Is it proper to salute the flag when it is at half-staff?

I apologize for the slight delay in responding to your e mail. I was out of town. Thanks for being so interested in getting it right. United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1- The Flag (commonly referred to as the US Flag Code) does indeed have a subsection titled "§ 4. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery". For your convenience I quote it to you here in its very simple entirety: "The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute." The Flag Code does not prohibit holding anything in hand. The Flag Code is intended as a model of conduct for civilians who are not governed by other codes. For example, each branch of the armed forces has more detailed regulations that may differ from the above code which intended for civilians. I would ask the person who gave you that information to also give you its source. A common response is 'that is how we did it in the Army, the Navy, etc." That may be. But if you are in a civilian organization, you are governed by the US Flag Code. There is one further point. Every state has flag laws. Check with your state's Attorney General.

Repairing Flags

Question: Hi, I work at an elementary school in a suburb of Minneapolis, MN. We fly a State flag along with the American flag. One corner of our state flag has frayed (about 3"x3"). The flag is approximately 5 fett by 8 feet in size. Would it be proper etiquette to cut out the frayed area and rehem the flag and then continue to use it? The rest of the flag is in very good condition.. Answer: Thanks for asking. Yes, it is entirely proper flag etiquette to repair flags. It is done all the time with US flags. We call it a "cut and re-hem repair." It becomes a judgment call about how short to make the flag and still have it look good. A stitch in time saves nine. Repairing small tatters can prevent them from becoming foot long tears. Nothing in The Flag Code forbids it. In fact, maintaining your flags is a way of showing respect.

The same concept applies to cleaning a flag. If your flag can take it (not every flag can!!!) it is proper flag etiquette to put it in the washing machine. Ask the store where you bought it. Only outdoor flags of modern outdoor fabric (our Eagle sm nylon or Iron Man sm Polyester) and manufacture should go in the washing machine. CAUTION: Never put an old flag or a worn flag in the washing machine. Fringed flags should also not be put in the washing machine. It is also proper flag etiquette to have flags dry cleaned. Ask your dry cleaner if his process will damage your flag. Or if your outdoor flag is of modern outdoor fabric and manufacture, you can hand wash it in mild soap and cold water. Don't put flags in a dryer. Don't leave them piled up wet or leave them wet in the washing machine. Don't try to clean flags of a delicate fabric yourself.