Fly your American flag proudly on the Fourth with these tips for flag etiquette

Right hand over heart or solemn stance of attention; what’s the correct way to salute the American flag?

“It’s always appropriate to salute the U.S. flag, and every day is good day to fly the flag,” advised Willard Helander, Regent of North Shore Chapter, Lake Forest, IL - National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. “A few tips will bring your patriotism in line with the U.S. flag code so you can fly your flag appropriately.” With July 4^th only days away, the North Shore Chapter of the NSDAR offers this information taken from the U.S. flag code:

Flag salute:

When reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, face the American flag and stand solemnly, placing the right hand over the heart.

Other times when it is appropriate to salute the flag:

• when the flag is the carried in a formal ceremony,
• at a parade as the flag passes, and
• when the “National Anthem” is featured.

Hats should be removed and placed over the heart when not in uniform.

Flag display:

Every day is a good day to fly the U.S. flag. Schools, post offices, government buildings and all citizens are encouraged to proudly display American flags.

• Flags flying 24 hours or at nighttime should be illuminated.
• If displayed indoors onstage, the flag should always appear to the right of the speaker.

Retiring the flag:

Worn, soiled, faded and torn flags should be properly retired.

Locations for flag drop-off:

• The Mundelein Fire Department, 1000 Midlothian Road, Mundelein, provides 24-hour access to a flag disposal box.
• Local American Legion and VFW posts also accept flags that need to be retired. Contact your local post for more information.

More information on American flag placement in a parade, on a car, and other flag display guidelines can be found on the American Flag Foundation’s website: http://americanflagfoundation.org.

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The North Shore Chapter, Lake Forest, Illinois (NSDAR) was established in 1893 and through the years has proudly facilitated projects supporting historic preservation, education and patriotism. Currently the chapter includes more than 127 members from northern Illinois communities spanning from Lake Forest to Barrington, Morton Grove and Libertyville. Recently the North Shore chapter facilitated a $10,000 grant for historic preservation of the east Lake Forest train station and offered more than $2,000 in scholarship money for college-bound students from Highland Park and North Chicago high schools. An interest in genealogy and community volunteerism is a common thread among members. For more information about membership, contact northshoredar@gmail.com.