Avon VFW Post Reminds Residents About Proper Flag Care and Display

National Flag Day is on Sunday and the Gildo T. Consolini VFW Avon Post 3272 is reminding all residents about the proper care and display of the U.S. flag.

The federal flag code says that 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.

Also, 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, this means 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.

According to the State of Connecticut website, on special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff.

Here are some other guidelines:

• On Memorial Day, it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised.
• 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 it as a cover.
• Do not fasten it 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.
• Donate any used flags to the Avon VFW on Avon Day for proper disposal.