According to the United States Flag Code: "No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America". Here’s how to honor and display the flag to make sure it gets the respect it needs and deserves:

• HANDLE WITH CARE - Always handle the flag carefully. It should not touch the ground, become worn or soiled.

• UNION UP - The flag should be displayed with the blue union up, except as a distress signal in times of dire emergency.

• RAISE BRISKLY - When hoisting the flag, raise it briskly. Lower it ceremoniously.

• LIGHTS ON - If you leave the flag up at night - make sure there is a light on it at all times. Pick a spot that’s illuminated by a porch or street light, or consider installing sensor light that automatically comes on in the evening.

• NO ADS PLEASE - The American Flag should never be used for advertising, or printed onto anything designed for disposal, like napkins and paper plates. The Stars and Stripes should also not be embroidered onto furniture, cushions and handkerchiefs, or worn as clothing. Flag pins are OK to wear however, so long as they are displayed on the left lapel, nearest the heart.

• DISPOSE WITH DIGNITY - If the flag becomes worn out, make sure to dispose of it properly - preferably by burning it.

So next time you’re driving down your street and pulling into the driveway of your beautiful home - think about flying the American Flag - the symbol of the freedom that made these and so many more things possible.

A very interesting, moving and little-known part of our military tradition.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21 gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews' eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians' eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

It is the right of every American to proudly display the Flag of the United States at their home, their business, and elsewhere. When you "SHOW YOUR COLORS" you tell the world that you are proud to live in the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." If you've been with us throughout the tour, you already know some of the proud history of the U.S. Flag. It is a wonderful symbol of Freedom, but it is more than that.

Every citizen should feel the freedom to proudly proclaim their patriotism by displaying their flag. The Flag Code was written for this very purpose. The branches of military service, as well as official government bodies, already had policies and procedures to guide "Flag Protocol". Chapter 10 of Title 36 was written for the rest of us. More than being a set of laws regulating how the flag should be respected, treated and displayed, it is a guarantee of the right of every United States citizen to fly the flag.