- 1). Find out local flag laws. Some states have implemented specific laws regarding the display of both the U.S. flag and foreign flags. Some states don't allow the display of a foreign flag at any public facility, such as public schools, government offices and police and fire departments. Other states don't allow foreign flags to be displayed unless accompanied with the U.S. flag. Check to see what your local laws are before displaying your flag.
- 2). Read the U.S. Flag Code. Federal law in the United States of America does provide guidelines for displaying the flag, but most rules are not strictly enforced. However, the code does give guidelines for what the flag should look like (50 white stars on a blue background; 7 red stripes and 6 white stripes, alternating), how to properly pledge allegiance to the flag (facing the flag, with hand over heart), how to correctly display the flag, and other etiquette. These same considerations should be made for state and foreign flags as well.
- 3). Find a way to display the flag. This can be done with a flag stand, a flag pole, a rope or other means. A pole can be attached to a home, and some buildings have large flag poles on their properties. Regardless, the flag should always be treated with dignity and respect. It should be handled with care, raised with energy and lowered with thoughtfulness.
- 4). Follow flag proper flag etiquette. The stars of the flag should always be on top. The flag should never touch the ground. The flag shouldn't be flown in bad weather. If flown at night, the flag should be lighted. When the U.S. flag is displayed with state flags, it should always take the prominent position. This means the U.S. flag should be above the other flags, in the center of the other flags or in front of the other flags.
- 5). Display any foreign flags properly. When displaying foreign flags, each flag should be roughly the same size and displayed at the same level as the United States flag. The same amount of respect should be afforded a foreign flag as the U.S. flag in all regards (not letting it touch the ground, raising it appropriately, etc.). In times of peace, no nation's flag should ever be displayed above or below another nation's flag.
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