It is no secret I am a big fan of birthdays and celebrating them! To say the 4th of July is one of my favorite days of the year is an understatement! As someone who grew up in a military family and spent several years working with the military, I show off my American spirit whenever I get the chance. 🇺🇸 So let’s just say, I am more than ready for this birthday party!
As we celebrate our freedom and our country, be sure to sparkle in all the right ways! One standout way to do this is to honor and respect the flag 🇺🇸 Here are my tips on how to do so:
- Fly the flag all day! Be sure to keep a light on Old Glory when the sun goes down.
- NOTE: If you are hanging the flag rather than flying it, ensure you display it correctly. Here’s how:
- Attending a parade, event, or sporting event? When Old Glory passes you, place your hand over your heart and remove any headgear (unless being worn for medical or religious reasons).
- While it may add to the festiveness of your party, I suggest not using place-mats, table cloths, plates, or napkins that have the American flag on them as a decorative piece. Even though it is not technically a real flag, eating off the flag and the act of wiping your mouth or using the flag to clean your hands is disrespectful.
- NOTE: A design of stars and stripes is great, I am referring to the actual American flag printed on a serving piece and napkins.
- A little known fact is that Old Glory “should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.” Rather than wearing the flag, a design of stars and stripes is more appropriate.
- NOTE: I realize patriotic apparel is trendy in pop culture and will likely continue to be so I encourage you to be thoughtful in your outfit choices. If you do choose to wear apparel displaying the flag, ensure it is displayed in full not draped across you, tattered, or distressed in any way.
- For even more in-depth (and fast-paced) information on flag protocol, watch this video and refer to this valuable flag protocol information.
Last, but certainly not least, remember and thank the service members who have fought for and are currently serving to protect our freedoms.
Happy Independence Day, y’all! 🇺🇸
AB
Editorial Note: This is a revised version of a previous post. For more tips on celebrating Independence Day, see another original post!
Positively Proper 