By
John Fagan

American flags are proudly displayed every day across the
nation to show patriotism. Holidays such as Memorial Day (last Monday in May),
Flag Day (June 14th), Independence Day (July 4th),
Veteran’s Day (November 11th), and Patriot Day (September 11th)
give Americans the chance to fly even more ‘Star Spangled Banners’ than they
normally do.
In an effort to make sure the Nation’s flag is always treated with
the utmost respect, here are the guidelines you should follow when displaying
‘Old Glory’.

Flag
Code

1.
Hoist it quickly but lower it slowly and
ceremoniously.

2.
It is ok to display the flag 24/7, but it should
be illuminated at night.

3.
Bunting is when flags are gathered and draped
into curves or folded into fan form. Bunting is an acceptable patriotic display
as long as the blue portion of the flag is at the top.

4.
Unless your flag is made out of all weather
material, be sure to bring it in out of the rain or snow.

5.
The blue and white stars field should always be
at the top left of the flag.

6.
The flag should be kept away from the ground,
floor, water, or anything beneath it.

7.
Flags should not be draped over vehicles or
floats during parades. They should be on a staff (pole) fixed to the frame of
the vehicle/float or clamped to the right fender.

8.
No other flag should be above or to the right of
the American flag. When in doubt, the American flag should be centered but
higher than other flags.

9.
The flag should never be carried flat or
horizontally, but always aloft and free.

10.
When a flag becomes worn and is in such a
condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be
destroyed in a dignified way. One way to do that is to give the flag to a local
VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) for proper disposal.