How to Fly the American Flag

The United States Code defines the correct ways to fly the American flag.

The American Flag symbolizes patriotism, freedom, national pride and the tenets of democracy. As one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States around the world, the American flag holds such importance that the United States Code defines the protocols for its display. Title Four of the United States Code, or the Federal Flag Code, provides specific guidelines on how and when to display the flag. The Flag Code uses the "union" (the blue field containing 50 stars) as a reference point in describing how to fly the American flag.

Things You'll Need

• Need
• American Flag
• Flag pole
• Flag staff
• Cable
• Rope
• Fasteners (optional)

Instructions

1. Hold the flag so it does not touch the ground. Clip the top clip of the flag pole rope into the grommet at the top of the flag next to the union. Clip the bottom clip into the grommet at the bottom of the flag next to the stripes.

2. Raise the flag rapidly to the top of the flagpole and secure the flag by wrapping the rope around the bracket on the lower portion of the flagpole. Display the flag from sunrise until sunset unless you have lighting on the flag 24 hours per day. Lower the flag slowly and respectfully, and ensure the flag does not touch the ground as you unclip the flag from the rope.

3. Fly the flag at half-staff (on appropriate occasions) after raising the flag to the top of the flagpole. Secure the flag halfway between the top and bottom of the flagpole. Raise the flag to the top of the flagpole again before lowering it to take it down.

4. 

   Fly the American flag at "marching right" and above other flags.

   Display the flag in a marching unit during parades with the flag on a staff, higher than other flags, at the right of the marching group (the left from the audience's point of view) or in the center front. Include the flag on a parade float by placing the flag on a staff or suspending the flag on a cable or rope with the flag stripes running vertically.

5. 

   Place the union on the left when flying the flag vertically.

   Suspend the flag over a street on a cable or rope with the union oriented toward the north or east. Hang the flag flat from a building with a cable, rope or fasteners appropriate to the type of building by placing the union on the left and the stripes hanging vertically.

6. Fly the American flag on a pole projecting from the side of a building with the union oriented away from the building.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid draping the flag on a float or any other type of vehicle.

• On Memorial Day, fly the flag at half-staff until noon. Raise the flag to the top of the flagpole for the remainder of the day.

References

• United States Senate; The United States Flag -- Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions; John Luckey; April 2008
• USA Flag Supply: Displaying the Flag