Myth: A flag that has been used to cover a casket cannot be used for any other proper display purpose.

A flag that has been used to cover a casket can be used for any proper display purpose to include displaying this flag from a staff or flagpole.

Myth: The Flag Code provides for penalties for violations of any of its provisions.

The Flag Code is simply a guideline for proper flag etiquette. The law does not provide penalties for violation of any of its provisions.

Myth: You must destroy the flag if it touches the ground.

As long as the flag remains suitable for display, the flag may continue to be displayed as a symbol of our great country.

Myth: The Flag Code prohibits the washing or dry-cleaning of the flag.

There are no provisions of the Flag Code that prohibit the washing or dry-cleaning of the flag. The decision to wash or dry-clean would, of course, depend upon the type of material.

Myth: The mayor, a town official or the post commander can order the flag to be displayed at half-staff.

The gesture of placing the flag at half-staff means that the nation or the state mourns the death of a highly-regarded national or state figure. Hence, only the president of the United States or the governor of the state may order the flag to be half-staffed in accordance with the Flag Code.

-American Legion