Display Times and Weather
- Hours: Display the flag from sunrise to sunset, or 24 hours a day only if it is properly illuminated during darkness.
- Weather: Do not fly the flag during inclement weather (rain, snow, or severe wind) unless using an all-weather, weather-resistant flag.
- Half-Staff: Fly the flag at half-staff as a sign of mourning, hoisting it briefly to the peak first and lowering it slowly, then reversing the process at the end of the day. On Memorial Day, fly it at half-staff until noon, then raise it to the peak.
Proper Placement and Orientation
- With Other Flags: The U.S. flag must always be at the peak when on the same halyard, or at the highest point and position of honor in a group. When displayed in a line or a parade with other flags, it belongs to the observer’s left (the flag’s own right).
- On Walls or Windows: Hang the flag flat or vertically with the union (blue field of stars) uppermost and to the observer’s left.
- Over a Street: Suspend the flag vertically with the union facing north (on an east-west street) or east (on a north-south street).
- Over a Casket: Place the union at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased.
Core Rules of Respect (The Don’ts)
- Ground Contact: Never let the flag touch anything beneath it, including the ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
- Apparel and Drapes: Never use the flag as clothing, bedding, or drapery. Use red, white, and blue bunting instead for decorative draping. (Note: Wearing a printed flag design or an approved patch on military, police, or firefighter uniforms is acceptable).
- Upside Down: Never display the flag upside down except as a signal of dire distress.
- Carrying and Holding: Never carry the flag flat or horizontally; always carry it aloft and free. Never use it to hold or carry anything.
- Markings: Never place any mark, word, letter, or drawing on the flag.
Saluting and Retiring
- Salute: Stand at attention and place your right hand over your heart when the flag is raised, lowered, or passing by in a parade. Uniformed military personnel render a military salute, which veterans and out-of-uniform service members may also do. Others remove hats with the right hand over the heart.
- Disposal: Retire a worn, tattered, or faded flag in a dignified way by burning it completely. Local organizations like the VFW or the American Legion frequently assist with respectful flag disposal.
Post 44 has a flag painted mailbox next to the front door for flags that need to be properly destroyed.