How to Fly the US Flag

There are a number of reasons to fly a flag. Many choose to do it at home or businesses and are unaware of the rules placed on flying the flag in order to pay respect to our country and its tradition. The following are the common rules for flying and use of the United States flag.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. When flying the flag over the middle of a street, it should be suspended vertically on the north side of an east/west street or on the east side of a north/south street.

2. When displayed with another flag against a wall, the staffs should be crossed with the United States flag’s staff in front of the other. Also, the flag should be on the flag’s right side which would be your left if you are looking at it.

3. If two flags are flown on the same staff, the US flag is always on top. No other flag should ever be flown higher or to the right (your left) of the US flag. If flown on adjacent staffs, the US flag should be slightly higher than the other.

4. After a tragedy or death, the flag should be flown at half staff for 30 days. If flown at half-staff, raise the flag to the peak momentarily and then lower it to half-staff. If a second flag is being flown with the US flag, it must be lowered to less than the US flag.

5. When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag may not be lowered into the grave or touch the ground for any reason and should be folded properly upon removal from the casket.

6. If the flag is carried in a procession along with other flags, it should be either on the flags right or in front of the center of a line of flags.

7. When multiple state flags are flown, the flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group of flags.

8. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs. They should be flown at the same height and should be approximately the same size. In times of peace, one nations flag may not be placed above another.

9. When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender. (That means the trendy window flags with plastic staffs are out.)

10. When hung in a window, place the blue union in the upper left, as viewed from the street.

11. The flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset. In the morning the flag should be raised quickly and at sunset, lowered slowly. If flown at night, there should be a light on it.

12. The flag should not be flown in the rain or other inclement weather.

13. The stars or union should always be on top, even in print.

14. Never let your flag touch the ground under any circumstances.

15. Properly fold your flag when storing.

16. When your flag is old and deteriorating, retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Do not throw it in the trash.

17. The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for a covering or decoration of any kind.

18. Streamers may be affixed to spear heads or flagstaffs in a parade only by order of the President of the United States.

19. The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose, in any way.

[byllz]

on 7/30/2008 Good article...5 stars..