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Fly Your American Flag Correctly: Here’s How [PHOTOS]

Kaitlan Collins Contributor
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The American flag is so much more than just stars and stripes.

The banner is a living thing, and exemplifies freedom and patriotism to the highest extent, so flying an American flag should be taken seriously, and done properly.

Here is how you fly Old Glory–the right way.

1. Raise it quickly, and lower it slowly.

(Photo: Getty Images)

(Photo: Getty Images)

When it’s being raised or lowered, all people should face the flag and stand at attention, while saluting.

2. Never, ever allow the flag to touch the ground.

(Photo: Getty Images)

(Photo: Getty Images)

And it should never be dipped to any person or thing.

3. When flown on the same pole as other flags, the American flag should fly highest.

(Photo: Flickr)

(Photo: Flickr)

And when flown on adjacent flag poles, the American flag should be hoisted before the others, and lowered last.

4. If displaying the flag on a building…

(Photo: Getty Images)

(Photo: Getty Images)

It should be displayed flat, and allowed to fall free. The field of stars should face the left of anyone viewing it from the street.

5. The flag should never be used as drapery or decoration.

(Photo: Flickr)

(Photo: Flickr)

Instead, substitute red, white and blue striped bunting as an alternative.

6. It should only be flown at night if illuminated properly.

(Photo: Flickr)

(Photo: Flickr)

Otherwise, take it down at sunset.

7. When flown next to a speaker, such as during a church service, it should be to the speaker’s right.

(Photo: Getty Images)

(Photo: Getty Images)

8. It should be clean and without tears.

(Photo: Getty Images)

(Photo: Getty Images)

No rips and no shredding.

9. If the flag is damaged, dispose of it properly.

(Photo: Getty Images)

(Photo: Getty Images)

When a flag becomes tattered, it must be disposed of in a respectful and proper manner.

“The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

All rules courtesy of the Flag Code, created in June 1942.