Fourth of July Tip: Flag Etiquette

July 4, 2007 is America's 231^st birthday. The fourth of July is celebrated as the day of independence, or Independence Day. Independence Day celebrates the signing and adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which occurred on July 4, 1776.

The 4^th of July is a time for fireworks, parades, picnics, beer, "bombs bursting in air" and the red, white and blue. The American flag is a common fixture utilized in celebration of Independence Day.

Did you know there are rules to follow in order to correctly display the American flag? Here are some etiquette tips and guidelines to follow when displaying the flag.

1.) The flag of the United States of America should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset, unless the flag is illuminated.

2.) The American flag should not touch the ground.

3.) When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.

4.) When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.

5.) When an American flag is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag, (state, community, or society) the U.S. flag must always be on top.

6.) When the American flag is flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate flag pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. All flags should be raise and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation should not be displayed above the flag of another nation. International law forbids a nation's flag to be flown above any other nation's flag during peacetime.

7.) The American flag is flown at half-staff during a period of national mourning. When flown at half-staff, the flag is first raised to the top of the pole for a moment and then lowered to half-staff. At the end of the day, the flag should then be raised again to the top of the pole and then lowered.

8.) If the flag is displayed against a wall it can be hung either vertically or horizontally. The flag's union (the stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.

The United States flag is one of the nation's most widely recognized and used symbols. Many people understand the American flag to be a symbol of the individual and personal liberty set forth in the Declaration of Independence. Be sure to keep in mind these etiquette tips and guidelines if you decide to hang an American flag during your Independence Day celebrations. Give Old Glory the respect she deserves.