How to Properly Fly the American Flag
The American flag is a symbol of freedom, and it is often the object of respect and honor. There are specific guidelines to follow when flying the American flag including location and positioning. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Inspect the flag before flying it. Make sure the flag is clean and in good condition. To fly it properly, it should not be torn, tainted or damaged in any way.
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Learn the exact places the flag can be flown. To fly it properly, get permission before flying it at any location other than your home.
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Raise the flag at sunrise and take it down at sunset each day. Always raise the flag quickly and lower it ceremoniously.
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Fly the flag during the daylight. If it is flown at night, it must be lighted.
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Hang the flag on all days, especially on state holidays.
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Allow the flag to hang freely. To fly it properly, the flag should never be drawn back in any form.
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Hang the flag in the upright position. The flag should never be flown upside down unless you are doing so as a signal of danger.
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Place the American flag at the highest point on the pole when a group of flags is displayed. When a flag from another nation is flown, the national flags should be of the same size. Fly them at the same height as the American flag.
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Tips & Warnings
Fly the flag at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, and then raise it to the top of the staff.
If you carry the flag in a parade with other flags, the American flag should be either to the right of the flags or in front of the flags and in the center.
If you hang a flag over a sidewalk and it is extended from a building, make sure that you turn the stars away from the building.
When you hang the flag vertically over the center of the street, make sure that the stars are to the north on an east/west street and to the east on a north/south street.
Be sure to hang the American flag at polling places on Election Day.
Never allow the flag to touch the ground.
Never fly the flag in bad weather, such as rain or snow, unless you are using an all-weather flag.
