There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag:
The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset. In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days.
When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field, or “union”, is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).
The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
Never let your flag touch the ground, never... period.
Fold your flag when storing. Don’t just stuff it in a drawer
or box.
When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time
to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do
not throw it in the trash.
Questo trafiletto è comparso l’estate scorsa su un giornale locale di una cittadina balneare del Texas. Per nessuna occasione particolare. Solo per ricordare ai residenti come esporre correttamente la bandiera (tantissimi americani la espongono fuori da casa tutto l’anno) e come eliminarla rispettosamente quando è vecchia e logora. Fa riflettere, in un paese che non esita a sventolare il tricolore una volta ogni 4 anni per i mondiali di calcio ma che lo fa con timidezza e tra mille polemiche quando si tratta di festeggiare il proprio 150° compleanno.
Rosanna Cassano