US Flag Facts

• The flag should never be shown with the union down. The only exception to this is in times of distress and danger to the life and property of people.

• The flag should never touch things beneath it, including the ground, floor, or water.

• If the flag is being flown at half staff, a strict procedure should be followed. It should first be hoisted for a moment to the peak. It can then be lowered to half staff position. Before it is lowered for the day, it must be raised.

• Nylon is the most popular fabric for American flags due to its attractive appearance, strength and durability

• Prior to the Executive Order of 1912, neither the order of the stars or the proportions of the flag were approved. Due to this, flags created prior to that time often depict odd arrangements of the stars, as well as odd proportions. This is because these features were left for the flag maker to decide