When you purchase and fly the Flag of the United States of America, you are committing to adhering to certain standards of respect for the flag, or rules of etiquette. The Flag of the United States should be treated with utmost respect at all times, and if a flag becomes unsuitable for use, it should be disposed in a proper manner. Here are some of the most important rules regarding flag etiquette.

The Flag of the United States should always be flown with the union–the blue and white “stars” field–at the flag’s own right (the observer’s left). Flying the flag upside down is a standardized signal of distress. Flying the flag backwards is disrespectful.

The flag should never be used for purposes other than flying. Therefore, the flag should not be used in any advertisements; as a costume or article of clothing; or as a covering for a table, desk, or podium. The only exception to this rule is that a flag patch may be worn on uniforms of certain government personnel, including those in the military, fire fighting, and police forces.

The flag should never touch the ground or be dipped to any person or other object. There are specific instructions for folding the U.S. flag. Instructions for folding, which requires two people, can be found here.

The United States flag should be kept as clean as possible. If the flag becomes damaged, or if it has been used in an inappropriate manner, it should be destroyed in a dignified flag burning ceremony.

When the Flag of the United States is displayed with other flags, such as flags of other states or organizations, the United States flag should be the first flag raised and the last flag lowered. The U.S. flag should be at the top of the pole if it is flying with other flags.  If the flags are on separate poles, no flags should fly higher than the United States flag, and the U.S. flag should be on its own right (the observer’s left). The United States flag should not be smaller than any of the other flags. When the U.S. flag flies with flags of other countries, each flag should be on a separate pole, all the flags should be raised and lowered at the same time, and all flags should fly at the same height.

The Flag of the United States can be found flying on the sites of government buildings and also outside residential homes. In general, the U.S. flag is raised quickly at sunrise and lowered ceremoniously at sunset. There are of course, exceptions to this rule: residences and public places, for example, can display the flag during darkness if the flag is properly illuminated. There are also certain days throughout the year that are special flag flying days or when the flag should be flown at half mast.

To achieve a patriotic effect, there are some government buildings that display the flag continuously. These are:

• The Washington Monument (Washington, D.C.)
• The White House (Washington, D.C.)
• United States Marine Corp Memorial (Arlington, VA)
• Flag House Square (Baltimore, MD)
• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Baltimore, MD)
• On the Green (Lexington, MA)
• The National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge State Park (Valley Forge, PA)
• At United States Customs Ports of Entry

There are also special flag flying days, or days of celebration when United States citizens are encouraged to display their flags at full mast. These days include:

• President’s Day (the third Monday in February)
• United States Flag Day (June 14), celebrating the adoption of U.S. flag in 1777
• Veteran’s Day (November 11), a celebratory day to honor our veterans

There are other days when the flag should be flown at half mast. In general, flags should be flown at half mast from sunrise to sunset. The exception to this rule is Memorial Day, when the flag is flown at half mast until noon, and then raised to full mast until sunset. Half mast days include:

• Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
• Memorial Day (the last Monday in May)
• Patriot Day (September 11)
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7)

The President of the United States or a United States governor has the power to declare the United States flag to be flown at half mast. To honor the death of a state or national figure, the flag is flown at half mast for the following durations:

• Thirty days following the death of the President or former president
• Ten days following the death of the Vice President, Chief Justice, retired Chief Justice or Speaker of the House.
• The time between the death and burial of a former Vice President, Associate Supreme Court Justice, military secretary, and a state governor.
• The day of and day after the death of a congressperson.

If a community deems appropriate, the U.S. flag can also be flown at half mast to honor the death of important local government, religious, social, or youth leaders, teachers and coaches, or other community figures.

To get the most current updates about when the flag should be flown at half mast, visit http://www.halfstaff.org.

The flag of the state of Kansas was adopted by the Kansas State Legislature on May 21, 1927. The flag features a blue background with the Great Seal of the State of Kansas in the center. The Kansas state crest is appears above the seal and the state’s name is printed in block letters below the seal.

