The Tucson Chapter of MOAA
Fly the Flag Dates and Information

Flag Holidays - special dates to fly the flag

The U. S. Flag may be flown every day, but it should especially be flown on the 4th of July and other dates, known as flag holidays.
Click to display the Flag Holidays calendar

Flag Etiquette - Displaying the flag

Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it's illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag. The flag should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions. The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. The flag should never be draped or drawn back in folds. Draped red, white and blue bunting should be used for decoration, with the blue at the top and red at the bottom. The flag may be flown at half-staff to honor a newly deceased federal or state government official by order of the president or the governor, respectively. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon. During the hoisting or lowering of the flag or when it passes in parade or review, Americans should stand at attention facing the flag and place their right hand over their heart. Uniformed military members render the military salute. Men not in uniform should remove any headdress and hold it with their right hand at their left shoulder, the hand resting over the heart. Those who are not U. S. citizens should stand at attention. When the flag is worn out or otherwise no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
(From the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Celebrating America's Freedoms.)

Flag Etiquette - Things not to do with the flag

Out of respect for the U. S. flag, never:

• dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.
• display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress.
• let the flag touch anything beneath it; the ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
• carry it horizontally, but always aloft.
• fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled.
• place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.
• use it for holding anything.
• use it as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be used on a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police officers and firefighters.
• use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper napkins, boxes, or anything else intended for temporary use and discard.

(From the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Celebrating America's Freedoms.)

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