Dear Editor, I’ve noticed that the etiquette in displaying the American Flag has changed over the years. It's always important to have reminders and make note of the proper ways to display the United States flag. Source: https://www. vfw.org/community/flagetiquette
DISPLAYING THE FLAG
On the 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 the 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 other persons 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 the 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.
Sandra Jones
Wessington Springs