In general, Americans are incredibly patriotic folks. We like our apple pie, baseball and blue jeans (and, most recently, a Starbucks on every corner). So, in order to not unconsciously insult us red blooded Americans, it is best you brush up on your US Flag Etiquette.
First of all, let’s make sure that even though you have not attended a history class in many moons, you still know what the US Flag represents. The red and white horizontal stripes stand for the thirteen original colonies. The white stars in the blue corner (the union) represent the fifty states of the US.
US flag etiquette states the flag should never be used for decoration. Red, white and blue striped decorations (called bunting) can be used instead; the blue stripe should be at the top. Nothing should ever be attached to the US flag and the flag should never be attached to a uniform, unless it is the uniform of someone in the military, a fireman, policeman or a member of a patriotic organization.
The US flag flying etiquette follows the same guidelines we provided here, but, here are some more:
* When flown over the street, the flag should be vertical to the building with the union facing to the north or east.
* When raising or lowering multiple flags, the US flag is the first to be raised and last to be lowered.
When the US flag is too tattered or worn to wave proudly, please see our flag disposal etiquette tips for a respectable burial for the Old Glory here.
More Sources:
National Flag Foundation
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