The Blake Co., Inc - Rockford, IL. - Frequently Asked Flag Questions

The following flag etiquette information is considered general knowledge and may be used freely without permission.

As an Army and Navy custom, the flag is lowered daily at the last note of retreat. Special care should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground. The Flag is then carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night.

To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the 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 5th fold is a tribute to the 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 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they 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 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th 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.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. 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 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nation’s motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

This shows the evolution of the U.S. flag star field. Included are the dates that each design was used and the state or states that were added.	13 Stars 1777 - 1795 Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia	15 Stars 1795 - 1818 Kentucky, Vermont	20 Stars 1818 - 1819 Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee
21 Stars 1819 - 1820 Illinois	23 Stars 1820 - 1822 Alabama, Maine	24 Stars 1822 - 1836 Missouri	25 Stars 1836 - 1837 Arkansas
26 Stars 1837 - 1845 Michigan	27 Stars 1845 - 1846 Florida	28 Stars 1846 - 1847 Texas	29 Stars 1847 - 1848 Iowa
30 Stars 1848 - 1851 Wisconsin	31 Stars 1851 - 1858 California	32 Stars 1858 - 1859 Minnesota	33 Stars 1859 - 1860 Oregon
34 Stars 1861 - 1863 Kansas	35 Stars 1863 - 1865 West Virginia	36 Stars 1865 - 1867 Nevada	37 Stars 1867 - 1877 Nebraska
38 Stars 1877 - 1890 Colorado	43 Stars 1890 -1891 Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington	44 Stars 1891 - 1896 Wyoming	45 Stars 1896 - 1908 Utah
46 Stars 1908 - 1912 Oklahoma	48 Stars 1912 - 1959 Arizona, New Mexico	49 Stars 1959 -1960 Alaska	50 Stars 1960 + Hawaii

Most residential flags are 3x5' or 4x6'. Most small commercials buildings use a 5x8' or 6x10' flag. Larger buildings may require an 8x12' flag or larger. The size of the flagpole is what determines the correct size flag you should fly.

The length of the flag should be at least 1/4 the height of the flagpole. Examples: A 20' flagpole should have at least a 3x5' flag (20' flagpole divided by 4 equals 5 or a 3x5' flag). A 40' flagpole should have at least a 6x10' flag (40' flagpole divided by 4 equals 10 or a 6x10' flag).

You may always fly a larger flag than what is recommended. However, be aware that "over flagging" a flagpole may cause damage the flagpole or bend it during high winds. If you wish to fly an extra large flag we recommend that you fly a Nylon flag since it weighs less than a Polyester flag, especially when wet. But flying a Nylon flag is still no guarantee that your flagpole will not bend during high winds.

It has been well documented that given reasonable care your flag should provide maximum service and satisfaction. However, regardless of how well a flag is constructed, a flag is, after all, only a piece of cloth and will sooner or later succumb to the elements. And only you can prevent premature flag wear.

Here are a few simple suggestions that will help contribute greatly to the life of your flag:

2. Try not to fly your flag in rain, snow and especially abnormally high winds. These weather extremes will shorten the life of your flag. Do not fold or roll-up a wet flag. Allow your flag to dry completely before storage.

3. Clean your flag regularly. This will keep your flag’s colors looking good. Clear your flag before dirt, smoke, dust and other airborne contaminates "set" into the fabric. Outdoor flags may be hand-washed in warm water and a mild soap, then rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry. Do not allow the flag to soak in the wash water for an extended time or the colors may run. Professional dry cleaning is recommended for indoor and parade flags. Outdoor flags can be dry cleaned, too. In fact many dry cleaners will clean Old Glory free of charge.

4. Do not fly the flag where the wind will rub it against any rough surfaces like trees, wires, walls or roofs. The smallest tear will only get worse with time. Keep your flagpole surfaces clean and free of rust or corrosion that could damage your flag.

5. Inspect your flag regularly for any signs of dirt or wear. Usually the first place that wears is the "fly end". This is the end farthest away from the staff or flagpole. When the fly end starts to ware it can be trimmed off and re-hemmed. This will help to extend the useful life of your flag. Re-hem your flag as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more the flag is shorted. The flag can only be re-hem a reasonable number of time and will eventually be too short to re-hem. The flag should then be ceremoniously retired. Many dry cleaners, tailors, upholstery shops and flag dealers will re-hem your flag for a minimal fee or even at no charge. Some flag dealers and most Boy Scouts will gladly retire your flag at no charge.

Note to large flag users (5x8’ and larger):
Larger flags naturally represent a more significant investment. Therefore it pays to take care of your flag and give it maximum protection. Pay special attention to inspecting your flag regularly and keeping your flag repaired. A good idea is to have 2 flags so you can rotate them on a regular basis like every month. Test have shown that flag fibers actually benefit from a periodic "rest". And by having 2 flags you can have one flag on display while the other flag is out for cleaning or repair.

