Flag Etiquette
How To Dispose of A Flag
- American Legion Post 38 conducts a flag disposal ceremony yearly. Such ceremonies are particularly dignified and solemn occasions for the retirement of unserviceable flags.
- The U.S. Flag Code suggests that when a flag has served its useful purpose, is worn or tattered, “it should be destroyed, preferably by burning.” For individual citizens, this should be done discreetly so the act of destruction is not perceived as a protest or desecration. We encourage you to include your old flag with others for the flag retirement ceremony.
- Take your worn flags to one of the following 6 locations and place in flag retirement box located at: American Legion Post 38, South Krogers, North Krogers, Sgt. Joe's, Somerset Mayors' Office, Pulaski County Judge Executives' Office.
- Post 38 will be happy to retire your flags in their next flag disposal ceremony.
- ​Watch for flyers posted throughout the community for future flag disposal ceremonies. The children love carrying the flags to the burn barrels.
June 15, 1923
The first "Flag Code" is drafted during a Legion conference in Washington. Congress adopts the code in 1942.Today, the Legion is at the forefront of efforts to pass a constitutional amendment to protect the U.S. flag from physical desecration.
When to Display your Flag
New Year's Day, January 1.
Inauguration Day.
Martin Luther King's Birthday, Third Monday in January.
Lincoln's Birthday.
Washington's Birthday, February 22.
Easter Sunday.
Mother's Day, Second Sunday in May.
Armed Forces Day, Third Saturday in May.
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Last Monday in May.
Flag Day, June 14th.
Independence Day, July 4th.
Labor Day, First Monday in September.
Constitution Day, September 17th.
Columbus Day, October 12th.
Navy Day.
Veterans Day, November 11th.
Thanksgiving Day, Fourth Thursday in November.
Christmas Day, December 25th.
Election Days (various).
Federally observed dates of the above holidays which may be different from the actual dates.
Such days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.
State and Local Holidays.
Displaying an American Flag is a great way to show off your love for your country. However, your act of patriotism can quickly become (unintentionally) disrespectful if you're unaware of an important set of rules. The U.S. Flag Code established by Congress in 1942 offers guidelines for treating this national symbol with dignity. Brush up on your flag etiquette by learning how to fly the Stars and Stripes the right way.
Display the American flag the right way.
Don't hang your flag backwards, upside down, or in another inappropriate fashion. If you're hanging your flag vertically (like from a window or against a wall), the Union portion with the stars should go on the observer's left. Never dip the flag to any person or anything.
Avoid letting the flag touch the ground.
Prevent your flag from touching the ground, floor, or water. It's not necessary to dispose of your flag if it accidentally hits the pavement, but you should make sure that it's in good condition before displaying it again.
Step 1

To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.

Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.

Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.

Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.

The Symbolism of the 13 Folds of the American Flag
If you’ve attended a funeral honoring a veteran who served our country, perhaps you witnessed the folding of the flag that once covered the casket of a loved one. Each of the 13 folds of the flag holds great significance.
- The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
- The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
- The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
- The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
- The fifth fold is an acknowledgment to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
- The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
- The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.
- The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
- The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
- The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
- The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
- The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, Ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.
The next time you see a Flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement.
They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.