Flying the Colors

Happy 4th of July!

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

For those who are already proud owners of a U.S. flag, don’t forget to fly it tomorrow!  Get up and have your own flag hoisting ceremony.  Say the Pledge of Allegiance, or better yet, sing the Star Spangled Banner! 

Did you know there are specific rules of etiquette that cover how the flag should be handled, flown and displayed?  If you need a quick primer on the Flag Code, visit the USHistory.org web site and review How to Display the Flag and How to Fold the Flag.

If haven’t yet purchased a flag to fly over the home post, look into buying one online to display over the Labor Day holiday.  You can find a good quality nylon flag for about $15.00 - just search “buy a U.S. flag” and shop around. 

Thought you might be interested in a bit of flag history…

Why Red, White and Blue? 

Seems there is no particular reference indicating why the The Continental Congress chose red, white and blue for our flag’s colors.  But in 1782, the Congress of the Confederation selected the same colors for the Great Seal of the United States and denoted this meaning: white to mean purity and innocence, red for valor and hardiness, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.  Legend says that George Washington has his own interpretation of the elements of the flag.  “The stars were taken from the sky, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes signified the secession from the home country.” 

Other Flag Facts

Rules according to the Flag Code and USHistory.org:

• If my flag touches the ground, do I need to destroy it?
  No. You should, of course, try to avoid having the flag touch the ground. But if it does, you should correct the situation immediately. If the flag has been dirtied, you should clean it by hand with a mild soap solution and dry it well before returning it to use.
• Is it okay to wash the flag if it gets dirty? Can a torn flag be mended?
  Yes. If a flag is torn, it can be repaired, preferably by a professional or someone skilled in mending. If it is dirty, it can be washed, preferably by hand with a mild soap. If it is faded or tattered beyond repair, or dirty beyond cleaning, then it is time to retire/replace the flag.
• What should I do with a flag that needs to be retired?
  Section 8k of the Flag Code (see below) states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Today, many flags are made of weather-proof nylon.  In some states, it is illegal to burn nylon, so adhering to the Flag Code puts you in direct violation of the law.  Best to contact your local VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. (It would be nice to give a small donation for their assistance). Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks), the American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops also can provide this service.
• Should the American flag be taken down during a rain storm?
  Most flags sold today are all-weather flags (refer to the packaging). These can be flown during inclement weather, according to the Flag Code.
• Can I fly my flag at night?
  Section 6a: “It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.”
  The rule is interpreted to mean that there should be either a light directly upon the flag or that there be sufficient local lighting to make the flag easily visible at night. If you can’t light your flag, retire it at sunset.  See the link above about proper flag folding for storage.
• When should I fly my flag?
  Section 6d of the Flag Code (see below) states, “The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on:”
  • New Year’s Day, January 1
  • Inauguration Day, January 20
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, third Monday in January
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12
  • Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February
  • Easter Sunday (variable)
  • Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May
  • Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
  • Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May
  • Flag Day, June 14
  • Independence Day, July 4
  • Labor Day, first Monday in September
  • Constitution Day, September 17
  • Columbus Day, second Monday in October
  • Navy Day, October 27
  • Veterans Day, November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
  • Christmas Day, December 25
  • and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States
  • the birthdays of States (date of admission)
  • and on State holidays

On a personal note, I have to say that I never cease to feel an overwhelming sense of pride when I drive down my street and see all the flags flying in the breeze.  Nor can I think about our freedoms without also honoring our service men and women.  So fly those colors…on your home and in your heart!  Have a safe and happy holiday.

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