How do I Hang a Flag on a Very Tall Flag Pole?

Different flagpoles have different mechanisms for attaching flags.

A number of rules dictate the proper methods of displaying the U.S. flag. The height of a flagpole shouldn't be a factor in hanging a flag, unless the flagpole lacks a rope-and-pulley system for raising the flag. You have several options for hanging a flag on a very tall pole.

Things You'll Need

• Flag
• Flagpole
• Crane or cherry-picker

Instructions

Flagpole With Pulley

1. Unfold the flag, being careful not to let it touch the ground.

2. Connect the flag to the flagpole's rope-and-pulley system by clipping the hooks on the rope through the eyelets on the interior edge of the flag. Be careful to ensure the flag will be raised right-side up.

3. Pull the free end of the rope while holding the flag above the ground. Winch the rope hand over hand until the flag reaches the top of the flagpole.

4. Tie off the rope to the base of the flagpole or to the cleat on the side of the flagpole.

Flagpole Without Pulley

1. Raise yourself and a flag to the top of the flagpole in a crane or the bucket of a cherry-picker.

2. Unfold the flag, making sure not to drop it.

3. Connect the eyelets on the interior edge of the flag to whatever clip mechanism is at the top of the flagpole. Make sure to hang the flag right-side up.

References

• U.A.W. Local 387: United States Flag Rules
• Flagpole Warehouse: Commercial Flagpoles

Resources

• Federal Citizen Information Center: Flag Laws and Regulations (U.S.)