How to Display the American Flag

It seems many Americans do not know how to display the American flag. There are some rules and etiquette that surround display of our flag that everyone should be aware of and follow. You show honor to your country and to those who have defended us when you display the American flag with honor and respect. Here are some rules to help you if you have your own American flag on display.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   UNION UP -- Always fly or display the American flag with the union (blue rectangle) at the top or upper-left. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.

2. 
    

   WHEN FLOWN WITH OTHER FLAGS -- When flown on the same halyard with other non-nation flags, the American flag should always be at the peak. This follows the rule that the American flag should always be raised first and lowered last.

3. 
    

   IN PARADE WITH OTHER FLAGS -- When carried with other flags in a parade or other procession, the American flag should be either on the marching right, or if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

4. 
    
   Display the American flag highest and in the center

   WHEN GROUPED WITH OTHER FLAGS -- If in a group of state or local flags on their own staffs, the American flag should be at the center and highest point of the group. If flown with other nations' flags, then all flags should be flown from separate staffs of the same height. Note how the flags are flown at the United Nations building.

5. 
    

   WHEN AT HALF-STAFF -- Sometimes when a prominent person dies, the President will order all American flags to fly at half-staff. When you do this, raise the flag to the peak first, then lower it down halfway. Also, when lowering the flag, raise it to the peak for an instant and then lower it.

6. 
    

   AGAINST A WALL CROSSED WITH ANOTHER FLAG -- Display the American flag on its own right (which is the viewer's left) and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

7. 
    

   DISPLAYED INDOORS ON A PODIUM OR STAGE -- Display the American flag on a staff on the right of the podium (stage-right) and any other flag on the left of the podium (stage-left).

8. 
    
   This flag should be ceremoniously destroyed.

   WORN OUT FLAGS -- When a flag is worn and unfit for display, dispose of it in a dignified manner. You may properly fold and ceremoniously burn the flag yourself. You can also give the flag to any American Legion, VFW or government office as they will know where to send the flag for proper disposal.

[jbaby]

on 11/7/2009 Great article