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Saluting the Flag: When a national flag is raised or lowered as part of a ceremony, or when it passes by in a parade or in review, all persons, except those in uniform, should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those in uniform should give the military salute. When not in uniform, a man should remove his hat with his right hand and hold it at his left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. The flag should be saluted at the moment it passes in a parade or in review.

When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be in the uppermost corner and to the flags own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flags should be displayed the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

You should never leave your flag outside in bad weather such as rain or snow. The flag should also NEVER be left out in the dark unless properly illuminated with a light facing and shining directly onto the flag. Such a light would serve no other purpose and shine on nothing else but the flag.

The U.S. flag should be displayed DAILY on or near the main building of every public institution, during school days or near every schoolhouse, and in or near every polling station on election days. The U.S flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during hours of darkness.

It is the universal custom to display the national flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary Flagstaff in the open on all days that weather permits, but especially on national and state holidays and other days that may be proclaimed by the President of the United States. On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag should be half-staffed until noon.

Never place anything on the U.S. flag. The U.S. flag should never have placed upon it, or on any part of it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture or drawing of any nature. Never use the U.S. flag for receiving, holding, carrying or delivering anything. The U.S. flag should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins, boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use or discard.

When the U.S. flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably via flag disposal ceremonies held at your local VFW or American Legion Posts.

High winds ruin Flags Flags will literally explode- depending on the airspeed. A 300 Mile per hour gust, quite possible on top of a mountain or with a tall flagpole will shred a flag in seconds. When you hear a sharp, snapping sound, your flag is about to be toast. Don't fly flags during windspeeds exceeding 50 Mph. Rain is tough on Flags Rain will wash out the color on any flag. A heavy flag will also take a worse beating than one that is kept dry. Use your smarts... if it's gray and windy, don't fly the flag. Don't fly a dirty Flag It is good practice to keep your flags clean. Keeping your flags free from dirt can greatly improve the flags life. Dirt is sharp, it cut's fabric, it dulls colors and causes wear. Most outdoor flags can be washed in a mild detergent. Rinse them thoroughly. Parade flags should be dry cleaned. Do not store wet Flags Sometimes you will face the dilemma of having to get your flag out of the rain. Do not bunch up the flag and let it sit wet. Mildew and other great things shall grow exponentially. Hang up the flag as you would a nice shirt.Wet folds can turn into permanent creases... No excuse for neglected frays Give your flag the attention it deserves. Watch the corners of your flag. If they begin to show signs of wear, they can be re-hemmed by trimming off the worn hem and running it along a sewing-machine - See your seamstress... This is acceptable alternative to save an otherwise perfect flag. What do I do with my old U.S. Flag? You can find more information about what to do with the U.S. Flag as it wears down in Etiquette. Generally, If a Flag has deteriorated, it is put to rest through burning in respectful fashion. You may wish to check with one of your local military organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Organization of Vietnam Veterans, or your local Marine Core League to name a few. These organizations represent the essence of what our flag stands for and made a substantial investment in its defense.