Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

The fundamental rule of flag etiquette is:  treat all flags with respect and common sense.

• It is proper to fly the Stars and Stripes at night, but only if it is spotlit.


• No flag should be flown during weather that might damage it, based on a common sense interpretation of circumstances.


• When a flag is torn, it should be repaired.  If soiled, dry clean an indoor flag or wash an outdoor flag.


• When a flag is no longer of dignified appearance and cannot be repaired, it should be destroyed in a dignified way (burned or sealed in a bag or box before being sent out for trash collection).


• In a public gathering (lecture hall, church, etc.), the Stars and Stripes should be to the speakers' right or on the wall behind them.


• The canton of the flag (the blue "field" with the 50 stars) should always be to the observers left except:  1) when displayed on a casket; 2) when displayed as a decal on the right side of a vehicle (bus, truck, plane, etc.); 3) when worn as a patch on the right arm (but use on the left arm is preferable).


• It is not illegal or improper to fly any flag (state, ethnic group, organization, etc.) alone, but it is always preferable to display the Stars and Stripes at the same time. A salute (hand over heart for those not in uniform) should be rendered when the flag is raised, lowered, or carried by on parade; when the Pledge of Allegiance is recited; and when the national anthem is played (unless the flag is not present).