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Do you know proper way to display the U.S. flag?

With Memorial Day on Monday approaching, many people like to display the U.S. flag as well as on other special days or even daily.

Do you know the proper ways to display the U.S. flag?

The Minot State University Veterans Service Office has provided the following information:

Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law dealing with American flag etiquette is generally referred to as the Flag Code. Some general guidelines from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:

– The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.

– The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.

– The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.

– The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.

– 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.

– The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.

– The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure or drawing of any kind placed on it or attached to it.

– The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying or delivering anything.

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.

– The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.

– When a flag is worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Most service groups accept them – i.e. Legion, VFW, AMVETS.

When saluting the flag do the following:

– All persons present in uniform (military, police, fire, etc.) should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.

– All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

When stowing or disposing of the flag, do the following:

– Fold in the traditional triangle for stowage, never wadded up.

Quick list of flag etiquette don’ts:

– Don’t dip the U.S. flag for any person, flag or vessel.

– Don’t let the flag touch the ground.

– Don’t fly the flag upside down unless there is an emergency.

– Don’t carry the flag flat or carry things in it.

– Don’t use the flag as clothing.

– Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.

– Don’t use it as a cover.

– Don’t fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.

– Don’t draw on or otherwise mark the flag.

– Don’t use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red.

Governor’s directive

Gov. Doug Burgum has ordered flags flown at half-staff until noon in observance of Memorial Day, then raised to full staff. The directive is in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Donald Trump. Americans are also requested to display the flag at half-staff from their homes during the same timeframe.

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