This Flag Day, Take the Time to Have Your U.S. Flag Cleaned

June 14 is Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the Flag of the United States in 1777.  As we begin to celebrate the 235^th Flag Day, Christa Hagearty, president & CEO of Dependable Cleaners, has shared the following easy tips for flag care and flag folding, and reminds customers across Massachusetts that Dependable Cleaners will clean your American flag, free of charge.

Flying and Caring for the Flag:

1. Always fly or hang the flag with the union (the stars) in the upper left corner. A flag on a flagstaff or flagpole should be able to fly free in the breeze and should only be attached to the flagstaff or halyard on the left edge of the fabric.
2. When hanging vertically, the union should be in the upper left corner. The pole should be long enough so the flag doesn’t touch the ground.   
3. When your U.S. flag becomes torn and frayed, don’t throw it away. Your local Office of Veterans Services provides an official, legal way to dispose of them.
4. Even though a flag might be an all-weather flag, it is advised that you take it down in particularly rough weather.   

Properly Folding Your Flag:

The preferred way of folding the flag is on the triangle. The following are step-by-step instructions:

1. Hold the flag at waist level with one person at each end of the flag. Be sure the flag doesn’t touch the ground.
2. Fold the flag lengthwise in half.
3. Refold in half, lengthwise.
4. Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge up to meet the flag’s open edge.
5. Fold the triangle toward the blue field and continue folding a triangle from edge to edge.
6. When properly folded, the flag will end up a triangle with stars on each side.

Dependable Cleaners began the tradition of cleaning American Flags for free in 1944 and today cleans hundreds of flags.  To have your American Flag cleaned free of charge, please visit one of the 16 Dependable Cleaners’ locations, including 338 Granite Avenue, East Milton, or call 800.572.4068 for free pick-up and delivery.