Ten Rules On How To Fly The Flag Properly

The living symbol of this nation, the flag of the United States, has flown proudly for more than two centuries. While it has changed seven times over the years to incorporate the addition of various states, the principles for which it stands remain constant. In a land of diversity, whose people come from around the globe, speaking different languages and worshipping in different faiths, the single, unifying object representing our nation remains our proud standard, “Old Glory.”

1. The flag is always hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

2. The flag is never allowed to touch the ground or the floor.

3. When hung over a sidewalk on a rope extending from a building to a pole, the union stars are always away from the building.

4. When vertically hung over the center of the street, the flag always has the union stars to the north in an east/west street, and to the east in a north/south street.

5. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.

6. The flag should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds but always allowed to fall free.

7. The flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day and then raised to the top of the staff.

8. Never fly the flag upside down except as a signal of distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

9. The flag is never flown in inclement weather except when using an all-weather flag.

10. The flag can be flown every day from sunrise to sunset and at night if illuminated properly.