Fly It Proudly!
The
U.S. flag should occupy a place of prominence when being
displayed. No other flags displayed with it should be
larger or hung higher than the U.S. flag. In addition,
the U.S. flag should not be allowed to touch the ground,
nor should it be dipped to any other flag, person or
object.
|
Displaying the American Flag |
| 1. |
Make
sure the flag is in respectable condition before
you display it. A torn or tattered flag should
not be displayed. |
| 2. |
Make
sure the union (blue field with white stars) is
at the top of the staff when the flag is
displayed on a flagpole. |
| 3. |
Keep
the U.S. flag at the top when more than one flag
is flown from the same halyard. |
| 4. |
When
hanging the flag at half-staff, first hoist it
to the peak of the pole, then lower it to
half-staff. When lowering the flag, hoist it to
the peak of the pole again, then lower it. Any
other flags flying alongside the U.S. flag
should also be lowered to half-staff. |
| 5. |
Place
the flag over a casket so that the union is at
the head and over the left shoulder of the
deceased. The flag should not be lowered into
the grave or allowed to touch the ground. |
| 6. |
When
displayed on a wall, the flag should be placed
with the union in the upper left corner as the
audience faces the flag and should be above and
behind the speakers’ podium. |
| 7. |
Place
the flag on the speakers’ right of the podium
(the audience’s left) when displaying the U.S.
flag in an auditorium or church. |
Did You Know?
 |
It
is proper to turn towards the flag and stand at
attention with your right hand over your heart
whenever the flag passes in parade, or is raised
or lowered during a ceremony. Those in uniform
should give the military salute. |
|
When
a flag is tattered or no longer in a condition
that warrants display, remember to dispose of it
in a "dignified" manner - being burned
in private is considered a dignified end for a
flag. Burning the American Flag in public at rallies
is considered a sign of protest. |
|
The
flag should not be flown in inclement weather
that might damage it. |
|
The
flag should be hung upside-down only in times of
emergency to signal distress. Unfortunately, it
is popular for protestors, foreigners, and
people unfamiliar with the customs of our
country to fly the American Flag upside down.
|
 Buy
Me!
Source: United
States Code, Legal Information Institute, Cornell
University
|
