U.S. Flag Code is federal law, providing rules for the proper display, treatment and respect of Old Glory. Enforcement of the Flag Code is most often conducted through education. A change to Section 9 of the U.S. Flag Code written into the Defense Authorization Act this year now gives veterans and members of the Armed Forces the authority to render a salute to the flag, whether or not they are in uniform.

All others present should remove any headwear, face the flag and place their right hand over their heart. These acts should be conducted anytime there is a hoisting or lowering of the flag, or whenever it passes.

The code says that the flag should not touch anything beneath it, but there is no requirement to destroy a flag that has touched the ground.

A U.S. flag that is soiled but not worn or damaged may be washed or dry-cleaned. When a flag is worn or damaged to the point that it is no longer fit for display, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning.

Many of our local Veterans Service Organizations conduct periodic disposal ceremonies to provide dignified and solemn disposal of unserviceable flags.

The flag should not be displayed in inclement weather unless it is made from an all-weather material such as nylon.

It is customary to display outdoor flags only from sunrise to sunset, but they can be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during hours of darkness.

The light source should be sufficient to illuminate the flag so it is recognizable as such to the casual observer.

There are many benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents.

To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office.

We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms. You can also get information on the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office Web site at www.countyofkings.com.

Joe Wright, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd., Hanford, CA 93230, the phone number is 582-3211 ext. 2662 or e-mail joe.wright@co.kings.ca.us.

(July 4, 2008)