Displaying an American flag is a great way to show off your love for the USA; however, your act of patriotism can quickly become (unintentionally) disrespectful if you don't follow these important rules.
Thou shalt not...
1. Let your flag touch the ground.
It's not necessary to dispose of your flag if it accidentally hits the pavement, but you should make sure that it's in good condition before displaying it again.
2. Fly a torn and tattered flag.
No matter how well you take care of Old Glory, sometimes age just wears down a flag. Newer flags made with synthetic materials can be machine washed in cold water with a mild detergent, and hung to dry. Older, more fragile flags should be hand washed using Woolite or a similar product. Small tears can be repaired by hand, so long as the mends aren't overtly visible when the flag is displayed. Flags that are overly worn, torn, or faded should be properly disposed of.
3. Throw your flag in the trash.
The Federal Flag Code says that unserviceable flags should be burned in a respectful, ceremonial manner, but be sure to do so discreetly so people don't misinterpret your intentions. In some states, it is illegal to burn synthetic materials, making it impossible for you to do a proper disposal. If you feel uncomfortable burning the Stars and Stripes, contact your local American Legion post to find out if they have flag disposal ceremonies, which commonly occur on Flag Day, June 14. Local Scout troops are another resource for disposing your retired flag in a dignified and respectful way.
4. Put your flag away unfolded.
The American flag must be folded in a specific arrangement, but we guarantee it's easier than folding a fitted sheet. When you have to store your flag, grab another person to help you. Begin by holding it parallel to the ground with another person, and fold the lower stripes lengthwise over the union, keeping the edges of the flag crisp and straight. Fold it lengthwise again, keeping the blue union on the outside. Now make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge of the flag, and then turn the outer point parallel to the open edge to make a second triangle. Continue making triangular folds until the whole flag is folded into one triangle of blue and white stars.
5. Use your flag in a DIY project.
While we're big fans of patriotic crafts, the flag should always be used as a flag alone, according to the government's official Flag Code. That means no clothing, curtains, or bedding made out of Old Glory. The flag can be hung on walls or from the ceiling, but it must be hung the right way. Which means not to...
6. Hang your flag backwards.
Or upside down. Or any other number of inappropriate ways, like draped on a car or flung over a sofa. The blue starred-union should always face the left of the viewer when the flag is hung horizontally or vertically. The placement of the union is also important in flag storage (see #4).
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