How to Display the American Flag

Official guidelines for when, where, and how to display the flag are found in the Federal Flag Code, but we've summarized the most important things to know here. As with any sort of etiquette, compliance is voluntary but strongly suggested. And while flying the flag is welcomed every day, there are a handful of special days when it is even more strongly encouraged, like Memorial Day and the 4th of July. Use our handy calendar of those dates to plan your display.

How to Display the American Flag

When can I display the flag?

• Display the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and outdoor stationary flagstaffs. The flag can be displayed 24 hours a day if the flag is illuminated during the hours of darkness.
• Unless you have an all-weather flag (frequently made of nylon, polyester, or treated cotton), the flag should not be displayed during inclement weather.
  

What position should the flag be in when it is displayed?

• Pay attention to the position of the union (the blue field). When projecting horizontally or at an angle from a windowsill or front of a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff, unless the flag is at half-staff. When displayed against a wall or in a window, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's right and the observer's left.
• The flag should not be allowed to touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
• Always carry our flag aloft and floating free, never flat or horizontally.
• The flag must always fall free and must never be festooned, drawn back or up, or in folds.
• Never display the flag with the union at the bottom of the flag, except as a signal of extreme distress (as in a danger to life or property)
  

How should I display the flag in other locations?

• To display the American flag on a car, the staff should be attached to the chassis or the right fender.
• On a float in a parade, the flag may only be displayed from a staff.
• Position a lapel flag pin on the left lapel, near the heart.
• A flag patch may be attached only to the uniforms of military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations.
  

When and why are flags displayed half-staff?

Occasionally, the flag is flown only halfway up its pole, or at half-staff, by order of the President, customarily upon the death of prominent members of the government as a mark of respect in their memory. To check how the flag should be flown right now, whether at full-staff or half-staff, visit Stars & Stripes Daily.

When flown at half-staff, the flag should be raised to the peak for a moment and then lowered to the half-staff position. Just before the flag is lowered for the day, the flag should once again be momentarily hoisted to the peak. To position the flag at half-staff, place the flag one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.

How should I dispose of a flag if necessary?

Dispose of a flag that is frayed, tattered, or otherwise inappropriate for display. The flag should be destroyed respectfully, preferably by burning, according to U.S. Code, Title 36, Section 176k, Respect for Flag.

Can I display a historic U.S. flag?

While the 50-star flag is the official flag of the U.S. as designated by President Eisenhower in 1959, you can display a 48-star flag or another historic U.S. flag with pride. There are many historic U.S. flags and, according to tradition, they may be displayed as long as they are in good condition. Historic U.S. flags should be treated with the same respect and rituals as the official flag.

How and where should I not display the flag?

In order to treat the flag with respect, here are some ways and places where it should not be used.

• Do not place the flag over the hood, top, sides, or back of any vehicle, including a train or boat.
• Neither the flag nor any part of the flag may be used as a costume or athletic uniform.
• Never use the flag for apparel, bedding, or drapery.
• Never use the flag as a covering for a ceiling.
• No mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing can be placed on the flag or any part of the flag.
• The flag must never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
• Never use the flag for advertising in any manner. Advertising signs should not be attached to the flag's staff or halyard (the rope used to hoist the flag).
• No items that are intended for temporary use should be adorned with the flag. The flag should not be embroidered, printed, or embossed on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything that will be discarded.
  

When to Use Bunting

Besides the flag, another option for a patriotic display is bunting, which is fabric with wide red, white, and blue stripes. It can be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping in front of a platform, and decorating interior or exterior spaces. Available as ornamental banners, in fans, and by the bolt, bunting comes in traditional cotton, easy-care cotton/poly, and convenient plastic. It should always arranged with the blue at the top, the white in the middle, and the red at the bottom.

Which days should I fly the flag?

We are encouraged to display the American flag every day. However, it's particularly important to fly the flag high and proudly on the following days:

• New Year's Day, January 1
• Inauguration Day, January 20
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day, third Monday in January
• Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
• Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
• Easter Sunday
• Mother's Day, the second Sunday in May
• Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
• Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), last Monday in May
• Flag Day, June 14
• Independence Day, July 4
• Labor Day, first Monday in September
• Constitution Day, September 17
• Columbus Day, the second Monday in October
• Navy Day, October 27
• Veterans Day, November 11
• Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
• Christmas Day, December 25
• Any other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States; and on State holidays