The American flag is a fixture of July 4th, and there are a number of etiquette points that go along with its public display. In flying a flag at a private residence, house or apartment, it should be flown at night only if illuminated and in inclement weather only if made of all-weather material; the flag should never be dipped to any person or thing and it is flown upside down only as a distress signal.. The flag should be clean and without tears, rips or shredding. For a complete list of Flag etiquette click here: Flag etiquette