How to Properly Display an American Flag

The U.S. flag should occupy a place of prominence when being displayed. No other flags displayed with it should be larger or hung higher than the U.S. flag. In addition, the U.S. flag should not be allowed to touch the ground, nor should it be dipped to any other flag, person or object.
Instructions

* STEP 1: Make sure the flag is in respectable condition before you display it. A torn or tattered flag should not be displayed.
* STEP 2: Make sure the union (blue field with white stars) is at the top of the staff when the flag is displayed on a flagpole.
* STEP 3: Keep the U.S. flag at the top when more than one flag is flown from the same halyard.
* STEP 4: When hanging the flag at half-staff, first hoist it to the peak of the pole, then lower it to half-staff. When lowering the flag, hoist it to the peak of the pole again, then lower it. Any other flags flying alongside the U.S. flag should also be lowered to half-staff.
* STEP 5: Place the flag over a casket so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
* STEP 6: When displayed on a wall, the flag should be placed with the union in the upper left corner as the audience faces the flag and should be above and behind the speakers' podium.
* STEP 7: Place the flag on the speakers' right of the podium (the audience's left) when displaying the U.S. flag in an auditorium or church.

Tips & Warnings

* It is proper to turn towards the flag and stand at attention with your right hand over your heart whenever the flag passes in parade, or is raised or lowered during a ceremony. Those in uniform should give the military salute.
* When a flag is tattered or no longer in a condition that warrants display, remember to dispose of it in a "dignified" manner - being burned in private is considered a dignified end for a flag.
* The flag should be hung upside-down only in times of emergency to signal distress.
* The flag should not be flown in inclement weather that might damage it.

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