She's a Grand Old Flag-Keep Her Looking That Way
by Paul Mackenda
http://www.flagsi.com
Our government has put into place some laws that govern
how our flag is treated and cared for. It is the symbol of
our nation and its history, so this is important, yet most
people do not know the proper ways to maintain, store and
treat the flag, even if they've flown it for many years.
Some flags nowadays can be machine washed. It depends on
the material that it's been made out of, and of course,
its overall condition. Hand-washing, however, is generally
recommended, especially for older flags. A washing machine
agitator may cause damage if the edging of the material is
caught in it. Use a mild detergent such as Woolite when you
are hand washing the flag. Make sure to remove the flag
from the water as soon as it's clean. Do not soak the flag
since they may cause the colors to run and bleed into each
other. To dry the flag, dry it flat in a warm area.You will
have to find a large are to spread it out in. The most
preferred method of cleaning the flag is to dry clean it,
but this is also the most expensive, due to the size of
most flags. But if you want to save money and have your
flag look good, take the trouble to wash it properly.
An American flag that is in disrepair should no longer be
flown, and it should be retired. If you can sew well, and
the damage is slight, you may be able to perform your own
repairs. Sewing on a small patch is permissible if there
are small rips or tears, as long as the color and fabric
are the same as the flag. Fabric or craft stores,
department stores, that have fabric departments all carry
such patches. You should not patch it If the damage is
large because that would make the flag look tattered. If
there is any frayed edges or large damage you should
dispose of the flag and replace it.
Exposing it to the elements is one of the fastest ways to
ruin a flag. The flag will be whipped about and become
shredded if you fly the flag in bad weather with snow,
rain, sleet, hail or high winds hitting it constantly. The
sun can do a great deal of damage by bleaching out the
colors, even in good weather. Bring the flag in whenever
bad weather threatens, if you can. If it does get wet,
bring it in and drape it in an open area to dry thoroughly.
Remember to keep it from touching the ground, when you are
doing this. The American flag is never permitted to touch
the ground, unless it has been retired the ashes are
being buried, according to our laws.
If you fly your flag right next to your house, or near
trees, shrubs and other obstructions, your flag may be
easily damaged. You should take care the the flag will not
be whipping against the house or the trees or shrubs. You
can do this by mounting your flag on a pole that's away
from the house and landscaping, or on a stanchion type flag
pole away from the house, branches and wires.
You must make sure that it is completely dry before you
store the American flag, then fold it in its proper format
and place it in a flag case or protective wrap. All flags
should be stored in a cool, dry, dark location. Then they
will always look fresh and nice for use in the future. A
flag display in a special flag case is the best condition
for storage, but this is usually for ceremonial flags.
Old Glory deserves only the best, so we should always
remember what it stands for and how special it is, and
treat it accordingly. The law requires that proper respect
be shown at all times, including general upkeep, cleaning,
and storage.
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