GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Flying the flag of the United States of America is one of the most simple, and yet profound, statements of patriotism that we can make, as American citizens. It is a symbol of freedom, both religious and civil; a reminder of our democratically-elected, not self-appointed government; and for our nation itself, "one nation, under God." It is also a symbol of honor and remembrance for those who have died, whether citizens, government officials, or those people who have fought bravely in our military. However, in all our good intentions, it would be good to remember the proper guidelines for displaying our star-spangled banner. That way, our proud statements of patriotism don't inadvertently become at the same time a mockery of our flag. The following is sent in good will to help everyone reading it to truly fly the flag the way it ought to be flown.

(Excerpted from the National Flag Code approved on June 22, 1942)

It is a universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, the flag may be displayed at night on special occasions when it is desired to produce a patriotic effect or if it is lighted.

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

When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union (blue field) of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.

When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union to the left of the observer in the street.

When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the North in an East and West street or to the East in a North and South street.

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

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

The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender. (A small flag, made for this purpose, can be attached to the antenna.)

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.

The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as will permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.