When to Display Your Flag

The flag should be displayed, from sunrise to sunset, on all days when the weather permits, especially on:

• New Year's Day, January 1.
• Inauguration Day.
• Martin Luther King's Birthday, the Third Monday in January.
• Lincoln's Birthday.
• Washington's Birthday, February 22.
• Easter Sunday.
• Mother's Day, the Second Sunday in May.
• Armed Forces Day, the Third Saturday in May.
• Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Last Monday in May.
• Flag Day, June 14th.
• Independence Day, July 4th.
• Labor Day, the First Monday in September.
• Constitution Day, September 17th.
• Columbus Day, October 12th.
• Navy Day.
• Veterans Day, November 11th.
• Thanksgiving Day, the Fourth Thursday in November.
• Christmas Day, December 25th.
• Election Days (various).
• Federally observed dates of the above holidays which may be different from the actual dates.
• Such days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.
• State and Local Holidays.

Folding the Flag

1. Bring the striped half up over the blue field.
2. Then fold it in half again.
3. Bring the lower striped corner to the upper edge forming a triangle.
4. Then fold the upper point in to form another triangle. Continue until the entire length of the flag is folded.
5. When you get near the end - nothing but the blue field showing - tuck the last bit into the other folds to secure it.

How to Properly Dispose of a Flag When the Time Comes

Eventually, a flag will become too worn out to be a fitting emblem and will have to be retired. Generally, this is done in a ceremonious burning. To do so, make sure the flag is properly folded, and the fire is large and intense enough to completely burn the flag. Once the flag is placed on the fire, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a moment of silence. Allow the flag to burn completely before extinguishing the flames and burying the ashes. Of course, this should all be done in accordance with local and state fire codes.

To make it easier for you, you can also bring or mail your old flag to the American Legion at 279 Chestnut Street. We’ll take care of properly disposing of them for you.