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The American Flag is a common site in garage gyms in the US. Unfortunately, it’s often hung incorrectly which is against the guidelines that our forefathers set and soldiers have fought for. Here’s how and why you should hang the US Flag properly.
A reader of Garage Gym Reviews recently commented on an Instagram photo that he was glad to see I hung the American Flag properly. This is something I haven’t thought much about simply because I’ve always known the flag must be handled and hung in a respectful manner. Well, after examining garage gym photos on Instagram, I now see how few other people are aware of the proper way to hang a flag. But no fear, Garage Gym Reviews is here!
Why is it Important to Hang the Flag Properly?
First let’s talk about why it’s important to hang the American Flag properly. The American Flag may appear to be a simple piece of cloth with a design often worn by frat boys on the Fourth of July or seen on flag poles outside of your local courthouse, but it has more meaning than it’s stars and bars design. The American Flag is a symbol of freedom to the rest of the world, it’s a signifier of all of the blood that was shed by men and women to uphold freedom, and it is a display of what the United States of America is. The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of America, and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen original colonies that ultimately became the first states in the Union. When there is meaning behind something it’s guidelines are more likely to be followed, which is why you should know the meaning behind the flag.
Finally, this is something that was recently pointed out to me that I was unaware of:
“The ONLY time that the flag is ever displayed in this manner (the union in the upper right) is when draped over the casket of a fallen service member. When draped over the casket with the union to the right, the union falls over the service members heart.”
I was completely unaware of this, and it makes even more sense why you should properly hang your flag.
How to Properly Hang the U.S. Flag
Proper hanging of the American Flag is really quite simple. I’ll let UsHistory.org do the explaining:
“When the flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left. When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way, that is with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.”
That’s about it. There’s no reason to over complicate a simple manner of hanging the flag properly to show respect for those who fought so you can hang your flag freely.
Improper Examples:
These are examples of gyms who have hung the flag improperly:
Properly Hung Examples:
Final Thoughts
An American Flag is an awesome addition to any gym. It shows your patriotism and is also just a cool thing to have on your wall while you squat with 500 lbs on your back, or do Naked Fran, because you know, its your garage. Hang the flag properly, and lift heavy weight.
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