This document provides guidance on properly displaying the American flag, including when and how it should be flown, and etiquette for handling the flag. It explains that the flag should always be visible and illuminated at night, only flown in suitable weather, and should be flown at half-mast to commemorate tragedies or losses. Additionally, it encourages veterans to use their VA home loan benefit to purchase a home where they can proudly fly the American flag.

2. For those in the military, flying the American flag is a source of
pride. Every soldier learns how to fly the flag appropriately, its
meaning and the way to properly care for it.

3. Civilians may sometimes wonder about the purpose of flying the
flag. Some may be unaware of the importance of displaying it
properly and even why it is flown at half-mast on occasion.

4. For veteran homeowners, the joy
of having their very own spot to
fly the American flag is one of
the best parts of owning their
own home.

5. HOW TO FLY A FLAG IN
A FEW EASY STEPS

6. There is a U.S. Flag Code used to
properly fly the red, white and
blue.

7. The first thing to know is the flag
must always be visible.
Throughout history, the flag was
only displayed from sunrise to
sunset.

8. These days a flag can stay out
24/7 but must be illuminated
during the dark hours.

9. Only fly the flag during suitable
weather.
Keeping it outside during rain,
storms, snow and ice is highly
discouraged.

10. Veterans often will go out and
remove their flags from the
poles at their homes to protect
them from inclement weather.

11. Today there are all-weather
flags. But subjecting a flag to
age it sooner than necessary is
considered disrespectful.

12. Whenever more than one flag is
being displayed, you will notice
they are displayed on separate
staffs.
Most flags are of equal size and
staffs are the same height.

13. But the U. S. flag is always at the
peak when being displayed with
flags from other states or localities.

14. It is followed by a POW/MIA flag,
flags of other nations, state flags
and others.
Always hoist the U. S. flag first
and lower it last whenever there
is a group.

15. WHY FLY AT HALF MAST

16. Tragic losses, solemn occasions, disasters, mourning or tragic
events of today and the past are some of the reasons why the
flag is flown at half-mast.

17. The flag is flown half-way up the pole as a sign of respect.
Most government buildings fly at half-mast if a member
of the government dies or a national tragedy occurs.

18. Memorial Day until noon, Pearl Harbor Day and Patriot Day
are a few remembrance days to fly at half-mast.

19. WHAT YOU SHOULD
NOT DO TO A FLAG

20. ✔️ NEVER handle a flag dishonorably.
✔️ NEVER dip it for anyone or anything. Never display it
with the union down or let it touch the ground or water.
The only time the union should be down is during a time
of distress.
✔️ Do NOT allow it to become damaged or soiled. Most
importantly, do not ever desecrate the flag by damaging it
on purpose.

21. FLY AN AMERICAN FLAG
ON YOUR OWN HOME

22. For those veterans who dream of displaying their flag on their
own property, VA loans are affordable to most veterans today.

23. No down payment is required. This makes buying a home
much easier for the average person.

24. The loan is guaranteed by the government, and no mortgage
insurance is required, which is quite a savings.

25. If you are a veteran and want to learn more about owning
your own home using the VA loan benefit, we can help.

26. Mortgage Originator Jimmy Vercellino,
specializing in VA loans, helps veterans
use their VA loan benefit to their
greatest advantage.