Honoring The American Flag
Following Proper Procedures For Displaying And Disposing
Jimmy Adams and Captain Greg Cochran
Adams Industrial Properties displays an American flag in front of every building it owns and diligently follows best practices for displaying and disposing of those flags.
As we celebrate our nation’s independence, let us remember the significance of the American flag and the values it represents. By following the proper procedures for displaying and disposing of the flag, we honor the sacrifices of our veterans and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the principles of liberty and justice for all.
“Displaying the American flag is a powerful way to show patriotism and honor the sacrifices made by our service members,” said Jimmy Adams, Adams Industrial Properties CEO and Managing Partner. “How we display our flag and how we properly retire shows our respect for the ideals the American flag stands for.”
Adams recently left 11 flags at the Hall County Sheriff’s Office headquarters for retirement.
It is crucial to adhere to the guidelines outlined by the U.S. Flag Code.
Flag Display
To ensure the flag is displayed correctly, it should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously. When flying the flag at half-staff, it should first be raised to the peak instantly and then lowered to the half-staff position. Before sunset, it should be raised again to the peak and then lowered for the day. When displaying the flag vertically, such as on a wall or window, the stars should be on the observer’s left.
Furthermore, it is essential to handle and store the flag with care. The flag should never touch the ground or any other object, and it should be kept clean and in good condition. If the flag becomes worn, torn, or faded, it should be retired in a dignified manner.
Flag Disposal
The proper procedure for disposing of an American flag is to burn it in a respectful and solemn ceremony. This can be done privately or by participating in a flag retirement ceremony organized by a local veterans’ organization. It is important to note that burning the flag should only be done when it is no longer suitable for display due to its condition.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office has a drop box in the vestibule of the Sheriff’s headquarters. The Sheriff’s office contacts local Boy Scouts Troop 26 who take the flags for proper disposal.
“We placed this flag disposal box in our lobby several years ago, and I believe the community would be impressed with the amount of use it gets by folks who want to do right by our country’s flag,” Sheriff Gerald Couch said. “We’re fortunate to have Boy Scouts Troop 26 in our community to carry out the retirement ceremonies for flags placed in our box.”
Troop 26 typically tries to do a ceremony at least twice a year. However, based on donations and other key events that may go on in the community, Troop 26 will plan other dates to help educate others and honor those in our community who have served our country and flag.
Troop 26 Assistant Scout Master Bill Moffett said there are multiple lessons the Scouts, their families, and other members of the community in attendance can learn from our Flag Retirement Ceremony.
“The first lesson is that we want our Scouts to understand the significance of “Old Glory” and what it stands for…Peace, Honor, Truth, and Justice,” Moffett said. “This retirement ceremony is an acknowledgment of the flag’s role in representing the United States and its people. Second, we want to educate them on the proper procedures for retiring a flag as detailed in Title 4, Section 8k of the United States Flag Code.”
There is one more very significant lesson learned from the ceremony.
“Most importantly, the Flag Retirement Ceremony also helps honor all veterans and those in our community who have proudly served our country and our flag,” Moffett said. “We absolutely want our community to have an opportunity to reflect the deep respect and patriotism felt towards the flag, acknowledging that even as it reaches the end of its service, it deserves a dignified and respectful conclusion.”
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