There are laws that govern the public display of the American flag. It is important to display the flag in a stipulated manner only. It is laid down that the flag of the United States should have thirteen horizontal alternate red and white stripes and the union of the flag should flaunt fifty stars, white in a blue field. On the admission of a new State into the Union, one star is to be added to the union on the flag. Such additions are to be made on the fourth day of July. Any violation of the flag by way of printing, painting or placement would be deemed guilty and will be punished with a fine, not exceeding $100 or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both.
When displaying the flag in the middle of a street, it has to be poised vertically. The union is to face the north when placed in an east and west street. When the flag is to be displayed with another country's flag, the American flag must be on the right. The flag when flown at half-staff should first be hoisted to the top for an instant and then be brought down to half-staff position.
When the flags of the states are hoisted with the national flag, the American flag must be hoisted up first and lowered last. No other flag can be placed above the US flag or to the right of the flag. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted union first, from the building.
If the flag is used to cover a casket, the union should be at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground during a burial.
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