That is a tough question with no exact answer. One extremely winding day can damage a brand new flag made from the best flag material.

The U.S. Government generally expects a nylon or cotton flag to last about 90 days when the flag is displayed only from sunrise to sunset and the flag is not displayed during bad weather. Test have shown that a flag displayed 24 hours a day will only last one-fourth as long as a flag that is displayed only during daylight hours.

My experiences have found that a good quality outdoor flag, when properly displayed and maintained, will last 6 months to a year and possible longer. But I have seen flags that are not cared for worn out in 30 days or less. Nylon and polyester flags are best for outdoor use with polyester being the best for high wind areas. In my option cotton flags should only be used for parade use or for indoor use when they are displayed out of direct sunlight. Cotton flags tend to fade very quickly from sunlight in some cases in as little as 30 days.

Other days may be proclaimed by the President of the United States as flag holidays such as birthdays of States and State holidays.

There may be certain times when a state or federal government will request that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff. However, you do not have to wait for or need a government declaration to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff. And it may flown at half-staff out of respect for any person or persons of your choice.

The National Flag represents the living country and is considered to be a living thing emblematic of the respect and pride we have for our nation. Our flag is a precious possession. Display it proudly.

The National Emblem is a symbol of our great country, our heritage and our place in the world. We owe reverence and respect to our flag. It represents the highest ideals of individual liberty, justice and equal opportunity for all.

1. When the flag of the United States of America is displayed 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.

2. The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right (that means the viewer's left), and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

3. The flag of the United States of America, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. By "half-staff" is meant lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. Crepe streamers may be affixed to spear heads or flagstaffs in a parade only by order of the President of the United States . If other flags are displayed along with the flag of the United States, all flags should be displayed at half-staff.

4. When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States of America , the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States of America should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States of America or to the right of the flag of the United States of America (that means the viewer’s left).

5. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace. In the United States , the flag of the United States of America takes the position of honor which is to the viewer’s left. The remaining nation’s flags are then displayed in alphabetical order.

6. When the flag of the United States of America is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.

7. When the flag of the United States of America is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the 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.

8. When the flag of the United States of America is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

9. When the flag of the United States of America is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right (that means to the viewer's left). When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way, which is with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street. When festoons, rosettes or draping are desired, bunting of blue, white and red should be used, but never the flag.

10. When the flag of the United States of America is carried in a procession with another flag, or flags, the flag of the United States of America should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

11. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.

12. When the flag of the United States of America is on a platform, as if facing the audience, it should be on its right (the audience's left).

13. When the flag of the United States of America is off a platform, as part of the audience, it should be on its right (the audience's right).

Title 36 - Patriotic Societies and Observances
Chapter 10 - Patriotic Customs
01/24/94

¡± 173. Display and use of flag by civilians; codification of rules and customs; definition
¡± 174. Time and occasions for display
¡± 175. Position and manner of display
¡± 176. Respect for flag
¡± 177. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag
¡± 178. Modification of rules and customs by President

¡± 173. Display and use of flag by civilians; codification of rules and customs; definition
The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the United States of America is established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the Government of the United States. The flag of the United States for the purpose of this chapter shall be defined according to sections 1 and 2 of title 4 and Executive Order 10834 issued pursuant thereto.

¡± 174. Time and occasions for display
(a) Display on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in open; night display It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
(b) Manner of hoisting
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
(c) Inclement weather
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed.
(d) Particular days of display
The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln's Birthday, February 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother's Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.
(e) Display on or near administration building of public institutions
The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution.
(f) Display in or near polling places
The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days.
(g) Display in or near schoolhouses
The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.

¡± 175. Position and manner of display
The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
(a) The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (i) of this section.
(b) The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
(c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.
(d) The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
(e) The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
(f) When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right.
(g) When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
(h) When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the 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. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.
(i) When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
(j) When the flag is displayed 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.
(k) When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.
(l) The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument, but it should never be used as the covering for the statue or monument.
(m) The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. The flag shall be flown at half-staff thirty days from the death of the President or a former President; ten days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. As used in this subsection -
(1) the term ''half-staff'' means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
(2) the term ''executive or military department'' means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5; and
(3) the term ''Member of Congress'' means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
(n) When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
(o) When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer's left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east.

¡± 176. Respect for flag
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
(a) 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.
(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
(f) The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
(g) The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
(h) The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
(j) 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. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

¡± 177. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.

¡± 178. Modification of rules and customs by President
Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the United States of America, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, whenever he deems it to be appropriate or desirable; and any such alteration or additional rule shall be set forth in a proclamation.

The flag etiquette information above is considered general knowledge and may be used freely without permission.