Displays of patriotism

As the nation learned of the terrorist attacks on American soil, many people responded first with shock and grief and then with a heightened sense of patriotism and duty to their country.

Old Glory flew tall and proud from hundreds of homes and businesses in Southeast Missouri. The Southeast Missourian printed a pullout flag that many residents taped to their windows or doors.

Smaller flags were attached to vehicle antennas and windows. Magnets were stuck to bumpers, doors and trunks, each one displaying a flag or images of the twin towers.

Retailers saw their shelves emptied as people rushed out to purchase any American flags they could find.

Displays of flags and wreaths shot up at Freedom Corner at Capaha Park.

And just as people learned to show their red, white and blue colors for the country, they learned about flag etiquette. Suddenly, everyone wanted to know when and how to properly display the American flag.

Here's what we learned from the American Legion:

The flag customarily is displayed only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary staffs in the open. The flag can be displayed 24 hours a day if it is illuminated at night.

When the flag is displayed from a horizontally projecting staff or at an angle from a window, balcony or building front, the union -- or blue field on the flag -- should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.

The flag should not be displayed during bad weather, unless it is an all-weather flag.

The union should be uppermost and to the flag's right and observer's left when the flag is displayed vertically or horizontally against a wall or window.

The flag never should touch anything beneath it, like the ground, floor or water.