How do I Display the American Flag the Proper Way?

There are many rules and regulations to flag etiquette.

Flying the American flag for many is a solemn occasion to commemorate family members in the service or to honor national holidays. As such, flying the flag carries its own set of rules and regulations. Many people who fly the flag do not know of these rules. Breaking any of the rules for flying the American flag will not land you in trouble with the law. However, following these rules is the only way to properly display the national flag.

Display at Home

An American flag displayed at home is generally hung to the left or right of the front door. However, in this situation, you can pretty much place the flag anywhere and not risk disrespect. But if you hang a second flag on your house, it does have to be placed to the left of the American flag one, from the perspective of someone facing your house.

Display in a Corporate Setting

Many companies today also fly American flags alongside the flag with their company logo. If you are facing a company's flag display, the American flag should be the leftmost flag, no matter how many other flags there are in the display. If a state flag is also included in the display along with the American flag and the company flag, the proper order is to place the American flag on the far left, the state flag in the middle and the company flag on the right.

Flying the Flag on Poles of Different Heights

In any flag display, there is no guarantee all of the flag poles will be of the same height. In such a display, there will often be a center pole higher than the left or right flag pole. When this happens, the American flag is flown from the higher center pole.

References

• USHistory.org: Flag Rules and Regulations