A Comprehensive Guide to Displaying the American Flag

Introduction

The American flag is a powerful symbol of our nation's history, values, and unity. However, many people are unaware of the proper protocols for displaying the flag. The U.S. Flag Code provides specific guidelines to ensure the flag is treated with the respect it deserves. This guide will walk you through the essential rules for displaying the American flag in various settings.

Flag Display in Public Spaces

Over the Middle of the Street

When displaying the American flag over a street, the orientation depends on the direction of the street. For a north-south street, the Union (the blue field with stars) should be to the east. For an east-west street, the Union should be to the north.

In Auditoriums or Churches

In public spaces like auditoriums or churches, the American flag should be placed prominently at the front, to the right of the speaker or podium. Any other flags should be positioned to the left of the American flag or the speaker.

Flag Display at Home

From a Home or Porch Over a Sidewalk

If you have a flagpole extending from your home over a sidewalk, the flag should be raised with the Union first, so the stars are at the peak of the flagpole.

From a Home or Porch at an Angle from a Window

For flagpoles extending at an angle from a higher level of your home, such as a window or balcony, the Union should be raised first, ensuring it flies at the peak of the flagpole.

Flags on Flagpoles

Displaying Multiple Flags

When displaying multiple flags, the order of precedence is as follows:

1. National Flags: Displayed in alphabetical order, with the U.S. flag first within the United States and its territories.
2. State Flags: The host state's flag is displayed first, followed by other states in the order of their admission to the Union.
3. Military Flags: Displayed in the order of their establishment: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and other groups.

From the Same Flagpole

If multiple flags are flown from the same flagpole, the U.S. flag should always be at the topmost position.

From Multiple Adjacent Flagpoles

When using multiple adjacent flagpoles, the U.S. flag should be raised first and lowered last. No flag should be flown to the right of the U.S. flag.

From a Circle or Grouping of Flagpoles

In a circular grouping of flagpoles, the American flag should be placed in the central position and fly at the highest point.

Displaying Flags from Multiple Nations

When flying flags of multiple nations, they should be of equal size and displayed on separate flagpoles at the same height. In peacetime, no flag should be flown above another.

Special Circumstances

Displaying the Flag at Half-Mast

The flag may be flown at half-mast only when decreed by the President or the Governor, and on Memorial Day until noon. To fly the flag at half-mast, raise it to the peak and then lower it to the midpoint. At sundown, raise it to the peak again before lowering it completely.

Using a Flag to Cover a Casket

When using the American flag to cover a casket, the Union should be placed at the head of the casket and over the left shoulder. The flag should be removed before burial and folded properly.

Flag Display Not from a Flagpole

If the flag is not hanging unfurled and free from a flagpole, it should be displayed flat with the Union at the top left to the viewer. This rule also applies when displaying the flag in a window. For decorations, use red, white, and blue bunting instead of the actual flag.

Displaying the Flag in a Parade or March

In parades or marches, the U.S. flag should be in a place of prominence. If carried, it should be on the right side (the flag's own right) or lead the procession if in a line of flags.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you can display the American flag with the respect and pride it deserves. Remember, the flag is a symbol of our great nation and should be treated with the utmost care and thoughtfulness.

For more detailed information on flag etiquette, you can refer to the U.S. Flag Code.

Interesting Stats

• According to a 2020 survey, 62% of Americans own an American flag, and 75% of them display it at home (Source: Statista).
• The U.S. Flag Code was established on June 14, 1923, and later adopted as law on June 22, 1942 (Source: USFlag.org).

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that you are honoring the American flag and what it represents.