Page 652 - Sociology and You

For Americans, the flag has always had a special meaning. It is a symbol of our nation’s freedom and democracy.
Flag Etiquette
Over the years, Americans have developed rules and customs concerning the use and display of the flag. One of the most important things every American should remember is to treat the flag with respect.
• The flag should be raised and low- ered by hand and displayed only from sunrise to sunset. On special occasions, the flag may be displayed at night, but it should be illuminated.
• Theflagmaybedisplayedonall days, weather permitting, particular- ly on national and state holidays and on historic and special occasions.
• NoflagmaybeflownabovetheAmericanflagor to the right of it at the same height.
• The flag should never touch the ground or floor beneath it.
• The flag may be flown at half-staff by order of the president, usually to mourn the death of a public official.
• The flag may be flown upside down only to signal distress.
• The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always carried aloft and free.
• Whentheflagbecomesoldandtattered,it should be destroyed by burning. According to an approved custom, the Union (stars on blue field) is first cut from the flag; then the two pieces, which no longer form a flag, are burned.
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The American’s Creed
I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the people, by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a repub- lic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacri- ficed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.
The Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.