How to Hang the American Flag From a Flagpole

The American flag can be displayed on any day of the year, but it has added significance on Independence Day, Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays, Flag Day, Veterans Day and many other holidays. On Memorial Day, the flag flies at half-staff until noon.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• American Flags
• Flagpole

1. Approach the flagpole with the folded flag.

2. Unfasten the halyard rope and, using the clips, attach the flag. Make sure the union (blue field with white stars) is at the top.

3. Raise the flag without letting it touch the ground. Keep the line tight.

4. Secure the halyard rope once the flag has reached the peak of the pole.

5. If the flag is to be flown at half-staff, first raise it all the way to the peak of the pole, then lower halfway and secure.

Tips & Warnings

• It's proper for the American flag to be flown from sunrise to sunset, or for 24 hours if the flag is illuminated.
• If other flags are flown from the same halyard, the U.S. flag should be at the peak.
• A flag that is torn or otherwise in poor condition should not be put on display.
• The flag should never be flown upside down except as a signal of dire distress.

[kims3003]

on 8/9/2009 thank you - great article

[newsgirl08]

on 7/31/2009 Yay! so important! So many people are ignorant to the respect and mannerisms you handle the flag with... thanks for posting this!

[sugarfl55]

on 5/3/2007 how many flags can be hung on one pole. Such as different state flags?

on 11/22/2005 It's best to hang a flag with two people. One person holds the flag while the other uses the halyard to raise the flag. This ensures that the flag does not touch the ground while it's being raised.

on 11/22/2005 Our flag is easier to put up and take down when there are two persons doing it. Take down the flag if it starts raining or snowing unless you have an all-weather flag. Take it down at dusk unless you have a light shining on it.