As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary on Independence Day, more flags will fly across the country than on any July 4 in living memory. With that comes the responsibility to display Old Glory correctly — and the Flag Code provides clear guidance for doing so. Whether you're hanging a flag at home, decorating for a parade, or simply want to honor the semiquincentennial properly, here are the key rules to follow.

The Flag Code says the flag is customarily displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. It may be displayed 24 hours a day if it is properly illuminated during darkness. Plan to bring the flag in at sunset, or add a dedicated light that clearly illuminates the flag itself if it will stay up for evening events and fireworks. A general porch light only counts if it actually lights the flag.

The Union is the blue field of stars, and it always takes the position of honor. On a wall or in a window, whether the flag hangs horizontally or vertically, the Union should appear in the upper left from the observer's perspective. This can be confusing when a flag is turned vertically for a doorway or window, because it is natural to think of left and right from your own point of view instead of the flag's. Stand back and check the stars before securing any wall or window display. The Union belongs in the upper left from where viewers will stand.

Patriotic bunting is the right way to dress up a porch railing, balcony, or speaker's platform for the anniversary. The flag itself should never be draped, gathered, or used as decoration, because it should always hang free and be displayed as a flag. Bunting has its own order. When the blue, white, and red fan or pleated panels are hung, blue goes on top, white in the middle, and red on the bottom. Keep the actual flag flying free on a pole or house-mounted bracket where it can move in the wind.

When flying the U.S. flag with state, military or 250th flags, it always receives the position of honor. On a single pole, no other flag is placed above it. When several flags fly on separate staffs of equal height, the U.S. flag is raised first and lowered last. In a line of flags, it takes its own right, which is the viewer's left as you face the display. Put the U.S. flag at the top of a shared pole, or use poles of equal height with the U.S. flag in the place of honor. Never let a commemorative or decorative flag sit higher than the U.S. Flag.

Many people will carry or mount a flag for 250th parades and processions. When the flag is carried in a procession with other flags, it should be on the marching right or, in a line of flags, at the front and center. A carried flag is always aloft and free, never flat or horizontal. On a vehicle, the flag should not be draped over the body. It should be attached to a small flagpole that is securely mounted to the vehicle, such as on the chassis or the vehicle's right-side fender. Carry the flag aloft on a staff, keep it on the marching right, and mount vehicle flags to a fixed staff rather than draping them over a car, truck, or float.

The Flag Code says the flag should not be displayed in inclement weather unless an all-weather flag is used. A summer holiday can still bring storms, and cotton or decorative indoor flags should not be used outdoors. Use nylon or polyester for outdoor poles and house-mounted brackets, and save cotton or ceremonial flags for protected indoor display.

When you're ready to take your flag down, fold it properly, keep it dry, and store it somewhere it will not crease, mildew, or fade. A flag flown hard through a July holiday should be inspected before it is stored away. If sun, wind, and weather have left it heavily faded, frayed, or torn, it is no longer fit for display and should be retired respectfully rather than thrown out. Many American Legion posts, VFW posts, and Scout groups accept worn flags for proper retirement. Bring the flag in at the end of the celebration, fold and store it clean and dry, and retire it through a local flag retirement program when wear sets in.

Independence Day is a full-staff day. The flag flies at the peak on July 4 unless the President or a governor issues a specific half-staff proclamation for an unrelated reason.