Flag Day 2016 Tips

By Chris Dehnel, Patch Staff

June 14 is Flag Day. It commemorates the adoption of the United States Flag on June 14, 1777.

The longest-running Flag Day parade is said to have started in Quincy in 1952.

Many communities across the country are flying the flag at half-staff in the wake of this weekend's Orlando shooting.

Have photos of Flag Day celebrations in your city or town? Send them to mike.carraggi@patch.com and your photos could be featured on Patch. (Make sure to note location)

The Gildo T. Consolini VFW Avon Post 3272 in Avon, CT offers the following tips about the proper care and display of the U.S. flag:

• The federal flag code says the universal custom is to display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open, but when a patriotic effect is desired the flag may be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
• The U.S. flag should not be displayed when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
• For most homeowners with one flagpole, the U.S. flag is at the peak, above any other flag.
• The U.S. flag should not be torn, ripped or in any way wrapped around the pole or snagged in the lines. It should fly free and be able to move around the pole unobstructed.
• A U.S. flag should never be used as clothing or for decoration.
• Red, white and blue bunting is the proper method for decoration on porches, windows, etc.
• Do not let the flag touch the ground.
• Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
• Do not store the flag where it can get dirty.
• Do not use the flag as a cover.
• Do not fasten the flag or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.
• Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.
• When a U.S. flag is no longer able to be flown properly, disposal by burning is required.

Photo by Mike Carraggi.