Fifth graders participate in flag etiquette and citizenship as they learn how to properly take care of our American flag.  Fifth grade students at Colby Grade School contribute to their school community in a positive way as they take care of flag duty for our school.  Here you see the fifth grade teachers instructing them on proper care of the flag and how to raise and lower the flag according to the standard of respect.  The students will work in groups and raise and lower the flag daily throughout the entire year.  We are grateful to them for providing this important service.

Did you know that there are specific standards that deal with the care of our American flag?  The Flag Code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used.  Here are some important ones to remember:
     *  The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
      *  When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
      *  The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Note: Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well.
      *  The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.
      *  The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.

You can check out this website for more information on flag etiquette.
http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html