Flag Care 1
How are unserviceable flags destroyed?
When a flag has served its useful purpose: It should be destroyed. Preferably by burning discretely or taken to an American Legion Post.
What is the significance of displaying the flag at half-staff?
This shows that the nation mourns the death of an individual(s), such as the President or former President, Vice President, Supreme Court Justice, member of Congress, secretary of an executive or military department, etc. Only the President of the United States or the governor of the state my order the flag to be half-staffed.
Are you required to destroy the flag it it touches the ground?
The flag should not touch anything beneath it such as the ground. This is stated to indicate that care should be taken in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. You ARE NOT required to destroy the flag when this happens.
What do the 13 stripes on the American flag represent?
The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies.
Old Glory
The Stars and Stripes
The Star Spangled Banner
What are the penalties for physical desecration of the flag?
There are currently no penalties for the physical desecration of the flag.
Can the United State flag be displayed on days when the weather is inclement?
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
Can the flag be washed or dry-cleaned?
Yes, the decision to wash or dry-clean would depend on the material.
What does the red, white, and blue stand for on the flag?
Red - symbolizes hardiness and valor.
White - stands for purity and innocence.
Blue - represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
When the flag is folded in a military style ceremony how many fold are there?
13 folds
Is it proper to fly the flag of the United States at night?
It is a universal custom to fly the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. If flying at night the flag should be properly illuminated.
Can any part of the flag be used as a costume or athletic uniform?
No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.
What is the significance of the gold fringe that we see on some American flags?
The gold fringe was first used on the flag as early as 1835. It was not until 1895 that it was officially added to the national flag for all regiments of the army. It is considered that fringe is used as an honorable enrichment only.
What do the stars represent on the flag?
The 50 stars represent the 50 states in the United States of America.
This fold represents the original colonies of the United States?
13th fold
Can the flag be used as wearing apparel?
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
What should be the position of the flag when displayed from a staff(pole)?
When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff(pole) projecting horizontally or at an angle from a window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.
May person, other than a veteran, have their casket draped with the flag of the United States?
Yes, although this honor is usually reserved for veterans or highly regarded state and national figures.
Why do we celebrate flag day on June 14th?
The flag was adopted on June 14, 1777
Who wrote the Star Spangled Banner?
How should the flag be displayed when it is against a wall or in a window?
When displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's ownright, that is, to the observer's left. In a window, the flag shoud be displayed in the same way.
Can a flag that has been used to cover a casket be displayed after its original use?
It would be a fitting tribute to the memory of the deceased verteran and their service to a grateful nation if their casket flag were displayed.
When can the flag be displayed with the union down?
The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
Who is credited with sewing the very first flag?
Betsy Ross
What is the inspiration to write the Star Spangled Banner?
Key was inspired to write it after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. As dawn broke on September 14, 1814, Key saw the American flag still flying over the fort, signaling that the U.S. had successfully defended it. Moved by this sight, he penned a poem titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry.”