With July 4th just around the corner, many people are getting ready to hang their flag or put out other patriotic decorations. Did you know that there is a code guiding proper display of the Stars and Stripes? If you’ve wondered if your flag display and decorations are acceptable, here are some things you should know.
How
Ideally an American flag should be hung with the star side attached to the flag pole alone and higher than any other flag surrounding it. Should you notice it’s tangled on the pole, untangle it as soon as feasible. If you hang a flag either vertically or horizontally on a wall or from your rain gutter shields, always have the stars on the left for the person viewing it. It should never be hung upside down. Never drape a flag over the hood or trunk of a vehicle, table top, or anything other than a coffin. If it’s being displayed over a street where it will be viewed from both sides, the union (stars) should be to the north (on an east-west street) or east (on a north-south street), depending which way the streets run.
When
A flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset unless you have a light that can properly illuminate your flag at night. Likewise, if it’s raining (or snowing or sleeting), you should take your flag indoors until the rain has subsided. Even if you’re displaying your flag by hanging it under your eaves and have the best rain gutter covers, your flag will get wet and should be brought inside.
Where
The American flag should be displayed alone on a flag pole and hung higher than any other flag. Although it is standard practice to display it on the same pole above other flags, this is not correct. If it’s displayed on a wall with other flags, it should be centered above the rest.
Flag Don’ts
Flags are not meant to be worn as a cape or shirt. Nor are they meant to be eaten off of, used to wipe your face, as a bib or to sit on. That means you should avoid buying plates and napkins with the flag on them. This is considered disrespectful.
Other disrespectful things people do with flags are write on them, let them touch the ground and keep using them after they are no longer in good condition. If your flag is past the point where it represents our country well, you should respectfully dispose of it by burning it while saluting or saying the Pledge of Allegiance. You may also bury it if you don’t want to burn it.
We hope these tips from the makers of the best rain gutter covers, Gutter Helmet, help you properly display and eventually dispose of your flag. If you don’t have rain gutter shields on your home but want to learn more about them, call (800) 824-3772 or complete our contact form to be connected with your local dealer.
