How to Fly the Flag During National Flag Week

National Flag Week is a time for us to honor the United States and the American flag. This celebration takes place during the week of June 14. During National Flag Week, United States citizens should fly the American flag at home, outside of government buildings and in certain public places.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare for National Flag Week at least 2 months prior to the celebration.

2. Decide where you would like to fly the flag. Choose a location, such as your home or a church. You should also decide whether you want it mounted on a stick, hung on a pole or carried in a parade.

3. Decide on the appropriate size for the location at which you plan to fly the flag. For example, you will need a large flag if it will be displayed on a government building. You may choose a standard-sized flag for your home.

4. Inspect the flag before you fly it. It should not be torn or damaged in any way.

5. Raise the flag at sunrise and take it down at sunset each day. The flag should be flown during daylight hours only. If it is flown at night, it must be lighted.

6. Fly the flag every day during National Flag week. Raise the flag rapidly and lower it ceremoniously each time you fly it. Allow the flag to fall freely.

7. Hang the flag in the upright position. The flag should never be flown upside down unless you are doing so as a signal of danger.

8. Hang the flag at all government buildings during National Flag Week.

9. Display the flag in a parade. The American flag should be either to the right of the flags or in front of the other flags and in the center.

10. Place the American flag at the highest point on a pole when a group of flags is displayed. If a flag from another nation is flown, the national flags should always be the same size. Fly the other flags at the same height as the American flag.

Tips & Warnings

• Always hang the flag vertically over the center of the street. Make sure that the stars are to the north on an east/west street and to the east on a north/south street.
• Always hang a flag over a sidewalk by extending it from a building to a pole. Make sure that you turn the stars away from the building.
• Never let the American flag touch the ground for any reason.
• Never fly the flag in inclement weather, such as snow or rain.