The U.S. Response
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Guidelines for flying the American flag
By The Providence (R.I.) Journal staff
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DIGITAL EXTRA:When to display the flag:
It is the custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated at night.
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. The flag should not be displayed on days of inclement weather. When flown at half-staff, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
Position and manner of display
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the blue field of stars (called the union) should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.
When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left.
When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the blue field of the union to the left of the observer in the street.
From a car
When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender. No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States.
The flag should never be affixed to a car to give the impression that the union is retreating. The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat.
The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger.
Respect for flag
The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, state flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.
Disposing of old flags:
The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.