Although the Fourth of July is filled with summer fun, it marks a significant event in the history of the United States. The holiday is marked by fireworks, patriotic gear and the symbol of the United States — the American flag.
While the holiday is a time to celebrate with friends and family it’s important to remember how to properly handle the American flag. According to the Department of Defense, there are a few guidelines to follow when displaying the flag.
The DOD website states the U.S. National Flag Code was created and distributed nationally in 1923 before it became Public Law in 1942. The code states how to properly display, handle and respect the United States flag.
In the event of bad weather, the American flag should not be displayed outdoors. Additionally, the flag should not be used for advertising purposes, embroidered on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins or boxes.
The DOD website states the flag should not be used as clothing attire, bedding or drapery and it should never be displayed upside down, except in a distressing or dangerous situation. When on display, the flag should never touch anything beneath it, including water, merchandise and the floor.
When a flag is displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union, the blue portion with stars, should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right and to the observer’s left, the website states. If displayed in a window, it should be displayed with the union to the left of the observer outside the window.
A displayed flag should always remain clean and damage-free; dirty, ripped, wrinkled or frayed flags should not be used. If they are damaged, the flags should be destroyed in a dignified manner, such as taking them to a flag disposal box. The DOD states these boxes can be found in state and county government offices as well as Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.
If the flag cannot be dropped off at a box, the DOD recommends doing your own small ceremony to maintain the dignified manner of disposal.
First, the flag should be folded in its customary manner, folding the flag into a triangle shape, according to Veterans of Foreign Wars. Then, the flag should be placed into a fire large and intense enough to ensure complete burning of the flag. The VFW states the individuals can salute the flag, say the Pledge of Allegiance or hold a moment of silence. The fire should be safely extinguished, and the flag’s ashes should be buried. The VFW urges using local and state fire codes or ordinances when disposing.