The Great Seal of the State of Kansas was adopted on May 25, 1861 and tells the story of Kansas’s development. A farmer, two horses and a plow, and a cabin are depicted in the seal’s foreground, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Kansas’s economy, society, and history. The journey many Americans made to Kansas from the American east during the nineteenth century is depicted behind the agricultural scene with a train of oxen and wagons moving westward. Kansas’s Native American population is represented in the background of the seal with two Native Americans hunting buffalo on horseback. A river and a steamboat are also pictured in the seal’s background, representing Kansas’s participation in interstate commerce. The state’s motto, Ad astra per aspera, or “through hardships to the stars,” is written at the top of the seal in Latin. The Kansas state seal also includes thirty four stars, representing Kansas’s admission to the Union as the thirty-fourth state on January 29, 1861. Around the entire scene are the words, “Great Seal of the State of Kansas, January 29, 1861.”

Kansas’s state crest is featured at the top of the flag and consists of a sunflower resting on top of a gold and blue bag. The flower is Kansas’s state flower and also symbolizes fearlessness and openness. The blue and gold bar represents the Louisiana Purchase, of which the area that is now Kansas was a part.

The Kansas State Flag was flown for the first time in 1927 at Fort Riley to honor the troops stationed at Fort Riley and the Kansas National Guard.

The flag of the state of Alabama was adopted by Alabama’s state legislature on February 16, 1895. The flag is rectangular and features a crimson cross in front of a white background. The cross on Alabama’s flag is the St. Andrew’s cross, which runs diagonally from corner to corner on the state’s banner.

There are three proposed theories attempting to explain the origin of Alabama’s flag. The most commonly accepted explanation for the flag’s design is that it resembles the flag of the Confederate States of America, which was adopted in 1865. The flag of the Confederate States of America features a blue St. Andrew’s cross with white stars in front of a red background.

A second proposed theory regarding the design of Alabama’s flag is that it is similar to a banner flown by the seventh Alabama Cavalry during the American Civil War. The cavalry was part of Rucker’s Brigade and was led by Edmund Rucker, who resided in Montgomery after the Civil War. Rucker’s Brigade flew a white banner that featured a red St. Andrew’s cross decorated with blue-green stars. The flag was made from the “best dresses” of several Confederate women, including the wedding dress of Lorenzo Leedy, a Mississippi widow.

Finally, it’s important to note that the flag of Alabama resembles two other important state and country flags. The Alabama flag closely resembles the United Kingdom’s Union Flag and the flag of the state of Florida, of which Alabama was originally a part.

Before the adoption of Alabama’s current flag in 1895, Alabama flew a much different two-sided banner. In 1861, the Alabama Secession Convention set out to design the state’s first official flag, and several Montgomery women created the double-sided design. The flag is rectangular with a blue background. One side of the flag features the “Goddess of Liberty” holding a sword in one hand and a blue flag in her other hand. The text at the top of this side of the flag reads “Independent Now and Forever.” The other side of the flag features a rattlesnake and a cotton plant. Underneath the image are the Latin words Noli Me Tangere, or “Touch Me Not.”

Support the state of Missouri and victims of the tornado that wreaked havoc on Joplin and neighboring areas by flying the Missouri State Flag this month.

Before 1913, Missouri did not have an official state flag. In 1908, however, the Daughters of the American Revolution set out to form a committee to create and design a flag for Missouri. Marie Elizabeth Oliver, who was the head of this committee and also the wife of Missouri State Senator Robert Burnett Oliver, ended up designing the official state flag. The flag of the State of Missouri was adopted on March 22, 1913, nearly 92 years after Missouri joined the Union the 24^th state.

The Missouri State Flag contains important features that express national patriotism and also a sense of state pride and individuality. The background of the flag of Missouri contains three horizontal stripes: the top stripe is red, the middle stripe is white, and the bottom stripe is blue. The red, white, and blue colors obviously pay homage to the flag of the United States of America. In the Missouri state flag, however, the colors also have specific meanings representing core values of the United States and of the people of Missouri. The red stripe represents valor; the white stripe stands for purity; and the blue stripe represents justice, vigilance, and permanence.

In the center of the flag is the Great Seal of the State of Missouri. In the center of the seal is the Missouri coat of arms, which has special symbolic meaning. The crescent moon in the top left corner of the coat of arms reminds Missourians that their state was only the second state formed from the Louisiana Purchase and also reminds state residents that they have the power to make their future better than their past. The grizzly bear at the bottom of the seal represents the strength and courage of people of Missouri. Above the shield is a large star surrounded by 23 smaller stars, representing the hardships Missourians endured before the state was able to join the Union. There are also 24 stars on the outer edge of the seal.

