Flag Care

The Proper Way to Present the Flag

Presentation of the flag during a ceremony should be preceded by a brief talk emphasizing the importance of the occasion. Following the presentation, all present should salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and sing the National Anthem.

Care for your flag

Taking Care of Your Flag:

The better you care for your flag, the longer it will last. Dirt can cut fabrics, dull colors and cause wear. Most outdoor flags can be washed in mild detergent and thoroughly rinsed. Indoor and parade flags should be dry-cleaned.

Damaged flags can be repaired and utilized as long as the overall dimensions are not noticeably altered.

Posts and local governments often have facilities to dispose of unserviceable flags. American Security Cabinets offers the retired flag drop boxes to these operations as a place for you to respectfully dispose of your worn, torn or tattered flag.

Store your flag in a well-ventilated area away from any harsh chemicals or cleaning materials. If your flag were to get wet, do not store it until it is completely dry. Wet folds can cause permanent creases and dampness can ruin fabric and cause mildew.

Taking care of the flag pole is important as well. Rust can cause permanent stains and some metals can eat holes into the flag’s fabric.

 

Flag Sizes:

The size of the flag is determined by the exposed height of the flagpole from which it is flying. The only consideration is for the flag to be in proper proportion to its pole. Flags which fly from angled poles on homes and those which are displayed on standing poles in offices and other indoor displays are usually either 3′ x 5′ or 4′ x 6′. Color guards usually carry flags measuring 4′ x 6′. Other recommended sizes are shown in the following table:

Flagpole height (ft.) Flag Size (ft.)
20 4 x 6
25 5 x 8
40 6 x10
50 8 x 12
60 10 x 15
70 12 x 18
90 15 x 25
125 20 x 30
200 30 x 40
250 40 x 50

Watch the video below to see a visual demonstration:

Information provided by:Publications.USA.Gov

Folding the Flag:

  1. Two persons, facing each other, hold the flag waist high and horizontally between them.
  2. The lower striped section is folded, lengthwise, over the blue field. Hold bottom to top and edges together securely.
  3. Fold the flag again, lengthwise, folded edge to open edge.
  4. A triangular fold is started along the length of the flag, from the end to the heading by bringing the striped corner of the folder de to meet the open edge.
  5. The outer point is turned inward parallel with the open edge, forming a second triangle.
  6. Repeat the triangular folding until the entire length of the flag is folded.
  7. When the flag is completely folded only the triangular blue field should be visible.