Most people know that the U.S. Flag is supposed to be treated in a specific, respectful manner. But those exact standards of etiquette aren’t always known to everybody. Most people get the basics: remove your hat when saying the Pledge of Allegiance or saluting the flag, and fly the flag at half-staff when honoring someone who passed away. But what about some of the less common standards of etiquette? Let’s take a look at some of these lesser known rules of the US Flag Code.
The Flag Should Not Be Used as Part of any Costume or Athletic Uniform
The logic behind this, as stated in the United States Flag Code, is that the flag represents a living country, and, thus, should be treated like a living thing. This might be surprising to hear, based on the outfits recently worn by the U.S. Olympic team in Sochi, but it’s still a generally accepted rule.
If Displayed at Night, the Flag Should be Well Lit
Typically, the flag should only be flown during daylight hours and lowered at sunset. Obviously, since electricity didn’t exist in the time of Betsy Ross flags, an exception had to be written once it became possible to illuminate the flag in darkness. Also, the US Flag Code specifically allows the flag to be flown 24 hours a day at these eight locations:
- Fort McHenry National Monument, Baltimore, MD
- Flag House Square, Baltimore, MD
- United States Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington, Virginia
- Lexington, Massachusetts
- The White House
- The Washington Monument
- US Customs ports of entry
- Valley Forge State Park, Valley Forge, PA
In the Event that a Flag Is Too Damaged to be Flown Publicly, It Should Be Burned in a Dignified Manner
You read that correctly. In instances where a flag has become irreparably worn out, it is not only acceptable to burn the flag, but it's required. Every year on Flag Day (June 14), most VFW posts around the country hold ceremonies where worn-out flags can be discarded in a respectful fashion. Many Boy Scout and American Legion posts do the same.
Now keep in mind, failure to follow these rules isn’t illegal and won’t land you in jail, but they are considered the accepted, respectful protocol for treatment of the US Flag. Keep them in mind the next time you want to display the Stars and Stripes on your property.
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