STARS AND STRIPES: HOW TO USE OUR FLAG

With Flag Day last Thursday, and Independence Day just around the corner, Jim Nelson, historical chairman of the local American Legion, offered these rules for handling the flag.

* The American flag, when carried in procession with another flag, should be on the marching right -- its own right.

* Another flag or pennant may be flown above the American flag only during church services conducted at sea by U.S. Naval chaplains for Navy personnel.

* When displayed with another flag in the crossed-staff format, the American flag should be on its own right and in front of the other flag's staff.

* The U.S. flag should be centered and at the highest point when displayed on its staff with other flags.

* If other flags are flown on the same staff with the U.S. flag, the American flag should be placed at the peak of the staff.

* When the American flag is suspended from a staff projecting horizontally from a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff -- except when the flag is at half staff.

* When displayed over a street, the flag should be suspended vertically. The union will be to the north in an east-west street, and to the east in a north-south street.

* During the unveiling of monuments or statues, the flag should never be used as a covering.

* When covering a casket, the flag should be positioned so the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into a grave or allowed to touch the ground.

* During the raising or lowering of the flag, or during its passage in a parade, all present should face the flag, stand at attention with hand over their hearts. Men should remove their caps.

* When the national anthem is played, all present should face the flag and salute. Men should remove their hats.

* The flag should always have the position of honor on speakers' platforms, standing to the right of the speaker. All other flags should be on the speakers' left.

* Bunting for ceremonial or decorative use should be arranged with the blue on the top, white in the middle and red on the bottom.

* When the flag is flown at half staff, it should be first elevated to peak position, held there momentarily and lowered. At the day's end, the flag should again be elevated to peak position before lowering.

* The American flag features 13 horizontal stripes -- seven of them are red and six white. In the upper quarter of the flag next to the staff are white five-pointed stars that designate each state.