• Display the national flag only from sunrise to sunset. It may be displayed at night,
  but only if the flag is illuminated.



• Do not display the flag in inclement weather.
  
  
• Always hoist the U.S. flag briskly. Lower it ceremoniously.
  
  
• The U.S. Flag should never be displayed with the union (blue area) down,
  except as a signal of dire distress.
  
  
• The U.S. flag should never touch anything beneath it - ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
  Only a person waiting underneath should touch the flag.
  
  
• Never use the U.S. flag as drapery, drawn back, or up in folds. For draping and decoration,
  use blue, white, and red bunting. Always arrange the bunting with blue above,
  the white in the middle and red below.
  
  

The first basic rule of storing, handling, and displaying the flag of the United States is to treat it with respect and common sense. Here are some more specific regulations:

• Render a salute (hand over heart for those not in uniform) when the flag is raised, lowered,
  or carried by on parade, and when the national anthem is played (unless the flag in not present). A man wearing a hat should remove it and place it over his heart for a salute.
  
  
• When the flag is displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall or window,
  the union should be at the top of the viewer's left.
  
  
• When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.
  
  
• 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 matter. Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Contact your local American Legion Hall and inquire about the availability of this service.