Can you fold the flag on the ground?

Although it does not describe an official method for folding the flag, the rules do state that you should never store a flag in a way where it can get torn, soiled, or damaged. You should also never let the flag touch anything beneath it, such as the ground or floor.

Can a folded flag touch the ground?

2. Don't ever let the flag touch anything beneath it. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water or merchandise. However, contrary to an urban legend, the U.S. Flag Code does not state that a flag that touches the ground should be burned or retired.

Can you lay a flag on the ground?

The flag should never be displayed with the union (stars) down, unless as a signal of dire distress. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

Is it disrespectful to fold an American flag?

4) It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. 5) Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

Do you have to destroy a flag if it touches the ground?

Does the flag have to be destroyed if it touches the ground? Answer: Care should be exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground.

FedEx Driver Stops To Fold Fallen American Flag In Front Yard

What to do with a flag that has touched the ground?

The only time when you should destroy or retire an American flag is when it's severely soiled or damaged to the point where it's no longer fitting to display. If your American flag touches the ground, pick it up and reattach it to the flagpole.

What happens if an American flag hits the ground?

Some people assume that the American flag must be destroyed if it touches the ground, but this is just a myth. The U.S. Flag Code — government legislation that specifies rules for displaying, maintaining and retiring the American flag — doesn't require the disposal of the American Flag if it touches the ground.

What does a folded flag symbolize?

The flag is folded to represent the original thirteen colonies of the United States. Each fold also carries its own meaning. According to the description, some folds symbolize freedom, life, or pay tribute to mothers, fathers, and those who serve in the Armed Forces.

Is it disrespectful to fly a flag on a truck?

Decals and fabric flags (flown) are acceptable; however, draping a real flag flat over the hood, trunk, or truck bed is considered disrespectful to the flag. Q: Is it OK to fly a flag on a truck? A: As long as it doesn't interfere with the driver's field of view or obstruct the vehicle operation in any other way.

What does a dirty American flag mean?

If it's dirty, the flag code regulates you should clean it. If it's torn or tattered, flag code demands that you to retire it by burning, and replace it with a new flag in proper condition.

Are you supposed to take the flag down when it rains?

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.

Can you fly the American flag at night without a light?

In the case of the American flag, yes, it is illegal. The US Flag Code states that it is illegal to fly the US flag at night without adequate light. The American flag code is part of federal law.

Should I take my flag down at night?

The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

Is it OK to refold a funeral flag?

Although some people feel that a flag used to drape a casket should not be unfolded after it has been folded at graveside, it is actually proper—if desired—to unfold and then display a burial flag. It is entirely up to the next of kin who received the flag at the burial.

Why do you burn the flag if it touches the ground?

Nowhere in the U.S. Flag Code does it say that the American flag must be burned or retired if it touches the ground. This is simply has a myth that many Americans have come to believe over the years. You should still use caution to avoid letting the American flag touch the ground.

Why can't red show on a folded flag?

The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded, no red or white stripe is to be evident, leaving only the blue field with stars. It is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member.

Can you fly two American flags?

What order should they be in? N.B.: You may never place two national flags on a single pole, as they must be at the same height and the approximate same size. N.B.: You may never place a company or advertisement flag on the same pole as the US flag. In military use, no more than two flags may be on a single pole.

Can anyone fly a POW flag?

Civilians are free to fly the POW/MIA flag whenever they wish, and it is commonly flown in front of police stations, fire stations and veterans' organizations across the United States.

Can I fly a flag from my car?

YES, You can Display the American Flag on Your Car

Granted, the Flag Code has other guidelines and restrictions, such as the flag should never touch the ground, and that it should be properly disposed of, but it does not prohibit patriotic Americans from flying the flag on their car.

Can you have a military funeral if you are cremated?

Funeral and Memorial Services for Veterans

Veterans can receive cremation and burial benefits if eligible. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, a veteran's family may bury or inter their loved one's ashes at any National Cemetery that accepts cremains.

Why flag is folded 13 times?

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost. The 13th and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."

Does the military kneel when presenting a flag?

Kneel, on one knee, in front of the flag recipient and solemnly present the flag to the recipient. Present the flag using the veteran's military service preferred wording: Army ...

Is it disrespectful to hang a flag on a wall?

The U.S. Flag Code allows the American flag to be displayed on a wall — but only if it's mounted in the appropriate position. According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should be mounted on walls, windows or doors with the stars on the left (from an observer's perspective).

Is flag burning illegal?

No. The Court has recognized that the First Amendment protects certain forms of symbolic speech. Flag burning is such a form of symbolic speech.

What does no gold fringe on American flag mean?

Of course, if you look through the U.S. Flag Code – the federal law governing the display, maintenance and retirement of the American flag – you won't find any mention of gold fringe. Neither older versions of the U.S. Flag Code nor the current version mention anything about gold fringe.