Is it proper to display an American flag with fewer than 50 stars?
A. Yes, as long as the flag was once an official U.S. flag it will always remain so. Even the historical U.S. Flag known as the 13-star Betsy Ross is still considered an official American flag. Click here to see the official flags of the United States. Q. How long will a flag last? A. There is no exact answer. The U.S. Government generally expects a nylon or cotton bunting flag to last approximately 90 days, based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset – but not during periods of inclement weather. Tests have shown that in some cases a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only one-fourth as long as one flown during the daylight hours only. Regardless of how well it is constructed, the flag is a piece of cloth and will sooner or later succumb to the elements. However, it has been well documented that reasonably good care can contribute greatly to longer life.