How to Fly the American Flag

The American Flag is one of the most important symbols America has. It signifies the pride and honor of our country. There are some very specific rules for displaying the flag. Here is a list of things to do when flying the American Flag.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Do not let it touch the ground. This is very important. It is a sign of disrespect for the flag to even brush the ground.

2. 
    

   If you are flying the flag on a pole, staff, or building, it is customary to fly it from sunrise to sunset. Remember to put it up in the morning and bring it down before evening.

3. 
    

   You are only allowed to display the American Flag at night if the flag is illuminated. It must be a light dedicated specifically for the flag. Streetlights will not work.

4. 
    

   If you do not own an all weather flag, it must be removed from its pole if it begins raining, snowing, or sleeting. This is another sign of respect.

5. 
    

   A flag damaged from the elements looks poorly and is a sign of disrespect to our country. It is time to replace a flag like this.

6. 
    
   Wrong!

   The American Flag should always be displayed with the stars or the "union" at the top left. This would mean the closest side when hanging on a pole.

7. 
    

   The American Flag can be used as a distress signal in cases of dire emergencies. If you hang the flag upside, this should notify authorities that you have an emergency and require immediate attention.

8. 
    

   The American Flag should be displayed at full staff on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Inauguration Day, Washington's Birthday, Patriot's Day, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day, Flag Day, Father's Day, Independence Day, Constitution Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and any required State and Local Holidays.

9. 
    

   The flag should be flown at half mast on the following holidays: Peace Officer's Memorial Day, Memorial Day (until noon), Patriot Day (September 11th), Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. To fly a flag at half mast, raise the flat to the top of the flagpole and then lower it to the middle.

10. 
     

    The American Flag should also be flown at half mast during times of grief and mourning. It is often flown at half mast when certain governmental officials pass away.

11. 
     

    The President can also order the American Flag to be flown at half mast for any reason and for any length of time. Generally, there will be an announcement made on radio and television stations around the Nation.

[Alishamitchum]

on 12/10/2008 I wish more people would follow these steps...As a vertern of the military I get very annoyed when I see our flag being dis-respected.

[mrsaroe]

on 12/8/2008 Thanks for the important information, I enjoyed reading this.