don’t let it touch the ground or anything beneath it. When flying the flag from your vehicle, you want to attach it to your antenna, or to the right side of the fender, or to your window by letting the Flagstaff hang from the right side.
The flag is not to be used for advertising or promotional purposes. For example, putting it on napkins, plates, and boxes. Anything that’s temporary or can be disposed is restricted.
No decorations of any kind. You can use decorative flag banners, for example, but the flag itself should not be used as such.
It’s important that we handle the flag with the respect, dignity, and honor that it deserves. There are extensive guidelines, per the U.S. Flag Code, that provide more information. If you’d like to be an authority on that code, go ahead and read it. In the meantime, I hope to be your insurance experts. Our team and I are always happy to provide Star – Spangled Banner service to you or anyone you know needing an insurance quote or review.
Please feel free to give us a call at 617-298-0655 or email our team at quotes@vargasinsurance.com
Carlos
