Grandpa and I display our two American flags on significant holidays as a tradition to show our respect and patriotism. The poles straddle our driveway.
Veterans Day is upcoming on November 11. So, I thought I would research how and when to display Old Glory and was surprised to find so many national and state holidays where flying a U.S. flag is encouraged. After discovering Election Day is a flag holiday, we will begin displaying our flag on November 8 and let it wave until after Veterans Day.
I was also surprised to learn about all the rules, the U.S. Flag Code, which defines how to properly handle and display the U.S. Flag. I’ve highlighted some of the rules here on my blog, however you can find all of them by visiting Military.com.
The Flag Code recommends displaying your U.S. flag on Independence Day (July 4) and other major holidays like Flag Day (Jun 14), Labor Day (1st Monday in September), and Veterans Day (November 11).
Take note: Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) has its own flag etiquette. The American flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full staff for the rest of the holiday.
Customs dictates that you should display flags only from sunrise to sunset, but you can keep the flag flying 24 hours a day if it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Thank goodness we have streetlights. We might get spotlights soon.
How to Hang a Flag
When hanging a flag horizontally (ex: against a wall), the Union portion with the stars should go on the observer’s left. When hanging a flag vertically (ex: over the middle of the street) it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
When and how to retire a flag
The Federal Flag Code says that soiled or damaged flags should be burned in a respectful, ceremonial manner, but do so discreetly, so people don’t misinterpret your intentions. But before doing that, you should shred the flag by separating the 13 stripes and leaving the blue-spangled field intact.
Or you can contact your local American Legion post to find out if they have flag disposal ceremonies, which commonly occur on Flag Day, June 14. Local Boy Scout troops are another resource for disposing the retired flag in a dignified and respectful way.
What Each Fold Means
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
With the final fold the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”
Author Unknown
Fold Your Flag Before Storing
Know the difference between half-staff and half-mast
“Half-Mast” technically refers to a flag flown on a ship’s mast, while “Half-Staff” describes flags flown on land.
I hope you learned something new about displaying the American Flag or make it a new tradition in your home. God Bless America.
Thanks to my daughter Victoria for Content Editor.