
If you want to display the flag proudly at home or in your office, read this article for some useful tips or check out the UltimateFlags.com Twitter. When not flying from the staff, your American flag should be displayed flat against the wall. Keep the union to the observer’s left. The triangle of stars should be placed above the union. When displaying your flag in a window, place it in the window frame facing the observer. Drapings or festoons in the three primary colors should be used.
Triangle of Stars
Folding a flag into a triangle requires two hands. First, take the lower striped edge of the flag and fold it over the top edge. The blue field of stars should still be visible. Fold the edge again, creating a triangular fold, until you reach the end of the blue field of stars. Repeat these steps with the other side of the flag.
Alternatively, you may hang the flag vertically. Make sure to hang it so the blue field is at the top of the staff. Hang the other flags at the same height, with the Philippine flag on the left. The flag should never be dipped into another object. And, you should always make sure to display the flag at half-mast after natural disasters.
Whether displaying a flag at half-staff or full staff, Americans are proud to fly their national flag on special occasions and holidays. However, when hanging a flag from a wall, the union should be in the top third of the flag. This is also true if it is displayed from the front of a building. If you place the flag at half-staff, you should hang the union at the top of the staff.
Store Your Flag in a Drawstring Bag
Properly storing your flag will keep it looking its best for years to come. Always keep your flag away from excessive moisture and sunlight. Leaving your flag in a garage or attic is not a good idea either because excess moisture will cause the fabric of your flag to fade. Instead, store your flag in a climate-controlled location like a basement or upper shelf of your closet.
Donate your old flag to an organization that is in need of it. The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign War, the Boy Scouts, and the Girl Scouts of America accept donated flags. These organizations will dispose of them for free. Donate your flags to these organizations and help them continue to show them off proudly. You will be glad you donated your flag to the country! By donating your old flags to these worthy causes, you are helping the US Military and the American Legion.
Store Your Flag in a Dark Place
There are many ways to store your flag, but folding it is not a good idea for long-term storage. The military tradition of folding the flag into a triangle with the stars on the outside is not a part of the Flag Code adopted by Congress. Folding your flag in such a way may lead to permanent creases in the fabric, which is not good for the flag. To avoid this, you should roll it around a mailing tube wrapped in acid-free paper.
When not in use, store your flag in a dark, airtight place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can fade your flag’s color. Heat can also degrade its quality. If your flag is not being used, store it in a dark closet or basement. If possible, use a drawstring bag to protect it from dust and sunlight. Make sure that your flag is made in the United States.
You should also avoid storing your flag in high-moisture environments. High humidity and temperature extremes can quickly ruin the fabric of your flag. Avoid storing your flag in garages, basements, or closets near bathrooms. Attic storage may also pose pest and heat problems. Moreover, the flag should be stored away from pesticides and mothballs. These products may harm your flag’s fabric.
If you have a special flag, you can store it in a self-storage unit. For this, you can also use a cleaning solution to remove stains and ensure that it is stain-free. Make sure to use acid-free paper for the paper backing. You can also seek the services of a textile conservation expert. Remember to avoid exposing your flag to direct sunlight. Lastly, do not forget to remove the American flag from storage if it is no longer in use.
Never Use Your Flag on Apparel, Bedding or Drapery
Using the American flag on apparel, bedding, or drapery is against Flag Code rules. Though the use of the flag on apparel is sometimes debated, there is no acceptable usage. The flag should never be used on disposable items. While there is no legal punishment for violating the Flag Code, it’s best to treat your flag as a sacred symbol. Here are some common violations that can offend others.
The American flag should never touch the ground or water, and it should never be attached to anything. Never use your flag as apparel, bedding, or drapery. Never use it to decorate or advertise. Never wear it horizontally or flat. Never use it to cover your ceiling. Never use it as a halyard. Never display it in a horizontal position. Never display your flag horizontally or in a way that could harm it.
It is considered an official violation of the Flag Code to display the American flag as apparel, bedding, or drapery. You can honor the flag by hanging it from a pole, but never use it as apparel, bedding, or drapery. Never use the flag as bedding or drapery. A flag should be displayed on a pole during a public event. This allows the audience to view the flag as a living symbol.
It is also important to remember that the American flag is a work of art. Don’t use it as a costume or athletic uniform. It is a work of art, and you should take care to protect it from damage. The flag should not be folded or festooned, and it should never be placed on a vehicle or boat. Neither should it be used as an athletic or costume outfit.
Never Display Your Flag on a Ship’s Signal Mast
The traditional place to display a flag on a ship’s signal mast is on the quarterdeck at the stern. Flags are flown on the signal mast in a prescribed order, according to U.S. Navy directive NTP-13(B). Displaying flags in a particular order ensures uniformity and avoids any offensive messages. Flags on the signal mast are not allowed to be displayed over the helmsman’s position.
In the past, the British Royal Navy used the term “half-staff” to refer to the same ceremony as other naval ships. Its purpose was to show that they were not a threat to shore batteries or forts by firing their guns. It also gave the ship a sense of respect from the shore. Today, the flag is flown on the signal mast of a ship when the ship is at a shore station.
Flags are also commonly displayed on land. While the flag of the country you’re visiting is an appropriate choice, it should always match the flag flown at sea. Displaying flags at sea requires some understanding of the Flag Code. In the United States, the national ensign is the proper flag for a vessel and should be flown when entering or departing a port. To avoid any confusion, always display the national flag.
The Flag Code was supposedly intended to codify best practices in flag display. Unfortunately, the compilers of the Flag Code were clearly not mariners. The Flag Code makes no mention of conventions regarding the display of flags on a gaff-rigged pole. For example, it does not mention that the gaff is the most honorable point for hoisting the flag. Thus, yacht clubs and marinas often force flags to be displayed at the masthead despite the flag code.