It is that time of year when most get a surge of patriotism and start looking for the flag we flew last year. It’s in the corner somewhere in the house or garage, maybe in the attic. The flag is treated by many the same as the artificial Christmas tree in a box. It’s not their fault. They may not have had any exposure to veterans, the military or the flag code.Yes, there is a code of ethics for our grand old flag. The code covers how to treat our flag with respect and how to display the flag properly, when it should fly, and what it means. For example, did you know that unless there is a light illuminating our flag it should be taken in for the evening? Did you also know that the red color stands for hardiness and courage, the white is the symbol of purity and innocence, and the blue is the color of vigilance, perseverance and justice?

Here are some more etiquette rules:

• The flag should not be flown in rainy, stormy weather.
• Using the flag for advertising purposes or attaching anything to the flag is in violation of the code.
• The fifty stars grouped together is called the Union, and should always be at the top of the staff.
• If flat and covering a casket the Union should be at the top of the head and shoulders.
• Clothing should not be made from the flag. It may look great for the parade, but is a violation of the code and is disrespectful.
• When carried in a procession or parade with other flags, the flag should be carried marching right or the flag’s right.
• When there is a line of flags, it is carried in front of the center of the line. Watch for this at the 4th of July parade.
• The flag can be displayed every day, but especially the 4th of July, Veterans Day, Christmas, Easter, and any special day of the calendar.
• Remember to never let a flag touch the ground and when your flag is worn and needs replacing, bring the old flag , with respect, to your veterans club and it will be disposed of properly, which is incineration.

So, rather than dig around in the attic to find the torn, worn flag standing next to the Christmas tree box, go to the store and buy a new fresh symbol of our freedom and fly it proudly.