Happy Independence Day! This weekend, many of you will raise the flag outside your homes in celebration of the day our nation was formed. Of course, many of you will also be displaying the American flag outside your homes and businesses. But before the Stars and Strips go up, check out these tips from the Veterans of Foreign Wars on flag etiquette:

If the flag is flown on the same staff as other flags: The U.S. flag should be at peak, above any other flag.

If the flag is grouped with other flags: The U.S. flag goes to its own right, the observer’s left. Flags of other nations are flown at same height.

When marching with the flag: The U.S. flag should be to marcher’s right, the observer’s left.

When the flag is flown over a street: Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street.

Time of day to display the flag: Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness.

When the flag hangs at a public event: It should appear to the audience on the left, the speaker’s right.

Flag no-nos: Never display the flag with the union down, except as a signal of distress. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, water, etc.

Ready to put the flag away? Follow the directions of this animation to learn how to properly fold the U.S. flag:

By Erica Christoffer, Multimedia Web Producer, REALTOR® Magazine