Proper way to display American Flag

During the Independence Day week, patriotic Americans across the country — and this area — will proudly display the American Flag.

But those who display the U.S. Flag need to know the U.S. Flag Code has strict instructions when it comes to how the flag is displayed and used.

Displaying Flag Outdoors

When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the stars should be at the top unless the flag is at half staff.

When the American Flag is displayed from the same flagpole with any other flag, it should always be on top the except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.

When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the stars to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag’s stars should be farthest from the building.

When flown with other flags on different poles the American Flag always goes to its own right — placed in a position of honor. No other flags should be larger than the American Flag.

Displaying Flag Indoors

In public places inside such as church sanctuary, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right.

When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag’s union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag’s own right, and to the observer’s left.

Flag Etiquette

The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It’s only flown upside down only as a distress signal. The flag should never be used for

any decoration or advertising purposes. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes should be used. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.

According to the U.S. Flag Code, the flag should actually never be part of an athletic uniform, but a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, police officers and members of patriotic organizations.

The U.S. Flag Code is strict when it comes to the 13-stripe, 50-star flag. It basically states the flag should never be altered in any way. No mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind should be placed on the flag.

When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. These flag burning ceremonies are often conducted on Flag Day, including in Porterville.

Parading and Saluting the Flag

When carried in a procession, the flag by itself should be to the right of the marchers.

The Flag in Mourning

On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.

The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.

When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the stars at the head and over the left shoulder.

For the complete summary of the U.S. Flag Code, visit www.usflag. org.