Every morning, I take my Alinker walking bike down the quiet streets. Since the recent time change, it’s still dark as I pass one particular house—a house that flies the American flag. But there’s something about it that nags at me every time: the flag isn’t illuminated. No porch light, no spotlight, not even a solar light.
As a veteran, people might assume it bothers me because I served in the military. I joined the Army in 1997, mainly for college money, which still left me needing student loans. My time in the service ended with a medical discharge in 2001, before the post-9/11 wave of patriotic enlistments. My story isn’t unique; some enlisted for their own personal reasons, not just patriotic sentiment. And while I have my reasons for why I value flag etiquette, it’s not because I’m a veteran. It’s because patriotism, to me, isn’t just about displaying the flag—it’s about displaying it correctly.
Understanding Flag Etiquette
It’s easy to put out a flag and feel patriotic, but genuine respect goes beyond display. When I see flags in poor condition or flown incorrectly, it frustrates me because, in my mind, it’s a well-intentioned but misguided show of patriotism. George Bernard Shaw’s quote comes to mind: “Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.” Flying the flag correctly honors what it stands for and demonstrates a deeper respect for the values it symbolizes.
Some basics of flag etiquette are important for anyone who wishes to display the flag:
Timing: The flag should be raised at sunrise and lowered before sunset, unless illuminated.
Condition: A flag should always be clean and in good repair—free from dirt, rips, or frays.
Weather: Only all-weather flags should be flown in inclement weather; otherwise, the flag should be taken down.
Positioning and Display: Whether on a wall or flagpole, the union (blue field) should be on the observer's left or in the upper right-hand corner.
It’s easy to display the flag correctly, and even easier to learn how.
Knowing Better to Honor Better
On Veterans Day, people often thank me for my service. While I’m grateful, it’s a sentiment that makes me feel slightly uncomfortable. I did serve, yes, but patriotism means different things to different people. For me, patriotism is shown not just in words or symbols, but in understanding. If we take a moment to know the right ways to honor our country’s symbols—like the flag—we elevate our respect to something beyond a mere display.
So, if you fly the flag, please honor it by following these simple rules. And if your neighbor isn’t aware of these etiquette points, kindly educate them. On this Veterans Day, I invite you to join me in a small act of true respect: let’s fly our flag with honor and show our country the thoughtful reverence.
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