Show your colors the proper way
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Flag Day is June 14. It is a good time to remind everyone about the proper way to display the flag. Here are the guidelines on displaying the flag listed in the Flag Code distributed by the Ross' Run Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

· The flag represents a living country, and is itself considered a living thing.

· The flag should be displayed only from sunrise to sunset, unless a light is directed specifically at the flag during darkness.

· The flag should not be displayed in bad weather (rain, sleet, or snow) unless it is made of weatherproof material.

· No other flag or pennant should be placed above the American flag.

· The flag should never touch anything beneath it including the ground.
· The flag may be washed or dry-cleaned.

· When a flag is in bad condition, and no longer worthy of display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferable by burning.

· Only the President of the United States may give an order for the flag to be flown at half-staff, except on Memorial Day when it is traditionally flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon. Hoist
the flag to the peak before you lower it to half-mast as a symbol of mourning. Raise it to the peak again before lowering it at the end of the day.

· The flag shall be flown at half-staff thirty days from the death of the President or a former President; ten days from the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice or the Speaker of the House.

· The flag should be displayed near the main entrance of every public institution, near every polling place on Election Day and every school house.

· When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union (blue field) should be uppermost and to the flag's own right; that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union of blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

· When our flag is carried with other flags in parades it should always claim the place of honor - at the right.

· The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.

· The flag should not be printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and dis
carded.

· No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.

· During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men remove their head dress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

These tips should help Americans display their flags with pride as the observance of Flag Day and the Fourth of July are in the immediate future.