Properly displaying the American flag

Planning to display your American flag for the Fourth?

Do it right.

Basic respect is the key, according to Mike Darlington, commander of American Legion Post 354 in Bon Air.

"The flag should be serviceable," Darlington said. "It shouldn't be faded, torn or tattered. If it's worn out, go ahead and replace it."

If you leave the flag flying at night, it should be illuminated, Darlington said. If not, it should be taken indoors.

"A lot of people who have flags flying on the front of their houses keep their porch lights on to meet that requirement," he noted.

Following are more guidelines on properly displaying the flag: Do not let the flag touch the ground. Fly the flag in bad weather only if it's made of all-weather material. Hang the flag vertically with its blue field of stars, or canton, at the top and to the left. A flag displayed from a staff should be hung so the canton is at the peak of the staff, unless the flag is flying at half-staff. Flags should not be sewn onto pants or shorts. It is acceptable to sew a patch of the flag on a shirt sleeve, however. Do not use a flag to make clothing. However, clothing manufactured with the flag image or flaglike qualities is acceptable. Do not dip the flag to any person or thing. The National Flag Foundation says that when a flag is no longer fit for display, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Some American Legion posts offer this service free.

Contact Julie Young at (804) 649-6732 or .