TOP 10 U.S. FLAG ETIQUETTE TIPS
1. Flags should generally fly from sunrise to sunset on buildings and flagstaffs in the open. However, for patriotic effect, a flag can be displayed 24-hours a day if illuminated properly.
2. Always display a flag with the union (blue field) to the observer's left.
3. No other flag or pennant (from the United Nations, any other country, any state, city, locality or society) should be placed above the U.S. flag.
4. When flags or pennants are displayed at the same level as the U.S. flag, no flag or pennant should be placed to the right of the U.S. flag (observer's left).
5. When flags are flown on the same staff, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.
6. The U.S. flag should be the center flag, and at the highest point, when a group of flags are displayed.
7. For podium-related displays, a flag displayed flat (on a wall) should be behind and above the speaker at the podium. If displayed in front of the podium, the U.S. flag should be placed to the speaker's immediate right (observer's left). Any other flag would then be set to the speaker's left (observer's right) so the two flags essentially frame the podium and speakerone on each side.
8. To fly a flag at half-staff, first hoist it to the peak for an instant and then lower the flag to the half-staff position. Raise it again to the peak before lowering it for the day. Note that, on Memorial Day, the flag is displayed at half-staff until noon and then raised to the top of the staff.
9. Flags should not be flown if they are tattered, worn or faded. In other words, they are "no longer a fitting emblem of display."
10. Never throw a U.S. flag away. The flag should be destroyed in a dignified waypreferably by burningin a solemn, non-public "ceremony of tribute." Many veterans' organizations voluntarily carry out this dutyusually in conjunction with Memorial Day. Learn more about the ceremony the National Flag Federation recommends at Flags Unlimited Inc.
These tips for displaying and disposing of the flag of the United States of America are based on The Flag Code of The United States - Public Law 94-344.
