Rules For Respecting The Flag of the United States of America

The flag of the United States should be flown daily from sunrise to sunset in good weather from public buildings, schools (on school days), permanent staffs in the open, and in or near polling places on election days. The flag may be displayed 24 hours a day on special patriotic occasions or for a patriotic effect, if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

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

The flag should always be flown on national and state holidays and on those occasions proclaimed by the President. On Memorial Day the flag should be half staffed until noon.

The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. It should never be dipped to any person or thing nor should it ever be displayed with the union down except as a signal of dire distress.

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, nor should it ever be carried flat or horizontally - always aloft and free.

It should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, drapery or decoration, for carrying or holding anything, or stored in such a manner that it will be damaged or soiled.

The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used or stored in such a manner as to be easily torn, soiled or damaged. It should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.

The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When a flag is displayed on a car, the flag's staff should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

The flag or its staff should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. Nor should any picture, drawing, insignia or other decoration be placed upon or attached to the flag, its staff or halyard.

The flag should not be embroidered on cushions, handkerchiefs or other personal items nor printed on anything designed for temporary use and then discarded. However, a patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations.

When the flag is so worn or soiled that it is no longer suitable for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.

NO DISRESPECT OF ANY KIND SHOULD BE SHOWN TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES

Based on amended Public Law 94-344, 94th Congress (U.S. Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sections 171-177).