After September 11^th we saw an unprecedented number of American Flags being bought, sold & displayed.  Being prior military and required to learn way more about the American Flag than I ever thought possible, Erik and I noticed that many people displayed the Flag incorrectly.  I wondered how people didn’t know these things or even think them very important at the time.

Recently my kids began memorizing Flag Etiquette through AWANA.  Then, last night we were watching Amazing Race: Family Edition (thank you TiVo) and noticed that only 2 of the 10 teams were shown mentioning not letting the flag touch the ground.  Some were greatly moved by the flag folding but some appeared to be in that “hurry up already” mentality.  Watching the flag folded ceremoniously is, I think, very compelling indeed.  Of course we all know how video editing can change the way people are portrayed, so perhaps other teams acknowledged the importance of the flag as well.

Anyway, it occurred to me that the problem is ignorance and perhaps a bit of “Flag Etiquette 101” is in order.  I found this very basic list at the USA Flag Site:

• The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.

• The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.

• The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.

• The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.

• The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.

• The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.

• The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.

• The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

• When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

• The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.

• When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

If you have a flag displayed on your property or at your office, you may want to take a look at Rules for Display also.  With all the controversy over the Pledge, I think it’s important for us to remember that our Flag, our Pledge, our Anthem…they’re all symbols of the freedoms we often take for granted.  Preserving these symbols with integrity is honorable and each American should take pride in showing their patriotism.