Last Tuesday the Emerald ran a photo of an improperly folded flag on the front page accompanying the article “Lowered flags honor state’s fallen soldiers.” Members of the Veterans and Family Student Association brought it to the attention of the Emerald that this display is offensive.
Federal law regarding the American flag is found under the Flag Code. First adopted in 1923 and last modified in 1999, this code outlines the Pledge of Allegiance, proper display and use, time and occasions for display, positions and manner for display, showing respect, and conduct while flying or passing the flag.
Although the regulations do not specifically state how the American flag may be folded, VFSA member Jeremy Colmbs explained, “The way I was always told, the stars are the most important part of the flag.”
Colmbs said the stars are always facing forward to symbolize that the flag never runs.
When folding, Colmbs said, “The stars go over the heart – the heart being the stripes.”
There are many ways to display a flag, but there are rules of etiquette associated with display. When hanging the flag, whether horizontally or vertically, the field of stars should always be on the upper left, and never touching the ground. When displaying the United States flag with other flags, including those of other countries, the United States flag should always be higher than any other.
If a flag becomes tattered, it is rendered “unserviceable” said Colmbs. To discard of the flag, he recommends giving it to the local ROTC or recruiting station for disposal. The Flag Code states a flag that can no longer be displayed “should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
Colmbs said the flag should also never be “impeded.” The Flag Code defines this as “always aloft and free” and never “festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.”
There are special flags for display during inclement weather, called storm flags, Colmbs said. Flags also should not stay out overnight and are traditionally flown from sunrise to sunset, although the Flag Code states it is permissible to fly a flag overnight if properly lit.
Flags should also not be defaced by writing of any kind. A flag should never be used in advertising, used as a blanket or covering for a ceiling, or used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except as a patch on the uniforms of military personnel, firefighters, police men and women, and patriotic organizations.