- Marvin Display American Flag Etiquette & Display Rules

American Flag Etiquette and Display Guidelines

The U.S. Flag Code outlines how to show respect for the American flag and how it should not be used.

Proper Use of the American Flag

The flag should never be dipped to any person or object.
It should only be flown upside down as a signal of extreme distress.
The flag should not be used as drapery, to cover a speaker’s desk, drape a platform, or as decoration.
- Red, white, and blue bunting may be used instead, with the blue stripe on top.
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes.
- It should not be printed or placed on disposable items such as napkins, boxes, or handkerchiefs.
- Advertising signs should never be attached to the flag, staff, or halyard.
The flag should not be worn as clothing or used as part of a costume or athletic uniform.
- A flag patch is permitted on uniforms of military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and patriotic organizations.
Nothing should ever be written on, attached to, or placed on the flag.
The flag should never be used to carry, hold, or receive items.

Caring for the Flag

When lowering the flag, it should never touch the ground or any object. It should be received by waiting hands.
When stored, the flag should be folded neatly and respectfully.
Flags should be cleaned and repaired when needed.
When a flag becomes too worn to display, it should be retired by burning in a dignified manner.

Flag Retirement:
Many American Legion Posts, Scout Troops, and other organizations conduct formal flag retirement ceremonies, often on Flag Day (June 14). Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout group for availability.

Displaying the Flag Outdoors

When displayed from a building, window, or balcony, the union (stars) should be at the peak of the staff, unless flown at half-staff.
When flown with another flag on the same pole, the U.S. flag must always be on top.
- The only exception is the church pennant during naval religious services at sea.
When displayed over a street, the flag should hang vertically with the union to the north or east.
When suspended over a sidewalk, the union should be farthest from the building.
When flown with other flags on separate poles of equal height, the U.S. flag is placed in the position of honor — to its own right.
Other flags may be smaller, but none may be larger.
No flag should ever be placed above the U.S. flag.
The U.S. flag is raised first and lowered last.

With Flags of Other Nations

Each nation’s flag must be flown on a separate pole of equal height.
All flags should be the same size.
Flags are raised and lowered at the same time.
No nation’s flag may be flown above another.

Raising and Lowering the Flag

The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously.
It is typically displayed from sunrise to sunset.
If flown at night, the flag should be properly illuminated.
When the flag is raised or lowered, it should be saluted until it is secured or until music concludes.

Displaying the Flag Indoors

The flag should always be placed in the position of honor — to its own right.
When displayed with other flags, the U.S. flag should be centered and at the highest point.
If two flags are crossed, the U.S. flag is placed to its own right with its staff in front.
When displayed flat against a wall, the union should be at the top and to the flag’s own right (the observer’s left).

Parading and Saluting the Flag

In a procession, the flag should be carried to the right of the marchers.
When multiple flags are carried, the U.S. flag may be centered in front or carried to the right.
When the flag passes, or is raised or lowered, all should face it and salute.

The Salute

All individuals should stand at attention.
Those in uniform give the proper formal salute.
Civilians place the right hand over the heart.
Men wearing hats should remove them and hold them at the left shoulder.
Members of organizations salute when directed by their leader.

The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem

The Pledge of Allegiance should be recited while standing at attention and facing the flag.
During the National Anthem, stand at attention and salute from the first note to the last.
If the flag is present, the salute is directed toward it; otherwise, toward the music.

The Flag in Mourning

To fly the flag at half-staff, raise it briefly to the peak, then lower it halfway.
Before lowering it for the day, raise it again briefly to the peak.
On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff.
The flag is flown at half-staff by order of the President or Governor to honor designated officials.

Flag on a Casket

When used to cover a casket, the union is placed at the head and over the left shoulder.
The flag should not be lowered into the grave.