You Could Be Disrespecting the American Flag and Not Know It

The flag should never be flown upside down unless to signal "dire distress" in extreme danger of "life" or "property."

The flag can't touch anything under it. This includes the ground, floor, water or merchandise.

The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should never be drawn back, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.

The flag should never be displayed or stored in a way that it could be soiled, torn, damaged.

The flag should never be used as a ceiling covering.

The flag should never be used as an insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture or drawing.

The flag should never be used to hold, carry or deliver anything.

The flag should never be used for any advertising purposes. It should not be embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs. Nor shall it be printed on paper napkins, boxes or anything that is meant to be temporary or discarded.

No part of the flag should be used as a custom or athletic uniform. The only uniforms a flag patch can be attached to is military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.

The flag must be destroyed when its condition is no longer fitting of the emblem. The flag should be destroyed in a dignified way -- preferably burning.