American Flag Etiquette - Do you know the U.S. Flag Code?

Many of us display our American flags all year 'round, especially this time of year as Independence Day approaches. Did you know there is a right way and wrong way to display your flag?
Flag etiquette and the U.S. Flag Code gives a list of rules and guidelines for displaying American flag and treating it with proper respect.
Honoring the Flag
Members of the armed services and veterans are asked to stand at attention and salute when their flag is passing in a parade or being hoisted or lowered; civilians should place their right hand over their heart.
When to Display the Flag

• The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement.
• The custom is to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on flagstaffs in the open, but it may be displayed at night.
• The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on:

    New Year’s Day, January 1
    Inauguration Day, January 20
    Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, third Monday in January
    Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12
    Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February
    Easter Sunday (variable)
    Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May
    Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
    Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May
    Flag Day, June 14
 Father’s Day, third Sunday in June
    Independence Day, July 4
    Labor Day, first Monday in September
    Constitution Day, September 17
    Columbus Day, second Monday in October
    Navy Day, October 27
    Veterans Day, November 11
    Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
    Christmas Day, December 25

• The flag should be displayed at every public institution and in or near every polling place on election days, and at schoolhouses during school days.

General Guidelines for Displaying the American Flag

• When the flag is hung vertically on a wall, window, or door, the Union (blue section) should be to the observer’s left. When the flag is hung either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the Union should be to the observer’s left.

• In a procession, the American flag should be to the right of any other flag or, if in a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
• When displayed from a staff projecting from a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff.
• When the flag is displayed otherwise than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out; or so suspended that its folds fall as freely as though the flag were staffed.
• When displayed over a street, the flag should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street, or to the east in a north and south street.
• On a platform, the flag should be above and behind the speaker, with the union uppermost and to the observer’s left.
• When displayed from a staff in a church or auditorium, the flag should occupy the position of honor and be placed at the speaker’s right as he faces the audience.
• When the flag is used to cover a casket, the union should be at the head and over the left shoulder.

How NOT to Display the American Flag

• The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing, including government officials—even the President.
• The flag should never be displayed with the union (stars) down, unless as a signal of dire distress.
• The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
• The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
• The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
• The flag should never be used as covering for a ceiling.
• The flag should never have anything placed on it.
• The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose, nor embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs, printed on paper napkins or boxes, nor used as any portion of a costume.

How to Dispose of an American Flag

• When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem, it should be destroyed in a dignified and ceremonious fashion, preferably by burning.
• Most American Legions will conduct an annual ceremony to retire worn flags. Contact your local chapter.

Interested in learning more about the U.S. Flag Code? Visit: http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html
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