United States flag etiquette

Sometimes handling and displaying the United States (U.S.) flag is not properly done. The following information may be of help.

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C., rules are provided in Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code. While this code imposes no penalties for misusing the flag, individual states may have their own codes and impose penalties. The following information provides federal guidelines.

"Traditionally, displaying the flag in public should be done only from sunrise to sunset. However, it may be displayed at all times if it is illuminated during the darkness. It should not be subject to weather damage during rain, snow, and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag.

"It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays, and special occasions.

"The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

"When carried in procession with other flags, the U.S. flag should be either on the marching right (the flag's right) or to the front and center of the flag line. When displayed on a float in a parade, the flag should be hung from a staff or suspended so it falls free. It should not be draped on a vehicle.

"When displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (left to a person facing the wall) and its staff should be in front of the other flag's staff.

"In a group of flags displayed from staffs, the U.S. flag should be at the center and the highest point.

"When the U.S. flag is displayed other than from a staff, it should be displayed flat, or suspended so that its folds fall free. When displayed over a street, place the union so it faces north or east, depending upon the direction of the street.

"When the U.S. flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. When suspended from a rope extending from the building on a pole, the flag should be hoisted out, union first from the building.

"When flags of states, cities, or organizations are flown on the same staff, the U.S. flag must be at the top except during church services conducted at sea by Navy Chaplains.

"The flag should never be draped or drawn back in folds. Draped red, white, and blue bunting should be used for decoration, with the blue at the top and red at the bottom.

"The flag may be flown at half-staff to honor a newly deceased federal or state government official by order of the president or governor respectively. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon.

"Out of respect for the U.S. flag, never dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors, and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.

"Other things to never do: display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress. Let the flag touch anything beneath it -- ground, floor, water, or merchandise.

"Carry it horizontally, but always aloft. Fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled. Place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind. Use it for holding anything. Use it as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be used on a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police officers and firefighters. Never use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper napkins, boxes, or anything else intended for temporary use and discard.

"During the hoisting and lowering of the flag or when it passes in parade or review, Americans should stand at attention facing the flag and place their right hand over their heart. Uniformed military members render the military salute. Men not in uniform should remove any headdress and hold it with their right hand at their left shoulder; the hand resting over the heart. Those who are not U.S. citizens should stand at attention.

"When the flag is worn out or otherwise no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

Vogelsanger is a columnist for the Banner Press.