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Fourth of July History & FactsUnited States Flag Code
The United States Flag Code establishes advisory rules for display
and care of the flag of the United States.
1. The flag should never
be dipped to any person or thing, unless it is the ensign responding
to a salute from a ship of a foreign nation.
2. The flag should
never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire
distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. 3. The
flag should not be used as "wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery",or
for covering a speaker's desk, draping a platform, or for any
decoration in general (exception for coffins). Bunting of blue, white
and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of
the bunting should be on the top. 4. The flag should never be drawn
back or bunched up in any way.
5. The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
6. The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It
should not be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on such
articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything
intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should
not be attached to the staff or halyard. 7. The flag should never be
used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering
anything. 8. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for
receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. 9. When the
flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other
object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the
flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
10. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
11. If the flag is being used at a public or private estate, it
should not be hung (unless at half mast) during rain or violent
weather.
12. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol
of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner,
preferably by burning. The American Legion and other organizations
regularly conduct dignified flag-burning ceremonies, often on Flag
Day, June 14.
13. The flag should never touch anything beneath it. Contrary to an
urban legend, the flag code does not state that a flag that touches
the ground should be burned. Instead, the flag should be moved so it
is not touching the ground.
Rules for Displaying the Flag
Outdoors
Rules for Displaying the Flag
Indoors
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