The seal also contains two important Latin mottoes. The first phrase, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall,” reminds the people of Missouri of the importance of the United States. The second phrase, “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law,” reminds Missourians that the state government’s purpose is to improve the lives of its residents.

The flag of Texas is one of the most popular United States flags. The flag is rectangular and has three fields. The blue field is vertical, on the left of hoist side of the flag. In the center of the blue field is a white stripe. The other two fields on the flag of Texas are horizontal and consist of a white field on the top half of the flag and a red field on the bottom. The flag of Texas is known as “The Lone Star Flag,” because of the single white star on the banner.

Senator William H. Wharton introduced the design for the Lone Star flag to the Congress of the Republic of Texas on December 28, 1838, when Texas was an independent nation. The congress officially adopted the banner less than one month later, on January 24, 1839, as the national flag of the Republic of Texas. When Texas became a state of the Union in 1845, the Lone Star flag became the state flag, although this was not official until 1933.

The Lone Star flag is highly revered among Texans and has great symbolic meaning. According to the official Texas code, the blue stands for loyalty, the white stands for purity, and the red symbolizes bravery. The white star on the flag is very significant to Texans, as it symbolizes all Texans and their unity as “one for Gold, State and Country,” according to the Texas Flag Code. The Lone Star was originally used to represent Texas’s independence from Mexico and today stands for the independent spirit exhibited by Texas’s residents.

Between 1818 and 1938, during the Texas Revolution, Texas flew five other flags. The Lone Star and Stripes, consisted of the white Lone Star on a blue background with red and white stripes, much like the U.S. Stars and Stripes flag. The “Come and Take It” flag appeared as a symbol of defiance when Texas was at war with Mexico. The Alamo Flag contained the Mexican tricolor of green, white, and red and the year “1824,” the year in which the Mexican empire was overthrown. The Dodson Tricolor was a vertical tricolor of red, white, and blue with the lone star in the center of the blue field. Finally, the Burnet Flag consisted of a blue background with a golden star in the center, and was inspired by the flag of the Republic of West Florida.

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Besides being made with the most durable polyester, the Superknit flags at the United States Flag Store have other great features as well. The header on each Superknit flag is extra thick to keep the flag attached to the pole even in the most extreme weather and wind conditions. The grommets are made of the strongest brass, and, when attached to the ultra-thick header, won’t rip out. Fly ends of most flags have just two rows of stitching, making frays likely, but the Superknit polyester flags have four rows of stitching at the fly end to provide extra durability and longevity.

The United States Flag Store has Superknit polyester versions of the American flag, U.S. state flags, and many international flags, as well as military, historic, yacht, and religious flags at unbeatable prices. The Superknit American flag is available in a variety of sizes at highly discounted prices, with even more discounts for ordering in large quantities. The 3ft x 5ft Superknit American Flag, for example, is available for just $3.95 and as low as $2.75 when you order 100 or more.

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Don’t forget to visit the United States Flag Store website to view their complete collection of Superknit flags, including religious flags, yacht flags, and even custom-made flags. With these Superknit flags made exclusively for Online Stores, Inc., quality and affordability unite to create a great product for flag enthusiasts everywhere!

On Sunday, May 1, a small team of American forces killed Osama bin Laden in a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The fight between the Navy Seals unit that killed bin Laden only lasted about forty minutes. Bin Laden was shot in the head, and his adult son, two of his couriers, and a woman who was used as a human shield were also killed.

In President Obama’s address to the American people on Sunday evening, he said, “Justice has been done.” Osama bin Laden is the founder of the al-Qaeda terrorist organization and was responsible for the deadly attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. U.S. forces have been working to capture or kill bin Laden since former President Bill Clinton’s administration in the 1990s.

Americans spirits have been lifted across the country this week, as the death of bin Laden marks an important and long-awaited moment in America’s fight against terrorism. If you’re looking for a way to display your patriotic spirit, the United States Flag Store has a great selection of original flags and t-shirts at unbeatable prices.

The Liberty Osama Shirt is made in-house, exclusively for the United States Flag Store by our talented graphics team. Featuring a picture of the State of Liberty in the center with the date, “May 1, 2011” and President Obama’s quote, “JUSTICE IS SERVED,” below, this is truly an unique design. At a great price of just $14.99, order one for yourself and a few for your family members and friends as well!

