What are some rules for displaying an American flag?

The American flag should be flown every day near every government building, public institution and school. If flown at night, the flag should be illuminated.

The flag should never touch the ground, nor should it be worn as a costume or as an athletic uniform. A flag flying upside down indicates a state of distress. A flag is lowered to half-staff to commemorate the death of important government officials, either past or present.

In 1923, organizations led by the American Legion established the National Flag Code. During World War II, this code became part of what would eventually be known as the U.S. Flag Code.