In this week’s show we talked with George Johnson of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Musuem on respectful flag etiquette.  Here are some things you should remember when hanging or displaying the American flag.

  • The American flag should always be the highest flag on the pole.  It should be all the way to the top of the pole, unless instructed to be flown at half-mast.
  • The flag should always be hung with the stars facing your home.
  • When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground.
  • The flag should be lit at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
  • If the flag is in a line with other flags, the American flag should always be on the right, which is the viewer’s left, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
  • The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
  • When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.