How to Properly Care for Your American Flag

How to Properly Care for Your American Flag

The American flag is the pride representing liberty, unity, and nationalism. In accordance with this knowledge, it is proper to treat the flag with due respect. Proper care of a good kind to wave the flag keeps well not only the look of the flag but also its dignity as a symbol. Flying at your home, in your office, or at an event, here are basic guidelines for looking after your American flag.

1. Display and Use The Flag With Respect: The flag, when displayed in public, should be, at any time, from sunrise to sunset or in any case illuminated, hoisted, and lowered ceremoniously.

Indoor Display: When the flag is displayed indoors, it should be placed conspicuously facing out, such that the union (the blue field with stars) of the flag is at the top left from the observer's perspective.

Folding: The flag should be folded into a triangle, making only the union visible. This way of storing the flag is respectful and traditional.

2. Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning: The flag can be hand-washed with cold water and a mild detergent. For the sturdier fabrics, it is okay to use a washing machine along with a gentle cycle. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleaching as they may damage the fabric.

Drying: Prefer air drying so that heat damage is prevented. If dryers are being used, choose a dryer with a low heating feature.

Repair: Repairs can be made for small rips or fraying. If a flag is too worn, tattered, and cannot be repaired, consider it an indication of the necessity of a respectable retirement administered to it .

3. Respectful Retirement

Dignified retirement of an American flag occurs when it reaches a condition in which it is no longer serviceable; The U.S. Flag Code states that burning is the most acceptable form of disposing of the flag. Many American Legion Posts and other veteran organizations provide for flag retirement ceremonies, where the public can bring flags to be disposed of properly.

4. Concerns about Weather

Bad Weather: It is considered respectful not to fly the flag during bad weathers unless yours is an all-weather flag designed to fly on the rain and wind.

Wind: Strong winds can make your flag wrap around the pole or make it fray at the ends. Take your flag down in such conditions. 

5. Storage

Proper Storage: The flag, when not flown, should be properly stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. Do not spread it on the floor or on any area where it may be damaged inadvertently.

Creases to be Avoided: The flag is normally stored with a view to preventing permanent creases and folds. Rolling it round a tube helps it in keeping its original shape.

6. Showing Respect

Disrespectful Uses to Avoid: The American flag should not be used as clothing, drapery, nor for advertising. It should never touch the ground and, when lowered, it should not fall into anything beneath it.

It is following these guidelines that ensures you are paying proper respect to the American flag and all that it represents. Proper care of a flag should be regarded as a token of respect to a symbol representative of the great history and values that the nation stands for. Proper care of your American flag at home, at work, or in public will ensure it remains a proud emblem of freedom and a symbol of unity for all to see.