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1977: How to Display the Flag
Other miscellaneous rules are: When displayed over the middle of the street, the flag should be suspended vertically, with the union to the north in an east-west street, or to the east in a north-south street. When the flag is to be flown at half-mast, it should be hoisted to the peak for an instant, and then lowered to the half-mast position; but before being lowered for the day, it should again be raised to the peak . . . When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope, extending from house to pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out from the building, toward the pole, union first. When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at any angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should go clear to the peak of the staff (unless the flag is to be displayed at half-mast). . . . At all times, every precaution should be taken to prevent the
flag from becoming soiled. It should not be allowed to touch the
ground or floor, or to brush against objects. Source:
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I've seen American flags hanging from bridges overhanging the
highways. I've seen them attached to cars and motorcycles, whipping
in the wind as the vehicles pass by. I've seen paper flags taped
to windows and doors. I've never seen so many flags. But do we
really remember how to treat them correctly? Here are a few flag
etiquette tips from Service Etiquette, written
by Oretha Swartz. 
The
national flag should be raised and lowered by hand. It should
be displayed only from sunrise or sunset, or between such hours
as may be designated by proper authority. Do not raise the flag
while it is furled. Unfurl it, then hoist it quickly to the top
of the staff. In lowering it, however, lower it slowly and with
dignity. Place no objects on or over the flag. For instance, various
articles are sometimes placed on a speaker's table covered with
the flag. This practice should be avoided. . . .
