Guidelines for Display of the Flag

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag. While the federal code avoids prescribing penalties for misusing the flag, individual states also have specific flag codes and may impose penalties for misuse. The language of the Federal Flag Code clearly defines the flag as a living symbol.

In response to a Supreme Court decision which held that a state law prohibiting flag burning was unconstitutional, Congress enacted the Flag Protection Act in 1989, which specifies penalties (fines or imprisonment [up to one year]) for knowingly desecrating the U.S. flag. However, this law was challenged by the Supreme Court in a 1990 decision, which determined the Flag Protection Act violates the First Amendment free speech protections.

Important Things to Remember Regarding the U.S. Flag 

• Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, patriots may feel free to display the flag at all times while being mindful of illuminating the flag during periods of darkness
• Avoid subjecting the flag to weather damage. This includes avoiding the display of our U.S. flag during rain, snow, and wind storms unless the flag is an all-weather flag
• The U.S. Flag should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions
• Patriots should display the flag on or near the main building of public institutions, schools (during school days), and polling places on election days. Our flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously
• When carried in a procession with other flags, the U.S. flag should be either on the marching right (the flag’s right) or to the front and center of the flag line
• When displayed on a float in a parade, the flag should be hung from a staff or suspended, so it falls free
• People should avoid draping the flag over vehicles. If displaying the U.S. flag on a car, firmly affix the staff to the chassis, or clamp the flag to the right fender
• When displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (left to a person facing the wall), and its staff should be in front of the other flag’s staff
• In a group of flags displayed from staffs, the U.S. flag should be at the center and the highest point
• When displaying the U.S. flag on something other than a staff, please ensure the flag is displayed flat or suspended so that the folds fall free. When displayed over a street, the union should face north or east, depending on the street’s direction
• When displaying the U.S. flag as projecting from a building, place the union of the flag at the peak of the staff — unless the flag is at half-staff. When suspended from a rope extending from the building on a pole, hoist the flag union first
• When flying flags of states, cities or organizations on the same staff, the U.S. flag must be at the top (except during church services conducted at sea by Navy chaplains)
• Always avoid draping the flag, or drawing it back in folds as this is prohibited. Instead, drape red, white, and blue bunting for decoration, with the blue at the top and red at the bottom
• The flag may be flown at half-staff to honor a newly deceased federal or state government official by order of the president or the governor, respectively. On Memorial Day, display the flag at half-staff until noon

Other Flag Faux Pas to Avoid

Out of respect for the U.S. flag, these actions are inappropriate and must be eliminated:

• Dipping the flag for any person or thing, even though dipping of state flags, regimental colors, and other flags is permissible as a mark of honor
• Displaying the flag with the union down, except as a signal of distress
• Allowing the flag to touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise
• Allowing the flag to become soiled or damaged through improper fastening or displays
• Placing anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind
• Utilizing the flag to hold other items
• Crafting apparel, bedding, or drapery from the U.S. flag
  • Additionally, always avoid using the flag for costumes or athletic uniforms
  • However, a flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police officers, and firefighters
• Avoid utilizing the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or as a print on paper napkins, boxes, or anything else intended for temporary use and subsequently discarded

Respecting the Flag

During the hoisting or lowering of the flag or when the flag passes in parade or review deliver the appropriate respect to our flag by following these guidelines:

• Americans should stand at attention facing the flag and place their right hand over the heart
• Uniformed military members should render the military salute
• Men out of uniform should remove any headdress and hold the headdress with their right hand at their left shoulder, with their hand resting over the heart
• Others (non-U.S. citizens) should stand at attention

Disposal of Worn, Frayed, or Faded U.S. Flags

Patriots should be mindful to:

• Promptly replace any flags that are worn, shabby, or becoming unsightly
• Appropriately stored worn flags until they can be disposed of properly
• Destroy the U.S. flag in a dignified way, preferably by burning