How to wave your Stars and Stripes

When the Continental Congress adopted Betsy Ross’s design as our official flag in 1777, emotions ran deep. Americans needed a national symbol to overcome the hard feelings evoked by Britain’s Union Jack.

While the reasons shift as centuries pass, I’m not sure much has changed. Across the globe flags and national symbols elicit strong reactions, delivering many to the point of tears.

Sure, it's a piece of cloth — cotton or nylon manufactured like any other. But humans cherish their symbols, ascribing meaning to certain material things. Grandma's crocheted blanket, wedding rings, baby teeth. That these are priceless requires no explanation.

So it's no wonder that after much public concern and confusion regarding the flag's handling, in 1942 Congress passed the U.S. Flag Code. This code is advisory only, providing guidelines for the flag’s display, use, and retirement (a criminal penalty against its destruction in protest was ruled unconstitutional in 1989, under free speech doctrines):

• During the pledge and anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except military (who have separate guidelines, depending on whether in uniform) should stand facing the flag with right hand over heart.

• Display from sunrise to sunset on buildings and flagstaffs; night displays for "patriotic effect" if properly illuminated. Do not display during inclement weather, unless it is an all-weather flag.

• Hoist it briskly and lower ceremoniously.

• The flag should be displayed daily near public buildings, schools, and at polling places on election days.

• If on a parade float, it should be on a staff.

• If on a wall/window, place the union (blue) to the observer's left.

• The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle (but may be fixed to the fender or chassis).

• If displayed with another flag, the U.S. flag should be above or to the right.

• The flag itself should never be used as clothing, bedding, drapery or a receptacle (but an image of the flag on such items is not a violation).

• When "in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, (the flag) should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

This provision sums up the law's intent:

"The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing." — U.S. Code, Title 4, Sec. 8

Read the rest of the flag code at Law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/4/5.

Written with gratitude to the veteran and Press reader who suggested this topic.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.