How to Lower the American Flag in Standard American English
The American flag is one of the most iconic symbols of the United States of America. It represents our country’s history, values, and aspirations. As such, it is important to treat the flag with respect. One way to do this is to lower it properly.
The following are the steps on how to lower the American flag in standard American English:
- Face the flag. Stand facing the flag with your right hand over your heart.
- Salute the flag. Raise your right hand to your forehead and hold it there until the flag has been lowered.
- Lower the flag. Slowly and respectfully lower the flag down the pole. Do not let the flag touch the ground.
- Fold the flag. Once the flag has been lowered, fold it into a triangle. The blue field should be on the outside, with the stars facing up.
- Store the flag. The flag should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight.
Additional tips:
- If you are lowering the flag at night, use a flashlight or other light source to illuminate the flag.
- If there is inclement weather, such as rain or snow, lower the flag and bring it inside.
- If the flag is torn or damaged, it should be retired. You can do this by burning it or burying it.
FAQ:
- When should I lower the flag? The flag should be lowered at sunset, or before if there is inclement weather.
- What if I don’t have a flagpole? You can lower the flag from a tree branch, a fence post, or even a window.
- What should I do if the flag touches the ground? If the flag touches the ground, it should be re-raised and saluted.
- What is the proper way to fold the flag? The flag should be folded into a triangle, with the blue field on the outside and the stars facing up.
- Where should I store the flag? The flag should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight.
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