My flag is old and ready to be retired.  What should I do?

"The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."   The Boy Scouts of America show an accepted way of ceremonial burning.  Visit their site for information at http://www.usscouts.org/ceremony/flagret1.html

Yes.  There is nothing wrong in flying a historic flag.

The Flag Code makes no reference to this use, but consensus among experts is that yes, it would be an honor to display the flag to show patriotism.

No.  You should, of course, try to avoid having the flag touch the ground.   But if it does, you should correct the situation immediately.  If the flag has been dirtied, you should clean it by hand with a mild soap solution and dry it well before returning it to use.

The gold trim is found on ceremonial flags, to be used indoors and for ceremonies only.  They originally were used on military flags.  The fringe has no specific significance, but is considered completely within the guidelines of proper flag etiquette.

Your flag should be flown at half-mast upon reliable information that a past or present President or Vice-President has died.  It should also be flown at half-staff upon Presidential proclamation.

No.  Only the President of the US or your State Governor can order the flag lowered to half-staff.

30 days for the death of a sitting or former President.  10 days for the death of a Vice President.

The flag rules make no provisions for this.  However, army regulations state, "A streamer of black crepe 7 feet long and 1 foot wide will be attached to the staff immediately below the spearhead of the U.S. flag."

No, you should never sign the flag directly on it.  If your flag has a canvas strip that holds the grommets, it is acceptable to have everyone sign along that canvas strip.  Or, you can have everyone sign a separate document that can then be framed and displayed with the flag.

There is nothing in the Flag Code about tattoos.  The question is one of respect for the flag.  In this case one person's respect is another's disrespect, and we advise against a flag tattoo.  Perhaps an American eagle would look good?

There is no reference to meaning of the folds in the Flag Code.  There is, however, there are popular flag-folding ceremony.  Many can be found on the internet at site like The American Legion, Boy Scouts of America, etc.

No, the flag should never be worn and no, the flag should never have marks or words written upon it.  "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel."   "The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature."

No.  "It should not be ... printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."

No.  "The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever."

"when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness."  The Flag Rules offer no additional guidance on this question.  We interpret this to mean that there is either a light directly upon the flag or that there is sufficient local lighting to make the flag easily visible at night.

Respectfully featuring the American flag in artwork is a wonderful thing and should be encouraged.  We would hope that the artwork is preserved and displayed proudly by the young artists and their families.

"The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free."

To wear our country's flag properly, the field of stars should be worn closest to your heart.  Thus, if your patch is to be worn on your LEFT sleeve, use a left flag.  For patches worn on your RIGHT sleeve, use a "right" or "reversed field" flag.  Since the law does not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear.  Some elect to use the "left" flag on both sleeves.   [Note: many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag; you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney’s office regarding this matter.]  If you are planning to wear only one patch, it is recommended that you wear a "left" flag on your left sleeve.  Military guidelines specify that in support of joint or multi-national operations, the "right" flag is worn on the right sleeve, 1/4" below the shoulder seam or 1/8" below any equired unit patches.  Source: Army Website FAQs