A little US Flag info...
As the one year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the USA
approaches, I feel it important to know the proper way to display the
flag of our country.
Tim.
How to display the flag
By MANDY YOST
Scripps Howard Foundation Wire
September 14, 2001
- The terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center have
sparked a wave of patriotism that has seen more and more Americans
displaying flags of all sizes in windows, outside homes, on
automobile antennas and flying at half-staff from flagpoles.
However, many people are unfamiliar with the U.S. code for proper U.S.
flag display. Here are some pointers to remember from the U.S. code.
- Old Glory is normally flown from sunrise to sunset, but may be flown
after dark if it is properly illuminated. It should never touch the
ground and no flag should be placed above or to the right of the U.S.
flag at the same height. When surrounded by flags of states or
localities, the American flag should be at the center and highest point
of the group.
- When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the
blue field should be uppermost and to the flag's right - the observer's
left. The same applies when hanging the flag in a window: the blue
should be to the left of the observer in the street.
- The American flag should be flown at half-staff when the entire nation
is in mourning. The president or other government officials may order
flags to be flown at half-staff. When the U.S. flag flies at
half-staff, it should be first raised to the top of the flagpole for a
moment and then lowered to the half-staff position. It is raised again
before being lowered for the day. Other flags flying adjacent to Old
Glory also must be flown at half-staff or taken down. A black streamer
should be attached to the top of the pole if the American flag cannot be
displayed at half-staff, such as those flying on short poles jutting
from houses or porches. A black bow should be affixed to the fastening
points of U.S. flags hung on walls or windows.
On the Net: http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/4/ch1.html