U.S. Flag Info, Etiquette & More

The American Flag

The American flag is a powerful symbol of our nation’s history and values, and of the sacrifices made by our service members. To honor it properly, we encourage all citizens to follow established etiquette when displaying or retiring the flag.

Respect & Proper Display of the American Flag

  • The flag should never touch the ground.
  • The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset. If flown at night, it should be properly illuminated.
  • When hung vertically, the union should always be uppermost and to the flag’s right (the viewer’s left).
  • When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
  • When displayed with other flags, the U.S. flag should either be centered and higher, or to the far right (the viewers left).
  • The flag should be brought indoors during bad weather, unless it’s an all-weather flag.

When to Fly the Flag at Half-Staff

Flying the U.S. flag at half-staff is a sign of national or local mourning. These observances are typically ordered by the President of the United States for national figures or tragedies, or by a state governor for state or local officials.

The heads of federal agencies may also lower flags on buildings or ships under their control in recognition of a loss or solemn event.

Key Guidelines:

  • Memorial Day: The flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full staff to honor fallen service members.
  • Death of a President or former President: 30 days of half-staff at all federal locations.
  • Vice President, Chief Justice (or retired), Speaker of the House: 10 days at half-staff.
  • Other officials (e.g., Cabinet members, former Vice Presidents, congressional leaders, Supreme Court justices): From the date of death until burial.
  • Members of Congress: Half-staff is observed in Washington, D.C. on the day of and the day after their passing, and in their home state or district until the burial.
  • Governors: Flags are flown at half-staff in their home state or territory until interment.
  • The President may also declare half-staff observances after national tragedies or to honor notable individuals or foreign dignitaries.

To display the flag properly:

  • Raise it briskly to full staff, then slowly lower it to half-staff.
  • At sunset or when taking it down, raise it again to the top before fully lowering it.

How to Properly Fold the American Flag

Folding the American flag is a ceremonial tradition that reflects honor and respect. It is typically folded into a triangle with only the blue union visible.

Steps:

  1. Two people hold the flag waist-high so it’s parallel to the ground.
  2. Fold it in half lengthwise once, bringing the striped half over the stars.
  3. Fold it in half lengthwise again, keeping the blue field on the outside.
  4. Begin triangular folds from the striped end, forming a series of triangles.
  5. Continue folding until the entire flag is shaped like a triangle.
  6. Tuck the final edge inside to secure the fold.

A properly folded flag resembles a triangle, with only the blue union and white stars showing.

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Flag Retirement: When & How

When a flag becomes torn, faded, or otherwise unserviceable, it should be retired with dignity—preferably by burning in a respectful ceremony.

Please do not discard flags in the trash.

Veterans’ organizations and civic groups often hold public flag retirement ceremonies. Residents may also drop off old flags at designated collection boxes for proper disposal.

Local Flag Retirement Drop Box Locations

  • Greene County building – 411 Main St. Lobby, Catskill, NY 12414
  • Greene County Veterans Service Agency – 159 Jefferson Heights, Suite D303, Catskill NY 12414 Phone Number 518-943-3703 – Repository located inside office
  • Greene County Vet2Vet: – 905 Greene County Office Building Cairo, NY 12413
  • Athens American Legion Post 187 – 94 Second Street Athens NY 12015 – Outside of the legion there is a drop box. Unserviceable Flag Retirement Ceremony held 3rd Sunday in November Follow TGM American Legion Post 187 on Facebook for current events
  • Cairo Masonic Lodge – 523 Main Street Cairo NY 12413 – Boy Scouts dispose of the flags.
  • Catskill Elks Lodge post 1341 45N Jefferson Ave, Catskill NY 12414 Phone Number 518-943-2067 – in the front corridor when you walk in the first door.
  • Coxsackie Senior Center – 127 Mansion St. Coxsackie NY 12051
  • Coxsackie Village Bldg – 119 Mansion St. Coxsackie NY 12051
  • Greenville – American Legion Post 291 54 Maple Ave Greenville NY 12083
  • New Baltimore Town Hall – 3809 CR 51 Hannacroix, NY 12087
  • Prattsville Town Hall – 14517 Main St. Prattsville NY 12468
  • Jewett Town Hall/Senior Center – 3547 County Rte 23C Jewett, NY 12444
  • Tannersville American Legion Post 165 – Tannersville Fire Department 21 Park Lane Tannersville, New York, 12485 Phone number: 518-589-6095
  • Windham VFW Post 1545 – 5565 NY-23 Windham NY 12496 email: vfwpost1545@gmail.com

You may also check with your local post office to see if they accept old flags.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I do with a worn or damaged American flag?
A: You can bring it to a local flag retirement drop box. We ensure it is retired respectfully and in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.

Q: Is it OK to fly the flag at night?
A: Yes, but only if it is properly illuminated. If lighting isn’t available, it should be taken down at sunset.

Q: Can the flag touch the ground by accident?
A: While the Flag Code discourages letting the flag touch the ground, an accidental touch does not require retirement. Simply inspect it—if still in good shape, it can continue to be used.

Q: Can I wash or repair my flag?
A: Yes. A flag may be cleaned or repaired if it remains a fitting emblem of display. If it becomes too worn or faded, it should be retired.

Q: Is burning the only way to retire a flag?
A: Burning is the preferred method under the Flag Code. However, some organizations hold special ceremonies or use respectful alternatives such as ceremonial shredding before burial. Always consult a veterans’ group if unsure.

Have Questions?

If you’re unsure how to retire a flag, or need more information, contact us:
Phone: (518) 943-3703
Email: veterans@greenecountyny.gov

Learn More About Flag Etiquette

For full guidance, you can review the official United States Flag Code:
Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1 – The Flag