When it comes to displaying your American flag, it is important to follow proper flag etiquette as a sign of respect to our nation. Flag etiquette is a set of do’s and don’ts surrounding the display and handling of the American flag. These guidelines are often rooted in tradition, respect and symbolism of honor to the flag, the nation’s identity, history and values. By adhering to these guidelines, it demonstrates your patriotism and commitments to the principles for which the flag stands.
There are many different do’s and don’ts surrounding the display and handling of the American flag which you should be aware of. From flag placement, folding, lighting, positioning to disposal. These rules were formalized by the U.S. Flag Code to help unify the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag. Although the U.S. Flag Code is a federal law, the code is not mandatory. But because each state has its own flag code, they may impose penalties for any physical flag discretion or violation.
By learning the American flag display rules, you’ll be able to fly your flag with confidence and show your patriotism without offending anyone. To help you understand the flag flying principles, in this guide we will be outlining all of the American Flag Do’s and Don’ts. Take a look!
When to display the American flag
As a signal of respect, honor and patriotism, traditional American flag etiquette highlights that flags can be flown any day of the year but it should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset. However, if the flag is illuminated during darkness, then it can be displayed at all times. But to protect it against weather damage, the flag should not be flying in rain, snow or wind storms.
American flags should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays, and for other celebrations. Including days like New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, Independence Day and many more. Flying the flag on these particular days is a lovely way to mark the special occasion and show a symbol of national pride.
Where to display the American flag
The American flag guidelines say that the flags can be displayed indoors and outdoors. If they are attached to a flagpole outdoors, it is important to fly the American flag from the highest center point, and should be hoisted first and lowered last. An indoor flag display should be to the observer’s left when facing the entrance.
The American flag should be flown at every public institution, in polling places on election days and at schools. If the flag is being carried in a parade or procession, it must be to the right of the other flags. Other places the American flag should be displayed include Government buildings, Military bases, Public parks and monuments, homes and residences, at church and sports venues.
But be sure to check your local regulations and guidelines to find out if you are able to fly the American flag in your area.
How to position your American Flag
Respectful Flag Folding
When folding your American flag, there is a certain procedure that you will need to follow to ensure it is done correctly. Here are the steps below for you:
Step 1 - Place the flag on a flat surface, straighten out the flag length and then fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. You can do this by taking the bottom two corners of the flag and lifting them up to the top two corners, making this your first fold. It should now look like a long rectangle with red and white stripes .
Step 2 - You then need to fold it lengthwise a second time by getting the folded edge of the flag and folding it over to meet the open edge at the top. Make sure the union of stars on the blue field remains outward in full view.
Step 3 - Now you need to fold the flag in half again by taking the top two corners which will still be red and blue stripes and bringing them up to meet the top two corners of the flag. It should now look like a long, skinny rectangle.
Step 4 - A triangular fold is now the next stage. This is done by simply folding the flag in a triangular pattern and bringing the bottom-right striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge at the top. This will form a right-angle triangle, making sure that the top of the triangle lines up well.
Step 5 - The outer point of the triangle should now be turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle.
Step 6 - Then continue the triangular folding until the entire length of the flag is folded in the triangular shape with only the blue and white stars field visible.
For more information or expert tips for flag folding, check out our useful guide which shares the whole process in more detail.
Replace Worn Flags
Replacing a worn and torn American flag is a guideline that is widely accepted and many choose to follow it as a matter of tradition and respect for the national symbol. Displaying a faded, tattered can be seen as a sign of neglect and disrespect. The American flag etiquette also emphasizes the importance of caring for your flag and replacing it when the time has come. Keeping your American flag in good condition ensures that it is presented with the utmost pride and patriotism for the U.S.
Fly At Half-Mast
Flying the flag at half-mast, sometimes referred to as ‘half-staff’, occurs when the flag is flown below the top position on a flagpole. It is a way of showing mourning or respect for a particular individual or a group of individuals. To do this properly, it is important to ensure that it is raised to the peak of the staff and then lowered to the half-mast position. The decision to fly the flag at half-mast is typically made by government officials.
Here are some examples of special days or events when the American flag should be flying half-mast:
Clean & Store Your Flag Correctly
Always store your American flag completely flat and properly folded. Over time, your flag fabric can become fragile from exposure to dirt or excessive light. So it is best to store it inside a dark room that is out of sunlight because this can destroy the fabric fibers and cause the colors to fade. A temperature-controlled climate is always a good location for storing a flag. To protect it against any damage, you keep your flag stored inside a plastic bag so that it is ready for use again.
When it comes to cleaning your flag, it must be done with the utmost care and attention. This will help ensure that its colors and aesthetics are maintained. If your flag only has a few marks or stains, spot cleaning is the best method. This involves using a mild detergent mixed with warm water and gently applying it to the stained area with cloth or sponge. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Or for more rigorous cleaning, you can hand wash the flag. Simply fill a basin or tub with cold water and mix with mild detergent. Place the flag in the solution and let it soak in. Then rinse thoroughly with cold water once done.
