Display. Unless illuminated, the U.S. flag will only be flown from sunrise to sunset. When the flag is displayed at half-mast, it is first hoisted to the top of the staff and then lowered to the half-staff position. When lowering it from half-staff, it is first raised to the top of the staff and then lowered. At no time will the flag be allowed to touch the ground. Once lowered and detached from the halyards, the flag is folded into the shape of a triangle. When flown with a foreign flag, it will be the same size and the flags' poles or staffs will be of equal height. When the flag is displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union will be uppermost and to the observer's left, flag's right. Generally the flag will be displayed flat or hanging free. The flag will be placed in the position of honor, to the right of the speaker, when displayed on a platform, in a hall, on a stage, or on the same level as the audience. When a number of flags are displayed from staffs in a row, the United States flag may be placed at either end of the line provided it is displayed at a higher level. When used on a rostrum, it will be displayed above and behind the speaker's rostrum. When bunting is used, since the flag will never be draped over the rostrum, the colors will be arranged blue on top, white in the middle. In a procession with another flag, the United States will be either on the marching right, the flag's own right, or if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of the line. It will never be carried flat or horizontally but always aloft and free. The correct way to carry a staffed flag is to hold the staff with one or both hands in front and centered on the body with the base of the staff resting against the body and the staff sloping upward and forward at an angle of about 30 degrees from the body.
Customs and Courtesies. The flag and national anthem are symbols of the people, their land, and institutions. Thus, when we salute these symbols, we are saluting the nation. Flags and national anthems of Canada and other friendly nations are shown the same respect as our own. Flag ceremonies occur during parades, reveilles, retreats, and prior to special events. Reveille starts the official day, while retreat signals the end of the official duty day. Most flag ceremonies will be conducted with the playing of the United States national anthem. All cadets will render the following courtesies --
When in uniform outdoors and the national anthem or "To the Colors" is played, stand at attention, face the flag (or direction of music), render the military salute, and hold it from the first note of the music until the last note. When in civilian clothes, stand at attention, face the flag (or music), and place the right hand over the heart. A male removes his hat, holds it in his right hand, and places his right hand over the heart. A female places her right hand over her heart but does not remove her hat.
When attending any outdoor event and a U.S. or foreign country flag is carried past a cadet in uniform, the cadet should stand at attention, face the paths of the flag, render the proper salute six paces before the flag is even with them, and hold the salute until the flag is six paces beyond them.
When ceremonies occur indoors and the national anthem or "To the Colors" is played, face the flag and assume the position of attention. If the flag is not visible, assume the position of attention and face the music. Do not salute unless under arms (carrying a rifle or wearing a side arm).
Pledge of Allegiance. In military formations and ceremonies, the Pledge of Allegiance shall not be recited. When in uniform outdoors at protocol functions, social, and sporting events which include civilian participants, cadets should stand at attention, remain silent, face the flag, and render a salute. When in uniform indoors, stand at attention, remain silent, and face the flag. A hand salute is not rendered and reciting the pledge is optional.