US flag customs and etiquette

The summer months see many holidays honoring some aspect or other of our country's strengths, and New Paltz is no stranger to Memorial Day parades, Fourth of July fireworks, and Labor Day barbecues.  As these Federal holidays all are natural occasions for displaying of our flag, the summer months are also an excellent time to become reacquainted with some of the custom and tradition surrounding its care and display.

The United States Flag Code is the definitive source for questions about our flag, but not all of its details are needed for occasional patriotic display.  It is interesting to note perhaps that the union (the field of white stars on blue) should be displayed facing to the north or east when hanging the flag straddling a road, but there is no practical application for the common homeowner without the proper permits.  Those aspects of flag etiquette regarding its handling and display are worth repeating, however.

1. 
   The flag should not touch whatever is beneath it, and should be caught by waiting hands when it is lowered.
2. 
   A flag at half-mast should first be raised to full height, and then lowered halfway.
3. 
   Only all-weather flags may be displayed in inclement weather.
4. 
   The flag should only be displayed during daylight hours, or with good lighting on special occasions.
5. 
   A vehicle should never be adorned with the flag.
6. 
   The flag may not be worn as clothing, expect in the form of a patch or lapel pin.
7. 
   Repair the flag when it needs it.
8. 
   When it cannot represent the United States any longer due to its condition, the flag should be respectfully disposed of, preferably by burning.

The local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars can certainly assist in the disposal of the flag; these veterans understand that our traditions ask for the flag to be treated with the respect of a living thing, as it represents a living country.  Veterans and others in uniform also follow more stringent rules regarding saluting the flag, and can be expected to do so as it passes during a parade, which is not as common among civilians of the present generation.