Educational Resources

Displaying the Flag

Custom holds that the flag is flown from sunrise to sunset — though it may fly around the clock if it's properly illuminated after dark. It shouldn't be flown in bad weather unless it's an all-weather flag. Raise it briskly and lower it ceremoniously. When it's hung flat or vertically against a wall, the union — the blue field of stars — always goes uppermost and to the observer's left. And when the flag passes, or is raised or lowered, everyone present should face it and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart; those in uniform render the salute, and veterans not in uniform may as well.

Folding the Flag

The Flag Code doesn't actually say how to fold a flag — that tradition comes from the military and organizations like the American Legion, and it's become the standard nearly everyone recognizes. Start with the flag held waist-high and parallel to the ground. Fold it in half lengthwise, then in half lengthwise again, keeping the blue field of stars outward and in full view. Then begin the triangular folds: bring the striped corner of the folded edge up to the open edge, turn the outer point inward to form a second triangle, and keep folding triangle over triangle toward the blue union until only the blue and its stars remain — a shape like the cocked hats worn by soldiers of the Continental Army. Done on a properly proportioned flag, it comes out to thirteen folds.

When a Flag Is Ready for Retirement

The Flag Code puts it simply: when a flag is in such condition that it's no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be retired. In practice, that means a flag that's badly faded, torn, frayed at the fly end, sun-bleached, or worn past repair. There's no shame in it — a flag that reached that state did exactly what it was made to do. Small tears can be mended, and a mended flag can keep flying. But when the colors are gone and the cloth is spent, it's time.

How a Flag Is Retired

The Flag Code calls for a worn flag to be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. That single word — dignified — is the whole standard, and it's why this is a ceremony rather than a disposal. At our ceremonies the flag is presented, honored, and retired by fire with respect, in the presence of people who understand what it represented. It is never simply thrown away. If burning isn't possible in a given situation, a flag should still be retired respectfully rather than discarded — and that's exactly what we're here to handle, so you never have to wonder.

Scouts & Young Marines

We partner with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Young Marines units across Ohio — bringing flag etiquette education to meetings and inviting troops to take part in ceremonies. It's hands-on, memorable, and it counts.

Adopt-a-Class

We adopt elementary school classrooms, bring students to ceremonies, and teach them about the flag and proper etiquette firsthand. Watching a room full of kids understand what that cloth means is the reason we do this.

Schools & Community Groups

Teachers, churches, and community organizations can request an educational visit or a ceremony for their group.