Few of us know how to display an American flag properly. Even fewer know all the ins and outs of flag etiquette. That’s why we went to the source – the U.S. Flag Code – to find out the right way to handle Old Glory...
Many Americans think we’re displaying our patriotic pride by wearing a U.S. flag on our sleeves, chests or elsewhere.
But the U.S. Flag Code prohibits wearing Old Glory on an article of clothing or printing its image on anything disposable, such as paper plates, napkins and other picnic decorations.
Every day, many people violate Section 8d of United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1. Want to know the rules? Read on to learn the proper handling of the American flag…
When to Fly the U.S. Flag
If you like to display your American flag 24 hours a day, year-round, there are a few things you should know: Flag etiquette requires that a U.S. flag be properly illuminated at night and taken down during foul weather, unless it is made from all-weather material.
The flag can be flown every day, but there are certain days of the year when displaying this patriotic symbol is especially important.
Flag Displays on Holidays
The U.S. Flag Code recommends that flags fly from sunrise to sunset on the following holidays:
How to Display the Flag Across a Roadway
During summer and for parades across America, the flag is often used to decorate the streets.
When a flag is hung vertically across a street, the union (field of blue) must point toward the north on an east/west street and to the east on a street running north and south.
A flag hanging over a sidewalk is required to be placed with the union on the street side, away from buildings.
Displaying a U.S. Flag with Flags of Other Nations
Wherever flags are displayed in a courtroom or hall against a wall with crossed staffs (or masts), the U.S. flag should always be on the right (the flag’s right, not the viewer’s). And the U.S. flagpole should be on top of the second flag.
Multiple Flags on the Same Pole
According to proper flag etiquette, the U.S. flag should always be at the top when flown in the U.S. Flying one country’s flag above the other shows that the lower one is subordinate in that location.
Displaying a U.S. Flag at Half-Mast
The proper way to hoist a flag to half-mast (also called “half-staff”) is to draw it all the way to the top of the pole before lowering it halfway down.
Only the President of the United States and state governors have the authority to order flags to be flown at half-mast.
Flags may fly at half-staff after the deaths of important government figures, governors of states and foreign dignitaries.
A recent amendment to the U.S. Flag Code allows state governors to order that public buildings fly flags at half-mast to honor fallen military personnel from that state during wartime.
The length of time an American flag is flown at half-mast depends on the importance of the event or rank of the deceased government official or service member being honored. Anywhere from one to 30 days is appropriate. The President assigns the length of each mourning period.
Half-Mast Displays on Holidays
Every Memorial Day, flags should be flown at half-mast until noon and then raised to their full height.
Other days that the flag should be flown at half-staff include:
Flagpoles affixed to the windowsill of a home or other building should fly the flag with the union at the peak of the pole.
Flat on the Wall or in a Window
If the flag is hung on a wall or displayed in a window, the union should be on the viewer’s top left.
An American flag carried in a parade or other procession should always be in the front in a line of several flags or to the right of a second flag.
On a Staff in an Auditorium, Church or Other Public Hall
If the country’s flag is displayed at an official gathering place, such as a public auditorium or church, the flag takes the place of honor to the right of the speaker or podium.
Never let a U.S. flag be lowered into the grave. And never allow it to touch the ground. A flag does not have to be destroyed if it does touch the ground, but it should be cleaned as soon as possible by hand and allowed to dry before displaying it again.
One of the most poignant flag ceremonies involves the flag-draped casket of a fallen hero.Whether the deceased was a war veteran or a soldier killed in battle, Americans engage in the solemn ritual of lifting the flag from the casket and folding it 12 times in a series of triangles. Each of the 12 folds represents various aspects of life, both patriotic and spiritual.
The result is a triangle with the stars on top of the stripes to signify that the United States began as a union of 13 colonies and now includes 50 states represented by the 50 stars.After being folded in this reverent manner, the flag is presented to a family member of the deceased.
Disposing of an American Flag
If your flag needs to be retired, dispose of it in a dignified, respectful manner. Section 8k of the Flag Code states: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
More Flag Etiquette Tips
Here are more basic flag etiquette guidelines:
The American Flag Code is a guideline for proper flag etiquette. Although the code is violated in many different ways each day, what matters most is the intent behind the use of the flag. That’s why ripping, stepping on or burning a flag at a protest is an act of disrespect.
For more information about flag etiquette and other U.S. history topics, visit ushistory.org; the site includes the U.S. Flag Code in its entirety.
How Well Do You Know Your Holiday Trivia?
Are you an expert on holidays like President’s Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day – or are you clueless about the origins of these special days? Take our quiz to find out how well you know your holiday trivia.