This weekend we celebrate Flag Day! 🇺🇸 In honor of this holiday, I am channeling my inner Sheldon Cooper and hosting my own “episode” of Fun with Flags. Flag Day is celebrated each June 14th on the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 which declared Old Glory as the flag of our Nation. As we celebrate Old Glory, learn how to honor and respect the flag at all times:
- Fly the flag from sunrise to sunset: Unless Old Glory is lit, it should not be flown once the sun sets.
- NOTE: If you are hanging the flag rather than flying it, ensure you display it correctly. Here’s how:
- Flying multiple flags:
- The American flag should always be the highest flown when flying with a military service branch, state, local government flag, or a combination of such. It should also be hoisted and lowered first.
- As the host country, the American flag should be flown at the same height as the flag of other nations and placed to the far left when looking at the display.
- 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).
- Entertaining with Old Glory: While it may add to the festiveness of patriotic holidays, I suggest not using place-mats, table cloths, plates, or napkins that have the American flag on them. 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.
- Wearing Old Glory: 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 and not draped across you (such as a wrap), tattered, or distressed in any way.
- Disposing of the American Flag: The best way to dispose of Old Glory is to take it to your local VFW where they will dispose of it properly and with honor.
- For even more in-depth (and fast-paced) information on flag protocol, watch this video and refer to this valuable flag protocol information.
Happy Flag Day, y’all! 🇺🇸
AB
Positively Proper 