Deeply woven through the history of our nation is the belief that the U.S. Flag should be duly respected and appropriately displayed, to honor the country and those who fought and died, and those who love it.
This idea of respect and appropriateness has changed somewhat over the years. Early in the nation's history it was virtually unheard of that a flag would be burned. It was a public scandal in the 1960s to see the flag burned in protest. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled burning the flag a legitimate form of protest, but in most places in the country doing this would be considered, to put it mildly, in bad taste.
Similarly, it was once seen as disrespectful to wear clothes with a flag image. But today we see at least a flag motif on many types of clothing, including t-shirts. Still, it is not appropriate to wear clothes that feature a full flag in a disrespectful position or manner.
The most important thing for most people to remember about the flag is how to display it properly.
The blue field (called the union) should be on the observers left if the flag is hung either vertically or horizontally.
Half staff. The flag should be flown at half staff only on Memorial Day, from sunrise until noon. On other occasions, the president or governor can order the display of flags at half staff. And heads of government agencies may direct the flag to be half-staffed.
Night flying. While the Flag Code states that the flag be displayed only from sunrise to sunset, flags may be displayed 24 hours if they are properly lighted. Often nearby street lights will provide fitting illumination.
Use in advertising. The flag should not be used in advertising, except in ads by companies that make flags.
Bad weather. The flag should not be displayed on days of inclement weather unless it is made of non-absorbent, all-weather material.
The flag should be carried free and aloft. It should not be displayed so that it touches the ground. It should never be displayed below other flags.