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Tuesday, Jun. 14, 2011

Flag Day: American flag etiquette

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Jaye Bennett waves an American flag as she listens to speakers during a Tea Party rally at the State House, Monday, April 18, 2011. - Gerry Melendez, The State

Flag Day stems from several movements to set aside a day to honor the flag, including a leading effort by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a fraternal order dating back to the 19th century. In 1911 the group's governing body made it mandatory that all lodges to observe June 14 as the anniversary of the country's adoption of the 13-star flag.

Years later in 1949, then-President Harry Truman, himself an Elk, signed an act of Congress that established the national Flag Day.

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Tips on how to properly display an American flag:

-Flag must be lighted at all times by sunlight or appropriate source.

-Must never be "dipped" or nodded to any person or thing.

-Flown upside down only as signal of distress.

-Must not be used for decoration in general.

-Never used in advertising purposes.

-Never used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except as inclusion as flag patch.

-When lowered, no part must touch the ground or other object; must be received directly into waiting hands or arms.

-When weathered, aged or worn out to a point it no longer fitting to fly, flag should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

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