Fourth of July Flag Etiquette Tips from the City of Elk Grove

Elk Grove, CA – Independence Day is around the corner, and one of the times of year when hundreds of American flags line Elk Grove streets.  As Elk Grove residents prepare to raise their flags on July 4th, the City of Elk Grove would like to remind residents of the proper way to display and care for the U.S. flag. 

City staff sat down with representatives from the Marine Corps League, Elk Grove Detachment No. 1238 for a refresher on flag etiquette.  Leaguers Tom Shine and John Camarra provided a summary of the dos and don’ts of flying the stars and stripes. 

“The flag is the most important symbol of our country, so we should treat it with the utmost care and respect,” said Tom Shine of the Marine Corps League, Elk Grove Detachment. “The United States flag represents history, pride, sacrifice, accomplishment and a continual stream of generosity to the rest of the world.”

Here are some of the rules for respectfully displaying the American flag, courtesy of the National Flag Foundation, as dictated by the United States Flag Code.

Displaying the flag properly

• Because the U.S. flag is the symbol of our country, it should always be displayed in the most prominent and honored position.  No flag should ever appear more important.
  
• The flag should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.
  
• When the flag is displayed on a wall, it should be displayed with the union (stars) uppermost and to the observer’s left.
  
• When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. 
  
• When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building. 
  
• When the flag is displayed from a staff, the flag should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and to the speaker’s right (facing the audience).  If other flags are also displayed, then they should be displayed to the U.S. flag’s left.
  
• When several flags are flown from the same pole, the U.S. flag should always be at the top.
  
• When the flag is displayed as a lapel pin, it should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
  
• The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
  
• When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously (see above).
• The flag should be cleaned and mended when needed.
• The flag should not be used as drapery or any other decoration.
• The flag should not be used for advertising purposes.

Formal and Special Occasions

In parades, at the moment the flag passes, all persons should stand at attention facing the flag until it passes. 

• In processions, the flag should be to the right of the marchers.  When other flags are included, the U.S. flag should be centered in front of the others or carried to their right.  
  During memorials, burials and funerals, the flag should lay over the casket with the blue field covering the head and left shoulder.  The flag must not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground at any time.
• When the “Star Spangled Banner” is played or sung, citizens should stand and face the flag to show their respect for the United States.  A non-uniformed person wearing a hat must remove it with the right hand and hold it against the left shoulder, right hand resting over heart.  Hold your salute until the flag is up or the music is done, whichever is last.  
  
• When the Pledge of Allegiance is recited, all non-uniformed persons should stand at attention facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts.  Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag and render the military salute.  
  

When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of the country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.  This ritual is routinely conducted by Elk Grove Veterans associations, hosted by the Elks Lodge.  Residents with worn flags are encouraged to donate the flags these organizations.  For more information, contact Marine Corps Leaguers Tom Shine at 916.681.9534 or John Camarra at 916.714.0565.

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