Both cleaning and storing your American flag correctly will help to maintain its vibrant colors and quality fabric for an attractive display.
Displaying Your Flag On A Vehicle
When displaying your flag on a vehicle, the flag must be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender. The flag should be on the passenger side when flown on your vehicle and the stars should always be in the upper left-hand corner when on the driver’s side.
But the stars should be in the upper right-hand corner when on the passenger side as this means the union is always in a position of honor. If you want to display two flags simultaneously, then they should be placed identically on both the driver and passenger side of the vehicle.
Salute The Flag
Saluting the American flag is a respectful gesture that is typically associated with members of the military and certain uniformed services. However, civilians are also encouraged to show their honor to the flag in other ways, such as placing your right hand over your heart, standing at attention and facing the flag and removing hats during the national anthem.
How To Display Your Flag Alongside Other Flags
Yes, you can have other flags on show next to your American flag. However, if your American flag is displayed in a group amongst other flags then it should always be positioned at the center and highest point.
Whether you have flags of states, cities, localities or pennants of societies flying on the same halyard with your U.S flag, your U.S flag should always be at the highest peak. It must be hoisted first and lowered last.
If your U.S flag is displayed with other flags against a wall then it should always be placed on the right. To display flags of two or more nations, they must be flown on separate staffs of the same height.
Casket
If you want to display the American flag by covering a casket, the union blue field of white stars must be at the head and over the left shoulder (of the deceased). It should not be lowered into the grave or and is not allowed to touch the ground.
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Don’t let the flag touch the ground
One of the main rules with American flags is to not let them touch the ground. This practice must be followed out of respect for the flag and our country. Even when lowering the flag, it must never touch the ground. This includes surfaces such as the roof of your house, your car, water, or anything else beneath it.
This traditional flag etiquette aims to treat the flag with respect and dignity. Furthermore, throughout history, flags have been carried into battles as a rallying point for troops. Allowing a flag to touch the ground was often seen as a sign of defeat.
Don’t let the flag get dirty or damaged
Taking care of your American flags’ appearance is an important way of showing your respect and honor to the nation. This means not allowing your flag to get dirty or damaged. Do not fly your flag in bad weather such as heavy wind, rain or snow, because this will expose your flag to tearing and fading.
Strong sunlight can also break down the fabric of your flag, which can cause it to get tattered and worn out. If your American flag does get dirty marks or stains, do not fly it. Replace it with a new one and only fly it in pristine condition.
Do not place anything on the flag
If you place anything on the American flag, it is considered a sign of disrespect. To honor the nation’s history and principles, it is important to understand the proper use and display of the American flag. If you decide to place objects on the flag, this can be viewed as ungracious and unmannerly, especially towards the U.S flag principles.
To show your appreciation to the values for which the American flag stands, the flag should also never be used for advertising or promotional purposes. You also shouldn’t modify the American flag, this includes printing or embroidery onto things like cushions, boxes, napkins etc.
Do not dip the flag
It is a crucial part of flag etiquette to not dip or lower the American flag for any person or thing. This refers to lowering or inclining the flag as a gesture of acknowledgement or salute. However, this action is not appropriate for the American flag and goes against the flag’s principles. Making sure the flag stays at the center highest point, the more pride and respect it shows for your nation.
Do not wear the flag
Another flag etiquette practice that you should follow is to not wear the American flag. Draping the flag around you like it’s a fashion statement is perceived as disrespectful and diminishes the national symbol. Additionally, using your flag as a clothing item may lead to wear, tear or damage, which would make it unsuitable for displaying.
Do not bin the flag
Disposing of the American flag is a process that should be done with respect and in accordance with flag etiquette. It is not appropriate to simply throw the American flag in the trash as this would go against the national symbol. To dispose of the flag in a professional manner, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Additionally, if your American flag needs to be retired, you can consider these other steps.
1. Conduct flag retirement ceremonies: You can contact them and inquire about the proper disposal of your flag.
2. Dispose of Flag at Home: If you are unable to participate in a formal ceremony, you can retire the flag at home by burning it in a respectful and safe manner. It's essential to follow proper safety precautions and guidelines to ensure a dignified retirement.
Do not display with the union (blue field with white stars) down
In traditional flag etiquette, the rule is to never display the American flag with the union (blue field with white stars) down, except as a signal of distress. This rule can be found in the U.S. flag code which outlines the respectful display and handling on the flag.
Displaying the flag upside down, with the union down, is a recognized signal of distress and should only be used to convey a serious and urgent situation when assistance is needed. But in any other circumstance, displaying the flag upside down is a sign of disrespect.
We hope that these American Flag Do’s and Don’ts are useful to you. Remember, these guidelines are not legally binding but they are rooted in the traditional flag etiquette and it is encouraged that all civilians, individuals and organizations choose to follow them as a matter of respect for the nation’s values.
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For more information, please get in touch with our expert team and we will be more than happy to advise you.