Learn proper etiquette for U.S. flags

Texas-New Mexico Newspapers

MARTHA MAURITSON CURRENT-ARGUS Carlsbad celebrates Armed Forces Day with a show of support. Flags from the major branches of the US Armed Forces were on display along Canal Street Saturday.

CARLSBAD >> American flags seem to burst from front porches during the summer months as celebrations drift from Memorial Day to Flag Day to Independence Day.

U.S. flags are especially popular with buyers this time of year, said Diana Herrera, owner of Signergy, a sign shop in Las Cruces. "It's our best seller," she said of the American flag.

With an abundance of red, white and blue holidays ahead, residents should keep in mind the proper etiquette for handling and disposing of the nation's most revered symbol.

Flags are flown at half-staff on Memorial Day from sunrise until noon. The flag is then risen "briskly" at noon and stays up until sunset in honor of fallen service members, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs guide.

The flag is also lowered for the death of the president, vice president, Supreme Court justices, members of Congress and other dignitaries.

"Only the governor and president of the United States can order flags at half mast," Kevin Dasing with the Second Congressional District Veterans' Advisory Council said. "It can't be the mayor of the police chief."

Flags should be taken down in foul weather, Dasing said. They should also be lowered at night unless they are lit. Flags cannot fly in the dark, he said.

It's a fallacy that a U.S. flag must be burned if it touches the ground, Dasing said. It must be brushed off and cleaned but not burned.

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Learn proper etiquette for U.S. flags