Whether you call her Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, or the Star-Spangled Banner, Flag Day is the time set aside to honor the symbol of the United States of America.

Flag Day is June 14, which falls on a Tuesday this year. During the entire week—Sunday to Saturday—flags are to be flown from public buildings. Because the holiday falls on a Tuesday, many ceremonies will be conducted on June 11, the Saturday before.

This is also a time in which long-flying flags are lowered for cleaning or repairs. Flags that have been damaged beyond repair are respectfully burned, and many times the ashes are interred or scattered on the gravesites of veterans.

Here are some guidelines for proper flag etiquette:
• Flags are normally flown from sunrise to sunset, raised briskly in the morning, and lowered slowly at sunset. Flags flown at night need to be illuminated.
• Flags should not be flown in inclement weather (all-weather flags are permitted).
• When flown vertically, the blue field (union) is placed to the left. When visible from both sides, the union is placed away from the building.
• The American flag is flown at equal heights when flags of other countries are also on display. Lesser-ranking flags, such as those that represent states, are flown lower. The flag appears to the viewer’s left with lesser-ranking flags.
• The flag should not touch the ground. If the flag does touch the ground, it does not need to be burned. Clean the flag if necessary, and hang or store it properly.
• The flag is not dipped to any person or thing. It is not used as a drapery or covering, except on caskets, where it is removed before burial.
• Flags should not be used on temporary or disposable items, nor on clothing, except as part of an official uniform.
• The flag should not have writing or marks of any kind placed on it, or be used as a receptacle.
• A flag should not be flown upside down except in cases of distress where immediate assistance is required.
• Flags should be folded for storage.
• Flags should be cleaned and repaired as necessary, and destroyed when they become too tattered, either by burying or burning respectfully.

There are many regulations for flying the flag at half-staff. Follow the lead of the nation’s Capitol, or refer to a more comprehensive list that describes each scenario.

To retire a flag properly, contact your local American Legion, or Boy and Girl Scouts. They conduct flag retiring ceremonies.