With the Patriotic Holidays upon us:
July 4 — Independence Day
September 1 — Labor Day
September 11 — Patriot Day
Be sure to practice correct flag etiquette according to the federal code. Fly the flag outside only from sunrise to sunset, unless it is illuminated for night time display.
• Do not fly the flag outside during inclement weather unless you use an all-weather flag.
• Do not fly another flag above the USA flag, or if the other flag is on the same level, do not fly another flag to the right of the USA flag.
• Fly the flag with the “union” (the blue field of white stars) at the peak of the staff (unless the flag is at half-staff) when flying the flag from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building.
When you display a flag horizontally or vertically against a wall or in a window, place the union uppermost and to the flag’s own right, or to the observer’s left.
• Display the flag with the union down only as a distress signal.
• Fly the flag at half-staff (positioning the flag one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff) at times specified.
When flying the flag at half-staff, it should first be hoisted to the peak for an instant, then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
• Never allow the flag to touch anything beneath it, including the ground, floor, water or other items.
• Never carry the flag flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
• Never use a flag as wearing apparel, bedding, drapery, ceiling covering or decorative element. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always be allowed to fall free.
• Don’t use a part of the flag as a costume or athletic uniform. A flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firefighters, police and members of patriotic organizations. A flag pin should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
• Protect the flag from use or storage that will cause it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged.
• Never place things on the flag or attach marks, insignias, letters, words, figures, designs, pictures or drawings and aged flags no longer fit for flying should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by safely burning it,
Have safe and happy holidays!