Etiquette for Hanging the U.S. Flag

Properly hanging the U.S. flag shows respect for America and all American citizens.

The United States flag is a representation of the freedom of America and all American citizens. It is a symbol of independence and should be respected accordingly. When hanging or displaying the U.S. flag, certain guidelines should be followed to ensure that the flag is hung with the dignity it deserves.

History

The U.S. Flag Code says that the American flag "represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing."

Directions on how to correctly hang the American flag originated in the U.S. Flag Code. The code was established on June 14, 1923---now known as Flag Day. The code does not enforce punishment for mishandling the U.S. flag; it is simply a guide on how to display and handle the flag properly. Amendments have been made to the Flag Code in recent years.

General Guidelines

The American flag should always be hung above a state's flag when both are on the same staff.

When hanging the U.S. flag, the "union" (the white stars on a blue background) should always be placed at the peak of a staff unless the flag is at half-staff. The American flag should not be hung on the same staff as another country's flag; the flags should be hung on separate staffs of equal height. When displayed in an auditorium or on a podium, it should always be hung on the speaker's right (the audience's left). No state or local flag should be hung above the American flag.

Significance

Many men and women died so that all American citizens could live freely under the U.S. flag.

Etiquette for hanging the U.S. flag is important for several reasons. The Flag Code says "no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America." Because the flag is a representation of the United States and its citizens, to hang the flag improperly shows a lack of respect for the entire nation, especially military veterans.

Important Dates

The Fourth of July is a very important day to hang the American flag.

The U.S. flag should be hung every day, but it should especially be displayed on important holidays such as New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Constitution Day and Veterans Day, among others.

Weather and Retirement

You should no longer hang your U.S. flag when it becomes torn, tattered or frayed.

If your flag is an all-weather flag, it can remain hanging during inclement weather; you can also mend any tears and wash your flag as needed. But according to the Flag Code, you should no longer hang your flag when it becomes so worn that "it is no longer a fitting emblem for display." The flag should then be properly disposed of by burning, burial or recycling.

References

• Betsy Ross Homepage: Flag Rules and Regulations
• The Flag of the United States of America: Flag Etiquette
• Betsy Ross Homepage: Flag Code