How to Properly Display the American Flag

The U.S. has regulations regarding the proper display of the flag.

The United States has rules regarding the proper display of the American flag. For example, the flag is never supposed to be used as decoration, for advertising, or as clothing, and should never be allowed to touch the ground. These and other rules are intended to keep the flag in a position of respect at all times.

Instructions

1. Fly the United States flag at the top of the flag pole at all times, unless it is at half staff for mourning. The flag must be above or to the viewer's left of non-national flags such as state or school flags. In a group of national flags, the U.S. flag should be on the viewer's left but not above the other flags.

2. In most circumstances, the flag should be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. Only fly the American flag at night if it has proper lighting.

3. Raise the flag fully before flying it at half staff. When the flag is lowered at sunset from half staff, it should be raised fully first.

4. The flag should hang vertically with the union patch to the north or east when it is hung over a street or on a wall. If the flag is inside, it can be displayed vertically or horizontally, but the union patch should be on the left.

Tips & Warnings

• A damaged flag should be burned in a ceremonious manner. Veteran groups can assist in proper disposal of the flag. A tattered flag should never be flown.

References

• Michigan.gov: Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
• Flag Etiquette