Flag etiquette

With more and more people flying or displaying the American flag,

here’s a reminder of how to handle it properly:

* The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and

ceremoniously.

* Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset.

It should be illuminated if displayed at night.

* The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted

and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the

halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.

When displaying the flag outdoors:

* When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window,

balcony or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff

unless the flag is at half-mast.

* When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung

vertically, with the union (stars) to the north or east. If the flag is

suspended over a sidewalk, the flag’s union should be farthest from the

building.

* When flown with flags of states, communities or societies on

separate flagpoles that are of the same height and in a straight line,

the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor

to its own right. The other flags must be smaller; no other flag ever

should be placed above it; and the flag of the United States is always

the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.

Displaying the flag indoors:

* When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always

positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or

staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.

* When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally,

the flag’s union should be at the top, to the flag’s own right, and to

the observer’s left.

In giving respect to the flag, there are specific

instructions on how the flag iso7 notf7 to be used. They are:

* The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers

desk, draping a platform or for any decoration in general. Bunting of

blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue

stripe of the bunting should be on the top.

* When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or

any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To

store the flag, it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.