The display and handling of the United States flag is regulated by the federal Flag Code.

Here are some items from the code about caring for the flag.

• The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing, and it only should be flown upside down as a distress signal.

• The flag should be raised quickly, but lowered slowly. It generally is displayed between sunrise and sunset, and if it is displayed at night, it should be illuminated.

• When it is displayed at half staff during periods of mourning, the flag is raised to the top of the pole before being lowered to half staff. Before it is lowered, it is raised to the top again.

• When the flag is lowered from a flagpole, it should not touch the ground. It should be folded neatly for storage. If it is displayed on the same pole with another flag, it should always be at the top. If flown on separate poles, the U.S. flag should be positioned to the right. None of the other flags should be larger, and the U.S. flag is raised first and lowered last.

• If the U.S. flag is displayed on separate poles with flags from other countries, however, all flags should be the same size and at the same height. They should be raised and lowered at the same time.

• When displayed indoors, the flag always should be to its own right. If displayed with other flags, it should be in the center and should be higher than the others.

• People should salute the flag when it passes in a procession, when it is raised and lowered, during the national anthem and during the Pledge of Allegiance. Uniformed personnel give whatever formal salute is recommended while nonuniformed people place their right hand over their hearts. Men should remove their hats.

• If it is extremely worn, it should be destroyed by dignified burning.

• It should not be used as a drapery, for advertising purposes, as a part of a costume or as a receptacle.