Am I allowed to keep the American flag out at night?

Question

I remember reading somewere that it's not acceptable under flag rules, to hang the American flag at night unless it's got a light, lighting it up. Do I really have to take the flag down every night or is that only at government buildings?

Oh, also I was reading about flag etiquette, and it said once a flag is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of the United States (when the flag has been torn in wind, old, etc) that it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

I dont need to do that or anything, but why would we burn a US flag ... even an old torn one? It doesn't seem right.

Answer 1

If you have no light on your flag, then taking it down at sunset, will be correct, and save you from answering "helpful" people that see it not lighted as they pass by.

You burn the flag as a "burial" ceremony, a way of showing respect to a valued member of your community. (For all the months of service rendered.)

Answer 2

The rule is that the sun should never be allowed to set upon the flag, that is why it should be taken down at night (unless lit). Also, burning the flag has become an understandably questionable means of disposal, what with the riots and all. The purpose for ti was that any other means was inappropriate. The flag is never to touch the ground, so you can't bury it. The flag is a symbol of our country and "throwing it away" would be disrespectful. Burning was the only option left, provided it was done properly with the entire ceremony. Also make sure you fold it correctly each time it is taken down, and when destroyed.

Answer 3

Proper etiquette where the flag is concerned demands that if a flag is flow during the dark cycle of the day then it requires what etiquette demands ,,,, that it should be properly illuminated ,,,,, You can of course fly it with out light but if you are concerned about etiquette then it must be lit ,,,,, There is also a proper way or procedure of putting a flag to rest too ,,,, or destroying it after it has become torn or tattered dictated by etiquette ,,,,, These procedures are not enforced by law of course ,,,,, What dictates wheather a person follows these procedures or not is his own belief in the flag ,,, his loyalty ,,, and pride in what the flag stands for ,,,,represents and symbolizes ,,,,, Yoda said that

Answer 4

It is not appropriate to fly the flag at night without a light, no matter the location. It is also not appropriate to fly it during a storm.

Burning is an appropriate way to dispose of a flag. I think that burning is better than, say, just throwing it in the garbage like a piece of trash. Although people sometimes burn the flag to show their dislike for the United States, I think that disposing of a flag by burning shows that you have enough respect for the flag to dispose of it completely and not just like a piece of garbage.

Answer 5

Unless you have a light illuminating the flag, you have to take it down at sunset each and every night. However, I doubt that the secret service is going to come after you just because you left the flag out at night.

Answer 6

You had it right - if you leave a flag out at night - it should have a light on it. The flag rules of etiquette are strict that way.

Answer 7

You can use it as a warm cover. It sounds like a flag is some kind of a pet in the US. Funny people you are .

Answer 8

Only unless it has a light on it. Otherwise, you must retire it for the evening.

Answer 9

It is a respect and honer thing. There are no flag police.