How to Display and Respect The Flag of the United States

Marks of Respect

The National Flag should be flown daily from sunrise to sunset in good weather from public buildings, schools, permanent staffs in the open and near polling places on election days. The flag may be flown at night on special patriotic occasions.

The flag should always be flown on national and state holidays and on those occasions proclaimed by the President. On Memorial Day, the Ensign 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 be allowed to touch anything beneath it, nor should it ever be carried flat or horizontally - always aloft and free. It should never be used as 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 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, it�s staff or halyard. The flag should not be embroidered on personal items nor printed on anything designed for temporary use and then discarded.

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 Public Law 829; 77th Congress

Proper Definitions Given for the Flag of the United States

The Flag of the United States of America, referred to as the National Flag, is also known as the National Ensign, National Color and National Standard. The term "National Flag" is applicable regardless of size or manner of display, but the other terms have certain well-defined usages of long standing within the armed services.

�National Ensign� is used by the Navy in a general manner, although it actually indicates the National Flag flown by airships, ships and boats.

�National Color� pertains to flags carried by dismounted units of the landing force and is stubbier than the National Ensign.

�National Standard� is carried by mounted, mechanized and motorized units.

From Publication RAD 74967 U.S. Government Printing Office 1974