June 14 is the birthday of the United States Army. It’s also Flag Day. Supporting our troops and throwing a great big “atta boy” their way is easy. Showing your loyalty to our country ourselves is just as easy.

When we make the decision and follow through with the act of putting our red, white and blue outside on full display, we do need a few little moments of instruction.

First, we must be clear that there is a difference between indoor and outdoor flags. Indoor models will usually be non-weatherproof design. They will be fringed in gold threads and adorned with gold cords. However, flags used in parade by marching units and color guards will also use this style flag. The flag that you should use for display on your property will be a little less ornate, and less expensive. The one thing that will be standard is the bold colors of the stars and stripes.

The Flag Code, a section of the United States constitution, gives specific rules about when where and how to properly display your flag. It gives guidance on what size to get for your staff and more importantly under what conditions it should be flown. From the code, American flags of any material should be flown in good weather, from dawn until dusk. Respect should always be given to the flag especially while raising or lowering it on the staff. When the flag is hoisted to the top of the pole it should be done briskly while all who participate or are viewing it will respectfully stand still with their right hand over their heart. Military or uniformed people may make a right-hand salute.

In the opposite fashion when lowering the flag, it should be treated as a somber moment, and it should be lowered in a slower manner than it was raised. This gives life to the flag and shows the national spirit where we are excited to see our colors fly high over us for all to see, and when it is lowered it is done as if the flag and our feelings reflect a sadness that it is being taken down. The flag should also be taken down during inclement weather such as rain, snow or high winds where the flag could be damaged or let loose from the pole to lay upon the ground. While we are on that topic lets clear up some myths right now.

If the flag touches the ground, it does not need to be destroyed, or as the military says, retired. The flag can be laundered to clean it, if it becomes soiled and as a sign of respect it should not touch the ground. To identify a flag that has reached an unserviceable condition it could be described as worn, weathered, torn or faded. At this time flags should be retired. The preferred method is by flame. Under a special ceremony collected flags in a condition for such retirement are burned by veterans’ organizations like the American Legion. Most American Legion Posts will take your surrendered flag for inclusion in this ceremony. The public is usually invited to this event for viewing.

Many will ask how it is that certain places display their flags twenty-four hours a day. The rules cover this as well. “Where if you have the proper material flag and properly illuminate the flag so that it is viewable during the hours of darkness and the ability to survive the difference in weather, the flag may continue display, day and night.”

There are also different forms of display from residential, or wall staffs to flag poles. The wall staff display should be at a 45- to 30-degree angle allowing the flag to hang freely with the field of stars highest on the staff.

Poles are self-explanatory, one exception is if a flag is being displayed at half-staff, which is done to recognize the death of certain high-profile figures, or moments of national mourning.

Only three officials can order the flag to half-staff. The president of the United States of America, The mayor of the District of Columbia and any state governor for the purposes of mourning for that state. Many other rules exist about methods of display to include where the flag is placed in a group of other flags, and one other rule that says only the POW/MIA flag shall fly on the same staff as the American Flag. Flags should not be used as clothing and their replica should not be created into any disposable item such as napkins or plates. The flag is not a bed spread or wall covering. And although it has been condoned nationwide, the flag should never be held horizontally over or on the ground such as we see at many sporting events. The single time a flag is used to drape any object is when it is used to cover the casket of a deceased service member or veteran. And the flag should never be utilized to make money or gain revenue. Flags were originally designed to be sold for only the cost of creating one, but we all know that is not the case anymore. The one myth that is often spread is true. If an American Flag is flown upside down it is a sign of duress where help is required.

Our flag is unique and is the only symbol of a country that is as well-known and found revered by the citizens it flies over. Regardless of whether you have followed all the intricate rules that cover the display of our flag the main thing is that you do display it. That you are proud to have it and when it is displayed you give it proper respect. If you are interested in gaining additional information about all the advisory rules that cover the display of the American Flag it can be found under Chapter 1 of Title 4 in the United States Code. Established rules are very interesting, as are books at your local library covering the history of our “Old Glory.”

Interesting information like the farthest the flag has traveled and where it maintains a constant display. If you are interested in getting ceremonial or presentation flags that have the distinction of having flown over the capital building in Washington DC, you only need to contact your district congressman. I hope that this information was of value to you as much as I enjoy sharing it. Please fly your “red, white and blue!” Proclaim it your “Star-Spangled Banner”, and remember:

I 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.

Kirk L. Miller, is past commander of the Chautauqua County American Legion, 8th District, Department of New York.