How to Properly Display an American Flag

The U.S. flag should occupy a place of prominence when being displayed. No other flags displayed with it should be larger or hung higher than the U.S. flag. In addition, the U.S. flag should not be allowed to touch the ground, nor should it be dipped to any other flag, person or object.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• American Flags

1. Make sure the flag is in respectable condition before you display it. A torn or tattered flag should not be displayed.

2. Make sure the union (blue field with white stars) is at the top of the staff when the flag is displayed on a flagpole.

3. Keep the U.S. flag at the top when more than one flag is flown from the same halyard.

4. When hanging the flag at half-staff, first hoist it to the peak of the pole, then lower it to half-staff. When lowering the flag, hoist it to the peak of the pole again, then lower it. Any other flags flying alongside the U.S. flag should also be lowered to half-staff.

5. Place the flag over a casket so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

6. When displayed on a wall, the flag should be placed with the union in the upper left corner as the audience faces the flag and should be above and behind the speakers' podium.

7. Place the flag on the speakers' right of the podium (the audience's left) when displaying the U.S. flag in an auditorium or church.

Tips & Warnings

• It is proper to turn towards the flag and stand at attention with your right hand over your heart whenever the flag passes in parade, or is raised or lowered during a ceremony. Those in uniform should give the military salute.
• When a flag is tattered or no longer in a condition that warrants display, remember to dispose of it in a "dignified" manner - being burned in private is considered a dignified end for a flag.
• The flag should be hung upside-down only in times of emergency to signal distress.
• The flag should not be flown in inclement weather that might damage it.

[RomiH]

on 7/2/2009 Even if you are hanging it vertically, the stars MUST be on the left upper corner. It is a common mistake to simply rotate the flag from its horizontal position, but that would result in the stars on the right corner. That is improper...the stars must always be on the left...

[ecm1980]

on 4/26/2009 really interesting.

[GulfVet]

on 6/25/2008 The Town of Middlefield MA. continues to display both of their American flags ripped and torn all year long untill Memorial Day, then their changed. Who can inform them of their disrespect to the flag and for what it stands for, and make them change both flags before Memorial Day.

[venture2000]

on 11/8/2007 In "Tips & Warnings" It says if not in uniform you should place your right hand over your heart as a salute.
That has been changed to read "all veterans will render the hand salute regardless of their attire"


Charles L Skipper

102 Garden Springs Rd

Columbia, SC 29209

803-783-2058

[e-mail]

[jshelby]

on 6/11/2007 What is the proper way to display the American Flag when it is hanging on a wall Vertically? I am sure it is to have the stars in the upper right hand corner. It is a simple matter of rotating the flag from a horizonal position to the vertical. Please advise.