U.S. Flag Display

Proper etiquette for displaying and handling an American flag is an essential part of respecting our flag’s history and meaning. The universal custom is to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day as long as it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Read more below or contact us today to learn about respectful etiquette in a multitude of situations.

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01

When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall.

The union (or blue field) should be located to the observer’s left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union to the left of the observer in the street.

No other flag or pennant should be placed above, or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, for personnel of the Navy, or when the church pennant may be flown above the flag.

No person may display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof; Provided that nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.

02

Flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies

must be located below the flag of the United States when flown on the same halyard.

03

When flown from adjacent staffs

the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No other flag or pennant may be placed above or to the right of the flag of the United States.

04

When displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs

the flag of the United States of America should be placed on the right side. Its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

05

When a group of State flags, Locality Flags, or community banners are grouped and displayed on staffs

the flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group.

06

When flags of two or more nations are displayed

they should be flown from separate staffs of the same height and be of approximately equal size. In a time of peace, International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation.

07
CHURCHES, AUDITORIUMS

When used on a speaker’s platform

When used on a speaker’s platform the flag, if displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman’s or speaker’s right as they face the audience. Any other flag displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.

08

HALF-STAFF

The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak, and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should also be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.

On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of the State, territory, or possession as a mark of respect to their memory.

In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff.

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