How to Raise the American Flag Properly
Many people want to show their pride in America by displaying an American flag either in their home or at their place of work. There are certain rules and guidelines for the proper method to display the American flag. Many are common sense while others are very simple and straightforward. With just a little care, you can be certain to get it right.
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Instructions
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Check to make sure the flag is free of rips or tears and is clean. Raise the flag with the union (blue area with stars) on top. Under normal conditions the flag should be raised to the highest point on the flagpole. The flag may be displayed after sunset but it must be illuminated at all times. When raising and lowering the flag, do not have it come into contact with the ground. Once lowered, it should be properly folded and stored.
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Ensure you follow proper procedures when flying the flag at half mast. At certain times a government official may request or order all flags to be flown at half mast. This is normally done as a show of sorrow or respect. When the flag is to be flown at half mast, first raise it to the full height of the flagpole. Then lower it to one half the distance between the top of the flagpole and the ground. Likewise, when lowering the flag, it should first be taken to the top of the flagpole, then lowered.
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Remember a few simple rules when displaying the flag in a manner other than being flown. If you are hanging the flag in the window of your house, the union should be at the top left side when viewed from the street. If the flag is being hung over a street, it should be hung vertically and the union should be at the top. On an east to west street, the union should be on the north side. On a north to south street the union should be on the east side. When displayed on a casket the union should be at the head of the casket over the left shoulder. (The flag should never be lowered into the grave.)
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Arrange the flag in the proper manner when displaying it with other flags. When other flags are being flown on the same flagpole as the American flag, the American flag must be on top. When the American flag is being displayed with flags from other countries, all flags must be at the same height. It is against international law for any country's flag to be displayed higher than another during peace time.
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Secure the flag staff to the right front fender if you are displaying the flag on your car. If displaying the flag beside a podium, the flag should be to the speaker's right. If the American flag is to be displayed in a group of other flags from cities, states, or localities, the American flag should be located in the center of the group and should be mounted on the highest staff.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful not to fly the flag upside down. This is considered a distress call.
Do not display a damaged flag. If a flag becomes torn, tattered, or is otherwise damaged it should either be repaired, or destroyed in an appropriate manner.
