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Other Questions
- My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?
Section 8k of the Flag Code (see below) states, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting
emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." You should remove the union (blue field
with stars) from the part of the flag with stripes so that it no longer forms a flag then it is appropriate to burn.
- Is it appropriate to fly a flag that has fewer than 50 stars?
Yes. There is nothing wrong in flying a historic flag.
- Is it okay to fly a flag that was used to drape a coffin?
The Flag Code makes no reference to this use, but consensus among experts is that yes, it would be an honor to display
the flag to show patriotism.
- My flag touched the ground. Do I need to destroy it?
No. You should try to avoid having the flag touch the ground. But if it does, you should correct the situation immediately.
If the flag has been dirtied, you should clean it by hand with a mild soap solution and dry it well before returning it to
use.
- What does the fringe on the flag represent?
 The gold trim is found on ceremonial flags, to be used indoors and for ceremonies only. They originally were used on military
flags. The fringe has no specific significance, but is considered completely within the guidelines of proper flag etiquette.
There is nothing in the flag code indicating that the fringe is for federal government flags only. The Internet contains many
sites that claim that the fringe indicates martial law or that the Constitution does not apply in that area. These are entirely
unfounded (usually citing Executive Order 10834 and inventing text that is not part of the order) and should be dismissed as urban legends.
- Should I fly my flag at half-mast today?
Your flag should be flown at half-mast upon reliable information that a past or present President or Vice-President has
died. It should also be flown at half-staff upon Presidential proclamation. See Section 7-M below for more information.
- Can my company decide to fly our flag at half-mast for a former employee?
No. Only the president of the US or your state governor can order the flag lowered to half-staff.
- Upon the death of a sitting or former President how long does the flag fly at half-mast? For a Vice-President?
30 days for the death of a sitting or former President. 10 days for the death of a Vice President. See section 7-m below
for more information.
- How can I show mourning if my flag is on a fixed pole or staff and can't be half-masted?
The flag rules make no provisions for this. However, army regulations state, "A streamer of black crepe 7 feet long and
1 foot wide will be attached to the staff immediately below the spearhead of the U.S. flag."
- Is Texas's the only state flag allowed to fly at the same height as the US flag?
No, this is an urban legend. All state flags may fly at the same height as the U.S. flag. The U.S. flag must be on its
right (the viewer's left), however. Texas's laws are consistent with those of the other states. See Texas flag code.
- Does the ball ornament atop a flagpole contain a razor, lighter, and flare?
No. This is just an urban legend. One explanation is that the myth started during the Cold War and that the objects were
to be used to destroy the flag in the event of a Soviet invasion. Of course, the ball ornament predates the Cold War by many
years.
- Where does the flag fly 24 hours a day?
Untold thousands of places. Section 6a: "when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours
a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness." Of course it flies 24 hours a day on the Moon. There is an elite
group where, by executive order, it is to fly 24 hours a day, including the Betsy Ross House. See list immediately following
these questions.
- I fly my flag at home 24 hours a day. What does "properly illuminated" mean?
Section 6a: "when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated
during the hours of darkness." A light installed to the ground is to be placed at a 45 degree angle with suficent light
illuminating the flag.
When children paint the American flag, is that against the Flag rules and regulations?
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Respectfully featuring the American flag in artwork is a wonderful thing and should be encouraged. We would hope that
the artwork is preserved and displayed proudly by the young artists and their families.
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