What is the Etiquette for Hanging the American Flag on a Porch?
The American flag is a preeminent symbol in our society, usually inducing feelings of pride and patriotism. Due to its importance, it is necessary to understand there are guidelines to properly display the flag on your porch.
Other People Are Reading
-
General Flag Etiquette
-
The flag should be clean and without tears or rips. The flag should never touch the ground and should only fly at night if properly illuminated.
Hanging a Flag from a Staff
-
On top of the general flag etiquette, hang the flag so the union (the blue square) is at the peak of the staff.
-
Hanging a Flag from a Pole
-
American flag flying high on a pole. If you choose to hang multiple flags from a pole, always hang the American flag at the top. Also, the National Flag Foundation recommends specific flag to pole ratios. For example, a pole 15 feet tall should have a flag 3 by 5 feet.
Other Ways to Hang the Flag
-
Example of a flag displayed vertically, with the union in the upper left corner. The National Flag Foundation also endorses hanging a flag vertically from a window frame, roof eave, or other overhand structure. The union (blue) should be displayed in the upper corner to the viewer's left.
Flying the Flag Upside Down
-
U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8(a) states, "The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property." The Orange County Register reported on a man who claimed he flew the flag upside down at his home as a sign of distress over the U.S. economy.
Is Punishment Possible?
-
While controversy and public outrage may ensue if you ignore the regulations of the flag code, there are not any civil penalties.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of zaphodsotherhead Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Justin Grandfield Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Beverly
