[WestCoastSVX]

I came across these this morning, just thought I'd post for a refresher FYI for anyone interested...


Star-Spangled Manners

Demand for American flags is high and people have a renewed interest in displaying them at home. The United States Flag Code contains specific instructions on how the flag should and should not be used. Here are some examples:

• Unless illuminated at night, flags displayed outdoors should only be flown from sunrise to sunset.

• The flag should not be flown on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is used.

• The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

• When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way.

• When used on a speaker’s platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker.

• The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.

• The flag should never be displayed upside down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

• The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water or merchandise.

• The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.

• The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.

• The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying or delivering anything.

• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.

• The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Contact your local American Legion or VFW post for information on flag-burning ceremonies, which are often held on June 14, which is Flag Day.

SOURCE: The American Legion