The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
U.S. Flag Code
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No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America. The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red should always be arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below. The U.S. flag should not be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, or for decoration in general.
The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs, and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins, boxes, or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform; however, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing; therefore, the lapel flag pin, being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
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.
Click here for more information on the U.S. Flag Code.
How to Display the U.S. Flag
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.
How to Dispose of the U.S. Flag
Outdoor U.S. Flags begin to display faded colors and weather-worn edges as a result of regular use. Once a replacement U.S. Flag, with new vibrant colors and sharp edges, is flying proudly, proper retirement and disposal of the worn U.S. Flag is an American responsibility. Ceremonial retirement of a U.S. Flag includes steps such as: removing the union (the blue field) of the U.S. flag, leaving only the stripes left or separating all the individual red and white stripes on the U.S. flag, creating individual strips for each color.
Official burning of the U.S. flag can be done through The American Legion, VFW posts, and even some Boy Scout Troops. Check with these organizations, as some flags are polyester and can produce toxic fumes when burned. You can always return your worn U.S. flags to Carrot-Top Industries, in care of U.S. Flag Retirement, and we will properly see to the retirement.
Interested in Purchasing an American Flag? We have many variations of the U.S. flag for sale.
