There are about five pages of the United States Code, known as The Flag Code, as amended. They can be found in 36 U.S.C. 171-178 if you are interested in reading the complete code. During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the Flag or when the Flag is passing in a parade or in a review, all persons present should face the Flag, stand at attention, and salute. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove the headdress with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contains an amendment to allow un-uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag. The amendment does not address saluting the flag during the playing of the national anthem, pledge of allegiance, honors (i.e. Taps), or any other saluting situations. Aliens should stand at attention. Women should salute by placing the right hand over the heart.
Some Cautions
Do not permit disrespect to be shown to the Flag of the United States of America.
Do not dip the Flag of the United States of American to any person or thing. The regimental color, State flag, organization or institutional flag will render this honor.
Do not display the Flag with the union down except as a signal of distress.
Do not place any other flag or pennant above, or, if on the same level, to the right of the Flag of the United States of America.
Do not let the Flag touch the ground or the floor, or trail in the water.
Do not place any object or emblem of any kind on or above the Flag of the United States of America.
Do not use the Flag as drapery in any form whatsoever. Use bunting of blue, white and red.
Do not fasten the Flag in such manner as will permit it to be easily torn.
Do not drape the Flag over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle, or of a railway train or boat. When the Flag is displayed on a motor car, the staff should be affixed firmly to the chassis, or clamped to the right fender.
Do not display the Flag on a float in a parade except from a staff.
Do not use the Flag as covering for a ceiling.
Do not carry the Flag flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
Do not use the Flag as a portion of a costume or of an athletic uniform. Do not embroider it upon cushions or handkerchiefs nor print it on paper napkins or boxes.
Do not put lettering of any kind upon the Flag.
Do not use the Flag in any form of advertising nor fasten an advertising sign to a pole from which the Flag is flown.
Do not display, use or store the Flag in such a manner as will permit it to be easily soiled or damaged.
