In the wake of the shocking and tragic events of Sept. 11, many people across the United States are expressing their pride and love for this country by flying flags. They are appearing not only on flagpoles but hanging out of windows and along porch railings--on billboards, cars and clothing. It has been a wonderful show of patriotism and unity at a time when we need it most.
As you fly your flags in tribute, be sure to do so respectfully, following proper rules of etiquette for our national symbol.
Displaying the flag
- Display the flag only between sunrise and sunset. If the flag is to be on display for 24 hours, it should be illuminated in darkness.
- Do not display the flag in inclement weather.
- Whether displaying the flag vertically or horizontally, make sure the canton (the blue field of stars) is visible on the upper left-hand side.
- Do not let the flag touch the ground.
- The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
- Before flying a flag at half-staff, hoist the flag to its peak for an instant before lowering it.
- When displayed against a wall with another flag, their staffs crossed, the American flag should be to the right of the other flag (on the viewer's left), with its staff on top of that of the other flag.
- When flags of states, cities or localities are flown on the same halyard (the rope on which they are hoisted) with the U.S. flag, the national flag should always be at the top. No other flag should be placed above it; if displayed on the same level, no other flag should be placed to the flag's right.
- When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they should be flown from separate staffs of equal height. The flags should be of approximately equal size.
- When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle, the canton should be placed at the peak of the staff.
- A flag that is damaged and worn and can no longer be displayed should be destroyed by burning in a dignified way.
- When not on display, the flag should be respectfully folded into a triangle, symbolizing the tricorn hats worn by Colonial soldiers in the Revolutionary War.
How to fold the flag
It takes two people to fold a flag properly, because it should never touch the ground during any lowering or folding.
1. Both people should hold out the flag waist high, with its surface parallel to the ground. Fold the flag in half lengthwise, bringing the striped lower section over the canton.
2. Fold it again lengthwise, bringing the canton to the outside.
3. Start a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge up to meet the open edge. The outer point is then turned inward to form a second triangle. Continue folding the flag in this manner seven more times.
4. The last triangular fold brings the red and white stripes into the star-strewn blue field, symbolizing the day's light vanishing into the darkness of the night. When the flag is completely folded, only the blue field and stars should be visible. Tuck the remaining flap into the pocket formed between the stars and stripes.
Facts about the American flag
Like America itself, the flag has evolved significantly since its birth more than 200 years ago.
- According to legend, George Washington asked a Philadelphia seamstress to create the first American flag from his sketches. Betsy Ross did sew flags during the Revolutionary War, but historians consider the tale to be folklore and agree that the design was probably proposed by a lawyer, artist and patriot named Francis Hopkinson.
- The first flag to represent the unified 13 colonies was the Continental Colors, flown for the first time in January 1776. Its design reflected the dual loyalties of the colonists. Because they were still fighting for their rights as Englishmen, the flag had a Union Jack in its upper-left corner; the 13 red and white stripes (one stripe for each colony) were most likely inspired by the flag of the Sons of Liberty, a radical patriotic group.
- The Union Jack was officially removed from the flag on June 14, 1777, which is still commemorated as Flag Day. On this date, Congress adopted a new flag--the Stars and Stripes--for an independent new nation. The flag displayed 13 white stars on a blue field, marking the first time stars were used on a flag of such stature.
- In 1795, two new stars and two new stripes were added in recognition of two new states, Vermont and Kentucky. In theory, the flag was to acquire another star and stripe for each new state, but this proved impractical. So in 1818, the design reverted to 13 stripes, with only an additional star representing each new state -- the system still in effect. The 50th star was added in 1960, after Hawaii joined the union, completing the flag we know today.
Martha Stewart welcomes letters. She cannot reply individually, but you may write to her in care of the Chicago Tribune, Home&Garden section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Or send e-mail to email@example.com.