The U.S. Flag should always be treated with the utmost care and respect. Remember, the flag represents a living country and, as such, is considered a living symbol.

• Always display the flag with the blue union field up - never display the flag upside down, except as a distress signal.
  
  
• Always carry the flag carefully - never let it touch anything beneath it: the ground, the floor, water or merchandise.
  
  
• Always carry the flag aloft and free - never carry it flat or horizontally in processions or parades. The exception to this is carrying very large flags in a parade that are too big to be flown from a staff or pole.
  
  
• Only flags made specifically for exterior use should be displayed outdoors.
  
  
• For the best results, do not expose your flag to rain, snow or abnormally high winds; these forces of nature can shorten its life considerably. Should the flag become wet, it should be spread out and allowed to dry completely. Do not fold or roll up a wet or damp flag.
  
  
• To keep its rich colors looking bright, clean your flag regularly before soiling and discoloration from dirt, smoke, dust and other contaminants set in the fabric.
  
  
• Outdoor flags can be hand-washed with warm water and a mild soap. Thoroughly rinse, and spread out to dry. Do not let the flag stand in the wash water for long as the colors may bleed. Professional dry cleaning is recommended for indoor and parade flags.
  
  
• Do not place the flag where it may whip against rough surfaces, tree branches, wires, cables, etc. The smallest tear can quickly result in a tattered flag. Keep pole surfaces free of heavy dirt, rust, scale and corrosion that could damage your flag.
  
  
• Inspect your flag regularly for signs of wear. Trimming and re-hemming torn or frayed ends will help extend the life of the flag.
  
  
• Always dispose of a worn flag properly, preferably by burning it.
  
  

Always treat the flag with respect. Never use it for advertising purposes. Never embroider it on household items or pieces of clothing. Never use it as part of a costume or atheltic uniform. However, it is proper to attach a flag patch to the uniform of military personnel, fire fighters, police officers and members of other patriotic organizations, provided the patch is properly affixed.

The flag is a symbol of all America. It is not a political symbol. It is a symbol that each American should respect, for it represents the honor, courage and sacrifice of those who struggled to preserve the ideals upon which our country was founded: freedom, justice and opportunity for all. Contrary to other flags of the world, the U.S. Flag is the flag of the citizens – the people of all ages that make and keep America a stronghold and example of freedom.

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