Flag Code Reminders

by John Raabe

With the 4th of July being this month I thought it would be a good idea to talk about our U.S. Flag, why we celebrate it, and proper ways to display it. Being someone who has fought for the flag, and lost some of my brothers who were fighting alongside me, I have great respect for the flag and what it stands for and like to see it celebrated correctly and not dishonored.

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag act; "Resolved, that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation. " The flag that resembled the one that George Washington ordered to be flown above his base at Prospect Hill on January 1, 1776. Since then, the flag has been changed several times to get to the flag we know today with thirteen stripes for the 13 original colonies, 50 stars for the 50 states of the union, and the colors red for hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

There are some rules and customs to follow when displaying the U.S. Flag that should be followed, to make sure you are showing it proper respect, I have selected a few that might pertain to displaying the flag here at Toscana.

It is Custom to fly the flag from sunrise to sunset, it can be flow 24 hours a day, only if it is properly illuminated during hours of darkness.

The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, unless it is an all-weather flag.

The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.

The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning

Here at Toscana our CC&R's state that: Flags displayed by an individual Unit Owners may only be hung and/or displayed in an area that is under the exclusive control of the individual Unit Owner, and not on Common Elements or the Restricted Common Elements. All flags must be displayed in accordance with the Federal Flag Code and Arizona Law. This means you cannot hang the flag from a railing or off the side of the building.

So, in parting, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, celebrates responsibly and if displaying the flag for the holiday or any time, does it with respect to the country and the men and women who fought under it and for it.