The holiday weekend is upon us and even with the best intentions, many Americans treat the flag too casually. The American flag is not only a symbol of our independence but also a symbol of respect for all who have fought over the years for the freedom of others. To ensure that you show your patriotism this weekend the right way, here are a few rules to keep in mind from usflag.org.
"The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise."
"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."
Alternative Decoration: "Bunting of blue, white, 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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes."
We hope we have given you some helpful resources to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with appropriate and respectful patriotism. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
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