How to fly the flag
The flag should always be honored and flown high. The American flag bows to no one. It is never tilted down and must always be carried high and proud. When flown with other flags it must be set slightly higher than other flags. When flown on the same pole, it must be flown at the top. When set on a stage it must always be standing by itself to the far right of the stage. In other words when the audience faces the stage the flag will be to everyone's left side. When a person is on stage, the flag will be on their right side. When in a parade with other flags it must also be on the right side of other flags in the procession. It can also be carried solo in front of all other flags. The flag may be flown at night only if it has direct light shining upon it. If not, it must be taken down and put back up in the morning.
When to salute the flag
Any time the pledge of allegiance or national anthem is played the US flag code states that you MUST stand and place your right hand over your left chest. If you are wearing a hat, you must remove it and hold it over your left shoulder, so your right hand covers your chest where your heart is. The exceptions to this are if you are in uniform you salute the flag by touching your right brow. If you are wearing a hat while in uniform, you touch the right brim of your hat while saluting.
What if you don't agree with everything the country does?
Salute the flag as stated above, and use the freedoms it gives you to find ways to make positive changes. No person will ever agree 100 percent with the choices their country makes. However, you must still honor it. Just like no person will ever agree with everything their employer does. They can show respect and gratitude for their work place. There are several ways to bring about change. Keep in mind some things are out of your control. Some change can be achieved by volunteering to make areas of life better, writing your representatives at all levels of government, and peaceful assembly.
The flag is the ultimate symbol which affords this country the freedoms to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Not the guarantee of happiness, but the pursuit of happiness. This means you are the architect of your future, and you can harness that power to make your life what you want it to be. No country is perfect, but America is the closest to that endeavor. No country has given more people opportunity, and more freedom to its citizens, residents. No country has fought to give those freedoms to other countries as well.
Old Glory, we salute you!
The American Flag is an idolized symbol of the United States and should be properly displayed on all days when weather permits, especially on designated flag flying days. Never miss an important flag flying holiday by following the dates below:
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