United States Flag

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag:

 "I  pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to  the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible,  with liberty and justice for all.", 

should be rendered by standing at  attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not  in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their  right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the  heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and  render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces not in uniform  and veterans may render the military salute in the manner provided for  persons in uniform.

(Added Pub. L. 105–225, §2(a), Aug. 12, 1998,  112 Stat. 1494; amended Pub. L. 107–293, §2(a), Nov. 13, 2002, 116 Stat.  2060; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title V, §586, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat.  777.)

United States Code, 2018 Edition

Title 4 - FLAG AND SEAL, SEAT OF GOVERNMENT, AND THE STATES

CHAPTER 1 - THE FLAG

Sec. 4 - Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery

From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov

 To display the American flag properly, always ensure the Union (the blue field of stars) is at the top left from the viewer's perspective. It should never touch the ground, be worn as clothing, or be flown in severe weather unless it is an all-weather flag.  The display guidelines vary depending on your setup:

Hanging on a Wall or Window

• Horizontally or Vertically: The blue Union must always be at the top and to the observer's left.
• On a Door: Hang the flag flat so the Union is in the top-left corner as you face the door from the outside.  

Flying on a Flagpole

• Highest Peak: The American flag must always be at the peak of the staff and above any other flags.
• With Other Flags: When flags are flown together on adjacent, equal-height poles, the U.S. flag must be to its own right (the viewer's left) and hoisted first.
• Half-Staff: To fly at half-staff, first hoist the flag to the peak momentarily, then lower it to the halfway point.
• Lighting: The flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset, unless properly illuminated at night.  

For full federal guidelines and details on flag retirement, refer to the VFW Flag Etiquette guide or the VA.gov Flag Display Guidelines.  

Flag etiquette dictates only flying your flag between sunrise and sunset unless it is properly illuminated. You should also take down Old Glory in the event of inclement weather except if it's an all-weather flag made out of a non-absorbent material like nylon. Only fly American flags in good condition, but as long as you follow these guidelines, your Stars and Stripes will last years to come. 

When an American flag is tattered or other unfit to be used, it should be disposed of by retirement.  Retiring the flag with dignity requires, as outlined in the U.S. Flag Code, either burning or burying the flag. The most common approach is a dignified burning ceremony. If you are uncomfortable doing this yourself, local veteran posts and civic groups accept flags for proper disposal.

We recommend you bring the flag to be retired to our AMVETS Post 115 at 401 Veterans Drive or another veterans post.  You can hand it to us when the post is open or leave it in the box labeled for that purpose in front of the post.

If you prefer you can retire the flag yourself, but bringing it to us, is easier for you and insures the flag if retired properly.  

There are many websites and videos online with detailed  instructions.

AMVETS Post 115 hosts US Flag History & Retirement Ceremonies typically on or around "Flag Holidays" and provided color guards for other civic events.  See the Events page for details.

• National Holidays 

Presidents' Day: Third Monday in February

Memorial Day: Last Monday in May

Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19

Independence Day: July 4 

Veterans Day: November 11

• Other Flag Holidays 

Flag Day: June 14   

 Patriot Day: September 11  

• Military Funerals
• Graduations & JROTC Events
• Flag Retirement Ceremonies
• Patriotic Ceremonies at other civic organizations 

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