The Seal Team 6 Osama Shirt is another design unique to the United States Flag Store. This shirt honors the courageous Navy Seals team that killed Osama bin Laden on May 1. The design features two machine guns and an anchor and the words, “Seal Team 6,” in the main design. Under the design is the date “May 1, 2011,” and President Obama’s quote, “JUSTICE IS SERVED.” This original shirt is also only $14.99.

These are just two of the patriotic t-shirts that are available at the United States Flag Store. Visit the United States Flag Store website for other t-shirt designs, including the “Osama Bin Laden DEAD,” the “Wanted Osama,” and the “Hole Goes Here,” shirts, all at unbeatable prices.

Memorial Day is quickly approaching, so make sure you’re prepared to celebrate the holiday in style with a brand new American flag from the United States Flag Store. At the United States Flag Store’s website, you’ll find the highest quality American flags at the most competitive prices. The United States Flag Store is committed to selling American flags that are made in the United States by the historic Valley Forge Company, as well as lower-cost options for bulk purchases and indoor use. All in all, the United States Flag Store carries 100 different American flag varieties, ranging from 4x6in to 30×50 feet that are suitable for use inside or out.

Now available with a six-month warranty, the Valley Forge Koralex II American flags offer the best in looks and durability. Koralex II is a polyester material that looks like the traditional coarse cotton American flags. Koralex II is more durable than cotton and resists fading and fraying, so it’s perfect for outdoor use. All Koralex II flags have canvas or nylon headings and brass grommets for long-lasting use. Koralex II are made by Valley Forge, one of the oldest and most trusted American flag brands, so you can rest assured that a Koralex flag by Valley Forge is one of the best on the market. These flags are available in sizes ranging from 3×5 feet to 20×38 feet. Competitive prices start at just $23.95 each, and discounts are available for ordering two or more.

If you’re looking for a great value American flag that’s made in the United States to the highest standards and specifications, take a look at the United States Flag Store’s nylon flags. These flags are either printed or sewn and are available in sizes as small as 16×24 inches and as large as 12×18 feet. With prices as low as $8.99 and discounts available for ordering two or more flags, how can you go wrong?

Perfect for Memorial Day, the United States Flag Store has several varieties of pleated American flags. Unlike pleated flags you might find at other flag stores, pleated flags sold at the United States Flag Store feature generous pleating, never just a “pleated effect.” All pleated flags are suitable for outdoor use and look beautiful in a doorway or window or on a railing.

The flag of Greenland was adopted on June 21, 1985. The flag is rectangular with two horizontal fields. The top field is white and the bottom is red. The flag features a large circle also divided into two fields and positioned towards the left side of the flag. The top half of the circle is red and the bottom half is white, opposite the flag’s background. In Greenland, the flag is called Erfalasorput, which means “our flag,” or Aappalaatoq, which means “the red.”

The design and colors of the flag reflect Greenland’s unique landscape. The white field, for example, represents the ice cap and glaciers that cover most of the island. The red field represents the ocean. The white part of the circle symbolizes the icebergs and pack ice, and the red part of the circle symbolizes the fjords. The overall design also depicts the sun setting on the horizon, reflecting its light on the sea. Finally, the colors match the Danish flag, the Dannebrog, a symbolic statement of Greenland’s existence as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Discussion about developing an authentic flag of Greenland began in 1973. Five enthusiastic Greenlanders proposed a green, white, and blue flag that they thought would be appropriate for their country’s banner. Still other Greenlanders developed ideas for a distinctive country flag, and in 1974, a Greenland newspaper published eleven of these proposed flag designs. Although the newspaper asked its readers to vote for their favorite flag, all except for one of the flags featured the Nordic cross, and the majority of the readers favored the traditional Dannebrog (flag of Denmark).

Efforts to develop a flag of Greenland stalled until 1978, when Denmark declared Greenland an autonomous country. Greenland’s government called for flag proposals, and received an overwhelming 555 designs. Despite the hundreds of proposed designs, Greenland’s flag committee could not agree on a flag and asked Greenlanders for more proposals. Finally, in 1985, Greenland adopted its current flag, designed by native Greenlander Thue Christiansen. Christiansen’s design won by a narrow margin over a flag designed by Sven Tito Achen, featuring a white Nordic Cross in front of a green background.