Flag Etiquette

Flag season is upon us. Many summer holidays call for showing our country's colors, including Memorial Day, Flag Day, and of course, the Fourth of July. I'm schooled in flag etiquette, and it's something I can't ignore. Being a teacher, I also have lots of practice saluting the flag and pass on the don'ts to my students. Here is the shortlist.

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The U.S. Flag is the undisputed symbol of patriotism

Displaying it properly is respecting what it stands for

  • Don’t dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.

  • Don’t let the flag touch the ground.

  • Don’t fly the flag upside down unless there is an emergency.

  • Don’t carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.

  • Don’t use the flag as clothing.

  • Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.

  • Don’t use it as a cover.

  • Don’t fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.

  • Don’t draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.

  • Don’t use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red.

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I like an oversized

flag

When it has made its run, I wash it in cold water, air dry, and fold it up for the next occasion.

Photos by Chris Grafton for Unsplash and Author’s Own

MARY VAN HIELLove, Travel