Flag etiquette for the Fourth: Rules on flying the Stars and Stripes at home

As the United States celebrates its 250th, flags and symbols of Old Glory can be spotted everywhere. But there is a right way and a wrong way to display the symbol of American pride freedom and even rules on what to do when your flag reaches the end of its life.

How to display the flag

Whether the flag is on a porch bracket or a stationary pole in the yard, these are the basics from the Flag Code, the VFW and the marines:

• Sunrise to sunset only — Display the flag on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open only from sunrise to sunset.
• Or 24 hours with proper lighting — The flag can fly around the clock if it is properly illuminated at night.
• Never upside down — The flag should never be displayed upside down except as a signal of distress.
• Never touching the ground — It should never touch the ground or anything beneath it such as the floor, water or merchandise.
• Top position on a shared pole — On a staff with other flags, the U.S. flag goes at the top.
• Equal height with other nations’ flags — In a group of flagpoles flying flags of other nations, all should be at the same height.
• Do not use to cover a ceiling
• Do not carry the flag flat — and things should not be carried on it.
• Do not use for advertising

Can I wear the American flag on my clothing?

The Flag Code is clear when it comes to wearing the actual flag as clothing or cutting up actual flags for clothing.

Clothing, pillow covers, etc. with flag designs printed on them are okay since those are a “representation” of the flag.

There is a specific exception: “a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations,” the code says.

What about flag pins?

Lapel pins get their own guidance in the code, and it’s worth explaining why the placement matters.

“The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing,” the code says. “Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.”

What are the rules for bunting?

Red, white and blue bunting is a staple of patriotic parades and front-porch decorations. There is a right way to hang it:

• Blue on top — The blue stripe always goes above.
• White in the middle — The white stripe sits between blue and red.
• Red on the bottom — The red stripe goes below.

Bunting arranged this way is appropriate for covering a speaker’s desk, draping the front of a platform or general decoration. Bunting is not the flag itself, so you have more flexibility with where and how you hang it — as long as the color order stays correct.

Where to drop off a worn-out flag

The Flag Code says a flag that is no longer “a fitting emblem for display” should be destroyed in a dignified way — preferably by burning. If a backyard ceremony isn’t practical, plenty of local options handle disposal for you:

• VFW and American Legion posts — Many have drop-off boxes specifically for worn flags.
• Catholic cemeteries — These also accept worn-out flags for proper disposal.
• Hardware stores — Lowe’s and Home Depot locations may offer drop-off boxes.

If you want to hold your own retirement ceremony, the Veterans of Foreign Wars advises folding the flag properly before placing it on the fire. Those attending should come to attention, salute, recite the Pledge of Allegiance or pause for a moment of silent reflection. Once the flag is consumed, the ashes should be buried.