FARMINGTON — The United States flag is an enduring symbol of patriotism and the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans. As such, it should be respected, properly displayed and used. There is a U.S. Flag Code that gives specific information about the flag and everyone should be aware of the stipulations included there.

The U.S. Flag Code is stated in Title 4, Chapter 1, United States Code, sections 4-10. The code was adopted by the 77th Congress on June 22, 1942. Congress revised the code in 1976 to include the following: “The symbolism of  the United States flag is considered to be a living symbol representing a living county.”

That reference was added because of the strong feelings of respect and reverence accorded the flag by many of the country’s citizens. The flag represents the many freedoms, rights and responsibilities not entrusted to the citizens of any other country in the world. The proper display and use of the U.S. flag is therefore the responsibility of every American citizen.

The Flag Code is a guideline for proper flag etiquette. There are no provisions or penalties included in the law for violations; however, misuse and improper display could incur ridicule or harassment from those familiar with the code.

The universal custom is to display the flag from sunrise to sunset. The flag may be displayed overnight if it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Only all weather flags should be displayed during inclement weather.

The flag should be displayed near the main administration building of every public institution. It should also be displayed in or near every polling place on election days. The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.

On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half staff until noontime. After noontime, it can be raised to full staff.

When carried in a procession with other flags, the U.S. flag should be on the right. If there is a line of flags, the U.S. flag should be in front of the center of the line.

When part of a parade float, the flag should be displayed from a staff. It should not be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle, train, or boat. If displayed on a motorcar, the staff should be firmly fixed to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

In most instances, no other flag should ever be placed above or to the right of the U.S. flag. When flown from adjacent staffs, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.

When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should also be of approximately equal size.

Only the president of the United States or a state governor may order the U.S. flag to be flown at half staff. At such times, the flag should briefly be raised to full staff before then lowering it to the half staff position.

The flag shall be flown at half staff 30 days from the death of the president or former president; 10 days from the day of death of a vice president, chief justice or retired chief justice of the U.S. or the speaker of the house of representatives; from day of death until interment of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a secretary of an executive or military department, a former vice president. or the governor of a state, territory or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a member of congress.

When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union (field of blue) is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform, although a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. A lapel flag pin should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling. It should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. 

Nothing should ever be affixed to the flag. It should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should never be embroidered on articles, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes, or anything designed for temporary use and discard.

When it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, the flag should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

Flag Myths:  

The Flag Code prohibits the display of a U.S. flag of less than 50 stars. The U.S. flag never becomes obsolete. Any officially approved American flag may continue to be used and displayed until no longer serviceable.

The Flag Code provides for penalties for violations of any of its provisions. The code is simply a guideline. The law doesn’t provide penalties.

You must destroy the flag when it touches the ground. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, it may continue to be used.

The Flag Code prohibits the washing or dry cleaning of the flag. There are no provisions. The decision to do so would depend on the type of material the flag is made from.

The Flag Code has been changed so that illumination is no longer required when displaying the flag at night. There has been no change and the flag should be illuminated at night.

The Flag Code states that when the flag is no longer a fitting emblem for display it is to be disposed of by burning in private. The words “private” or “in privacy” were never included in the code. The American Legion has promoted the use of public flag disposal ceremonies since 1937. Roderick-Crosby American Legion Post #28 will hold a flag burning ceremony on Flag Day this year.