When flying the flag at your business, follow proper etiquette.

There are no laws on the proper way to fly the stars and stripes but there is a U.S. code that details how to show respect for the flag. Here’s what you need to know when flying the flag at your business on Flag Day (June 14)—or any other day.

• If flying the flag at night, it should be illuminated. Unlit flags should be displayed from sunrise until sunset.
• The union, the part with a blue field and white stripes, should be at the top. The exception is when signaling dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
• Flags should never touch the ground or the floor.
• If flying multiple flags, such as a state or company flag, the U.S. flag should be placed in the highest position.
• Flying the flag at half-staff is a way to honor those who have died. It’s a sign of both respect and mourning. Annually, days like Memorial Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day are flown at half-staff to recognize those who gave their life in military service. The flag may also be flown at half-staff to recognize the death of government leaders or groups of civilians, such as was recently done to honor coronavirus victims.
• The flag should never be used as a ceiling covering.
• The flag should never be used for advertising and no marks or insignias should be added to the flag.
• Flags that are damaged and no longer a fitting emblem should be destroyed in a dignified way. Burning is the preferred method of taking a flag out of service.

If all this flag talk turns your thoughts to our national anthem, take a moment to listen to one or more of these inspiring renditions:

• The S. Army Chorus
• Jimmy Hendrix at Woodstock
• Marvin Gaye
• Whitney Houston
• Lady Gaga
• Detroit’s own Karen Newman

Do you have business banking questions? Contact our knowledgeable commercial loan officers or call 800-991-2221.

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