It is customary to display the
U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset.
If the flag is properly illuminated,
it may be displayed 24 hours.
     In a horizontal or a vertical
position, the union ( blue field
with 50 stars) should be at
the top and to the right of an
observers' left.
     When the flag is displayed
with the union down, the flag
becomes a distress signal.

The U.S. Flag:
1. should never touch anything below it.
2. should not be carried
horizontally. ( When displayed
to be viewed form either
side, the union is to the north
on an east-west street, and to
the east on a north-south street.)
3.should not be fasted in such
a manner as to spoil or damage it.
4. should not place any
attachment, object, or markings
on the flag.
5. do not use  to hold anything or
 make apparel such as clothing,
bedding or drapery.

Folding the Flag

To fold,  first fold lengthwise
with the stripes half over the
union; repeat folds
until  the union is on the
outside. Begin at the lower
right, fold into right angles,
making triangles.  Continue
with triangle folds until the
union is visible. Then tuck
in the white end.
    For ceremonies, it takes
two people, since the flag
is never to touch the ground.
Both people should hold out
 the flag waist-high with the
surface parallel to the ground.
Begin by folding in half
lengthwise, bringing the striped
lower section over the union.
Fold again, bringing the union
to the outside. Start the
triangular fold with the
striped corner of the folded edge
to meet the open edge. Turn
the outer point inward to
start a second triangle.
     Continue folding this way,
triangle over triangle, bringing
the red and white stripes
into union. With the
remaining flap, make a
final triangleand tuck the
white flap into the top left corner.
    When the flag is completely
folded, only the union should
be visible, symbolizing that
the day's light has vanished
into the darkness if night.

Caring For Our Flag

Tips for enjoying a new U.S. flag:
1. Exterior flags need to be labeled for out of doors use.
2. Continued exposure to elements
such as wind, snow, hot sun and
rain will cause damage.
3. Clean regularly. Outdoor flags
can be hand washed with mild soap.
Then, rinses and laid out to dry.
4. Avoid placing the flag near objects
that can tear or snag.

   The National Flag Foundation
   presents Flag Etiquette in detail
  on: www.usflags.org