Do you know the proper way to display the American flag? Affordable Flags and Fireworks, Inc. recommends these common tips to keep in mind when displaying the American flag. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (719) 392-6137.
When displaying the U.S. flag on the wall, your flag should be placed horizontally or vertically. If placed vertically, the Union (blue-filled area with white stars) should be at the very top left-hand corner of the view. The union should always be placed to the viewer’s left.
The American flag should always be displayed at the top of the halyard with other state, city, organization, or institutional flags below.
When displaying the U.S. flag in a group with other state, city, organization, or institutional flags, the U.S. should always be placed in the center of the flags and placed at the highest point.
If displaying the American flag in a cross display, the American flag should be placed on the right-hand side of the other flag with the American flag’s staff being placed in front of the other flag.
During speaking events, the U.S. flag should be placed above and behind the speaker, if displaying the flag flat. If displaying the U.S. flag from a staff on a pulpit or public auditorium, the flag should be placed on the speaker’s right and any other flags should be placed on the left.
If displaying two or more nation’s flags, each flag should be on separate staffs and placed at the same height with approximately the same flag size. International customs forbid placing one nation’s flag higher than another’s in times of peace.
If displaying the U.S. flag at half-staff, it should be raised to the very top for a moment then lowered to the mid-point at half-staff. When lowering the flag for the end of the day, it should also be raised to the very top before lowering to the bottom.
The American flag should be displayed every day when there is not inclement weather which could damage the flag. This shows respect for the national symbol and helps to prolong the life of the flag. It is custom to fly the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings or stationary flag poles. The flag may also be flown at night with a proper lighting.
