Memorial Day is just around the corner, closely followed by Flag Day and the Fourth of July Independence Day celebration, and you are thinking about displaying the American flag on your house or in your front yard. Have you wondered how to do it properly? If so, here are some recommendations from the Veterans of Foreign Wars:

On Same Staff 
U.S. flag at peak, above any other flag. 

Grouped 
U.S. flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at same height. 

Marching 
U.S. flag to marchers right (observer’s left). 

On Speaker’s Platform
When displayed with a speaker’s platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff, it is on the speaker’s right. 

Decoration
Never use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red. 

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

Over a Street Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street. 

Half Staff
On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised. 

Special Rules
Do not let the flag touch the ground. 
Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency. 
Do not carry the flag flat or carry things in it. 
Do not use the flag as clothing. 
Do not store the flag where it can get dirty. 
Do not use it as a cover. 
Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free. 
Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag. 

Illumination Guidelines
Per Federal Flag Code, Section 2, paragraph (a), it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

For more information on displaying, disposing of, or related American flag related information, check out the website https://www.vfw.org/Flag.