The September 11^th attack on America has inspired many Americans to show their patriotism by displaying Old Glory.

But how many of us know the proper way to exhibit the flag? Did you know you are not supposed to fly it at night unless properly illuminated? Or that you should wear a flag lapel pin on the left lapel, near the heart?

The U.S. Flag Code, which lays out the rules of flag etiquette, carries no criminal penalties for those who violate them. But if you would like to know the correct way to show your loyalty, here are some pointers from the code.

•  It is the universal custom to display the flag from sunrise to sunset on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

•  The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

•  The flag should not be displayed in inclement weather, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.

• The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandize.

•  The flag should never be draped over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle, train or boat. When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

• No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and, members of patriotic organizations.

• The flag represents a living country and itself is considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

•  The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying or delivering anything.

• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything designed for temporary use and discarded.

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