Rules Of Flying An American Flag This July Fourth

Independence Day is a celebration of our nation’s freedom marked with patriotic displays.

One of the most distinguished symbols of that independence is the American Flag. White County American Legion Post Commander Ron Lapierre said the proper times to fly the flag depends on the material.

“If nylon or cloth, you only fly it from morning to evening and only when it is nice weather,” Lapierre said. “If it is an all weather flag, then you can fly it at anytime.”

Lapierre said according to flag code, the American flag should be above any other flag on the pole. Lapierre said the flag should be as high as possible with no space at the top of the pole.

“According to flag code, the flag is supposed to be at full mast unless ordered by the president,” Lapierre said. “So anybody that flags it half mast is wrong. That is for memorials.”

If the flag flies at night, Lapierre said the flag code states the area should be lit for display. Lapierre said to also never let the flag touch the ground. Lapierre said if it does, tradition is to retire the flag and burn it in a ceremony.

“The most common mistakes I see is they just put it up on the pole and it is not all the way up, or they put flags above it,” Lapierre said. “We just ask people to fly at properly. Don’t fly it if it is ripped, torn or soiled. If that is the case, bring it to the American Legion building, and we will gladly get you a new flag and dispose of that flag.”

Lapierre said the flag is the symbol throughout the world of our democracy and freedom. Lapierre said if you fly an American Flag this Fourth of July, remember the men and women that died for that right.