Flag Protocol

I learned something new yesterday about Flag Protocol. DH mentioned to me last night that we needed to take our porch flag down because it isn't proper flag protocol to fly a US flag at night. Hmm. I didn't know this, so I decided to look this up to see what else I didn't know.

In the United States as in many other nations, there are a series of rules governing the display and disposal of the national flag. These rules are referred to as “flag protocol." Although violation of flag protocol does not have legal repercussions, it is hoped that flag protocol will encourage respectful handling of the flag. More than simply a piece of fabric, a national flag represents the nation as a whole, and is an important symbol of national identity. The following flag protocol applies to the display of the American flag within the United States. In general, the rules of flag protocol are very simple and easy to follow. In most cases, respectful handling of the flag includes common sense measures. Here are just a few rules.

According to American flag protocol, an American flag must never be permitted to touch the ground. If the flag inadvertently touches the ground, it should be gently washed with soap and water.

When displayed outdoors, if the flag is in the middle of a street , it should be suspended with the union, or field of stars, facing either north or east, depending on the alignment of the street.

Flag protocol also dictates that flags should not be flown at night unless properly illuminated, and that when the flag is flown at half staff it should first be fully raised and then lowered to half staff.

The American flag should not be written on or otherwise defaced, and should not be allowed to become tattered or dirty. For this reason, many companies make all weather flags which are designed to withstand poor weather conditions. If a flag will be flown outdoors and exposed to sunlight and rain, an all weather flag should be purchased.

If a flag becomes damaged, it should be disposed of properly. According to flag protocol, the proper method of disposal for an American flag is respectful burning. A number of public service organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks, and Boy Scouts are happy to assist with the proper disposal of flags.