Following the tragedies in New York, Washington D.C.,
Pennsylvania, Americans are seeking ways to publicly express a wide range of
emotions as well as support for one another during this difficult time. One of
the most popular methods of showing support is displaying the flag of the United
States of America.
The Boy Scouts of America is pleased to share the
following suggestions-- adapted from Your Flag, published by the Boy
Scouts of America-- to help you properly display and care for your symbol of our
nation's unity, glory and resolve.
Flying the Colors
* The U.S. Flag Code, adopted in 1923 and amended by
Public Law 94-344 in 1976, states " It is the universal custom to display the
flag only from sunrise to sunset... However, when a patriotic effect is desired,
the flag my be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours
of darkness."
* When the flags or pennants of states, cities or
societies are flown with the national flag on the same halyard, the U.S. Flag
should fly at the peak, above all others.
* If other flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the
U.S. Flag should always be to the right of all others and should be hoisted
first and lowered last.
* Flags of other nations must be flown from separate
flagpoles of equal height and all flags should be approximately equal in size
with the U.S. Flag. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one
nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
Displaying the Flag
* When the national flag is displayed flat, either
horizontally or vertically, on a wall or in a window, the union (blue field)
should be at the top and to the observer's left when facing the flag.
* When displayed from a staff projecting from a
windowsill, balcony or the front of a building, the union (blue field) should be
at the staff's peak (unless the flag is at half-staff).
* When displayed on a stage or platform, the national
flag should be at the speaker's right. Any other flag is on the speaker's left.
* When suspended, the flag should be vertical with the
union to the north over an east- west street and to the east over a north- south
street. The flag should be hoisted out union (blue field) first.
* Flag decals and stickers may be correctly displayed
on the inside of motor vehicle side windows.
Flying the Flag at Half-Staff
* When flown at half-staff, the flag is hoisted to the peak, then
lowered to half-staff position (half the distance from top to bottom of the
staff).
* Before the flag is lowered for the day, it is raised again to the
top, then lowered.
* If your flag is on an outrigger flagpole or mounted on the wall and
can not be lowered to half-staff, it is appropriate to drape a purple and black
mourning ribbon across the flag.
Wearing the Flag
* A flag patch may be attached to such
uniforms as those of athletes, fire fighters, police officers and members of
patriotic organizations. The national flag should not be used as a costume or
athletic uniform.
* Flag lapel pins should be worn on the
left lapel near the heart.
* Reproductions of the national flag in
any medium such as jewelry, pins, buttons or printed materials must show the
union (blue field) on the top and to the observer's left when facing the flag.
Flag Care
* Be sure flags are dry before storing
them.
* Colors affixed to staffs should be
carefully furled, placed in a flag case or boot, or wrapped in plastic, then
stored upright- preferably in a cool, dry, dark place.
* Iron-on patches make rips and holes
easy to repair. They can be bought in fabric departments in various colors and
various materials to match the flag. Follow the directions on the fabric
package.
* Outdoor flags should be correctly
folded and sealed in moisture- and bug proof plastic bags. Store in a safe,
cool, dry place.
Folding the Flag
1.To fold the flag correctly, bring the
striped half up over the blue field.
2. Then fold it in half again.
3. Bring the lower striped corner to the upper edge,
forming a triangle.
4. Then fold the upper point in to form another
triangle. Continue until the entire length of the flag is folded.
5. When you get near the end -- nothing but the blue
field showing -- tuck the last bit into the other folds to secure it.
6. The final folded flag resembles a cocked hat with
only the white stars on a blue field showing.
Destroying Worn-Out Flags
* When the national flag is worn beyond
repair, burn it thoroughly and completely on a modest, but blazing fire.
* This should be done in a simple
manner with dignity and respect. Be sure the flag is reduced to ashes
unrecognizable as a former flag.
