Reminders of the Do’s and Don’ts for maintaning & respecting the American Flag

(This Article first appeared in Around Here Magazine in fall 2025)

As we pause this Veterans Day to honor those who served, it’s important to also honor the symbol of their sacrifice: the American flag. The United States Flag Code sets forth guidelines to ensure the flag is treated with the dignity it deserves. The American flag is more than cloth—it is a living symbol of freedom, sacrifice, and unity. For Veterans Day, and the upcoming 250th Birthday of the United States of America, let’s not forget the details of using this sysmbol properly.. 

Honoring the American Flag

1. Display with Respect – The flag should never touch the ground, floor, water, or anything beneath it. Always handle it with care and keep it clean and undamaged.

2. Flying Times – It is customary to fly the flag only from sunrise to sunset, unless it is properly illuminated during darkness. All-weather flags may be flown in inclement weather.

3. Proper Position – When displayed with other flags, the U.S. flag should always be in the position of honor: higher than state or organizational flags. 

4. Saluting the Flag – During the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, or when the flag passes in a parade.

5. Display on Holidays – The flag should be flown on all national holidays, especially Veterans Day (November 11), Memorial Day, Independence Day and Flag Day, among others.

6. Half-Staff Protocol – Flags are flown at half-staff to honor national tragedies or deaths of leaders. On Memorial Day, the flag is at half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff.

7. Flag Disposal – When a flag is worn and ragged and is or no longer a fitting symbol, it should be retired in a dignified way, preferably by burning in a respectful ceremony.

Never Do This to  the Flag

1. Never Let the Flag Touch the Ground – Allowing the flag to touch the ground, floor, water, or anything beneath it is a sign of disrespect.

2. Don’t Use It as Clothing or Apparel – The flag should never be worn as clothing, costume, or used as bedding or drapery.

3. Never Display the Flag with the Union Down (Except in Distress) – Displaying the flag upside down is only appropriate as a signal of dire distress, in extreme danger to life or property.

4. Don’t Carry It Flat or Horizontally – The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, it should always be carried aloft and free.

5. Never Use the Flag for Advertising – Using the flag for commercial purposes, logos, or on disposable products like napkins or boxes is prohibited.

6. Don’t Add Marks or Designs – The flag should not have anything written, printed, or attached. No words, logos, or pictures.

7. Never Use It to Hold or Carry Items – The flag should not be used as a bag, receptacle, or for covering items.

legion.org/advocacy/flag-advocacy/flag-code

Disposal sites:

Fire Station 85 at 1050 Wilson Blvd, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Most American Legions, VFWs and Boy Scout Troops