As the symbol of freedom for the United States, the American flag is meant to be treated with respect, according to the federal government.
The United States Flag Code outlines how American flags should be properly cared for, displayed, stored, and even disposed of. While there aren’t any legal consequences for improper flag treatment, ignoring the rules laid out in the flag code is seen as disrespectful.
With Memorial Day and Flag Day on the horizon, we’re sharing the do’s and don’ts of handling American flags according to the U.S.’ flag code.
Properly displaying the flag
There are a number of ways to properly display an American flag. The flags can hung on flagpoles, staffs protruding from a window or building, or on the street hanging above a sidewalk. Staffs should always be upright when holding the flag.
American flags may also be hung on a wall vertically or horizontally with the stars at the top in either scenario.
Flags are not meant to be hung upside down, unless “trying to convey a sign of distress or great danger,” the U.S. Department of Defense says.
The flag should always be carried “aloft and free,” according to the code.
To keep the flag in good condition, avoid displaying it during harsh weather, such as rain, snow, or strong wind. Flags should be displayed away from things that could damage it or tear it down, like rough surfaces, branches, or wires.
Flags can be dry cleaned, if needed.
Storing the American flag
If you choose not to display the American flag, it should be properly folded or laid out flat, as if it were staffed. The proper fold for an American flag is a triangle shape that leaves the stars most visible.
Flags should be stored in a way that prevents them from getting damages, torn, or dirty, the code says.
Wearing the American flag
A patch of the American flag can be worn on military, firefighter, and police officer uniforms. The flag can also be worn as a pin, which is considered a replica of the flag, on the left lapel of a shirt, near the heart.
How not to handle an American flag
Now, for the “don’ts,” according to the U.S. code.
American flags that are displayed should not touch anything displayed or stored beneath them. For example, flags shouldn’t touch the ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally. It should always remain “aloft and free.”
The flag shouldn’t be used as costume, apparel, bedding, drapery, plates or napkins. The flag shouldn’t be used as a ceiling cover.
American flags shouldn’t be used for advertising.
Nothing should ever be drawn on the flag, including small markings.
Never put another flag above the U.S. flag. American flags are supposed to be placed higher than other flags on display, “unless other national flags are present,” the defense department says.
Properly retiring an American flag
An American flag should be disposed of in a particular manner when it is no longer in good enough condition to be displayed.
People are urged to not simply throw their old flag away. That is seen as disrespectful.
Instead, the proper ways to dispose of a flag are:
⭐ Burning the flag through a flag burning ceremony.
⭐ Placing the flag in a community disposal box, which can sometimes be found in local government offices and police stations. In the Detroit area, flag disposal locations include most Home Depot stores, the Flag Shop in Livonia, and the American Flag and Banner store in Clawson.
⭐ Burying the flag in a flag box.
⭐ Recycling an old flag to companies that use them to create new American flags.
Learn more about disposing old U.S. flags from the defense department here.
Retire your old flags with us!
On Thursday, May 23, we’re hosting our “Go 4 It: Honoring the Flag” event. We will be collecting worn-out American flags so they can be properly retired.
The event will take place at the Shelby Township Veterans Memorial on Van Dyke Avenue from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Every flag we receive will be given to veterans and the Boy Scouts of America for an official retirement ceremony.
Key info
When: Thursday, May 23, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 52700 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township
What to bring: Worn-out American flags
This event is free and open to all residents.