7 Essential Tips for Proper American Flag Display

The American flag is a symbol of pride and respect. To honor it properly, follow these key guidelines:

• Time: Display from sunrise to sunset. At night, ensure it’s well-lit.
• Position: Always place the flag at the highest point when with others.
• Condition: Use clean, undamaged flags. Replace worn flags promptly.
• Weather: Avoid bad weather unless using an all-weather flag.
• Placement: Keep the Union (stars) on the top left for horizontal or vertical displays.
• Half-Staff: Raise to the top briefly before lowering to half-staff during periods of mourning.
• Retirement: Dispose of worn flags respectfully, ideally through burning or burial.

1. When and How to Display the Flag

Daylight Display Rules

The American flag should be displayed outdoors from sunrise to sunset on flagstaffs, following the guidelines outlined in the U.S. Flag Code. When raising the flag, do so briskly to the top of the staff.

For daylight display, ensure the flag is:

• Clearly visible and unobstructed
• Protected from harsh weather (use an all-weather flag if necessary)
• Kept in good condition

"The American Legion interprets 'proper illumination' as a light specifically placed to illuminate the flag or having a light source sufficient to illuminate the flag so it is recognizable as such by the casual observer."

As the day ends, prepare to light the flag properly if it will remain on display at night.

Night Display Requirements

The American flag can stay displayed 24 hours a day if it is properly illuminated after dark. This requires focused lighting to ensure the flag is clearly visible.

Here are lighting specifications based on flag and pole size:

To ensure proper nighttime illumination:

• Aim lights directly at the flag, avoiding the ground
• Position two fixtures 180° apart or three in a 120° triangular setup
• Use LED lights for energy efficiency and steady brightness
• Secure fixtures to withstand strong winds
• Check bulbs regularly and clean lenses to maintain clarity

The flag should be displayed on major national holidays, including Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Independence Day, and Veterans Day. On these occasions, proper lighting is especially important if the flag remains displayed after sunset.

2. Flag Position and Placement

Multiple Flag Displays

When displaying the American flag with other flags, its placement matters greatly.

For international flags:

• Use separate staffs of the same height.
• Place the U.S. flag to its own right (the viewer's left).
• Avoid positioning one nation's flag above another during peacetime.

For state or organizational flags:

• The U.S. flag should be the highest and centered within the group.
• In a row, use the tallest pole for the American flag.
• Ensure no other flag overshadows the U.S. flag.

For podium setups and processions, place the U.S. flag on the speaker's right (audience's left) and at the center or marching right during processions.

"The Flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of Flags of states, localities or societies are grouped for display." - National Flag Foundation

Next, ensure proper mounting for wall and pole displays to maintain the correct orientation.

Wall and Pole Mounting

Proper orientation is key when mounting the flag vertically or horizontally. The Union (star field) must always be in a prominent position.

For wall mounting:

• Horizontal display: Place the Union in the top left corner.
• Vertical display: The Union should be at the top and to the observer's left.
• Window display: Follow the same rules as wall mounting, ensuring the Union is in the top left when viewed from outside.
• Indoor placement: Position the flag to the right of speakers or service leaders.

For flagpoles:

• On a single pole, the U.S. flag should always be at the peak.
• For multiple poles with international flags, use staffs of equal height.
• When flags are on adjacent staffs, raise the American flag first and lower it last.

In crossed staff displays, the U.S. flag's staff should be in front and positioned to its own right.

3. Weather Protection Guidelines

Outdoor Flag Materials

Choosing the right flag material for your local weather ensures it lasts longer and looks its best.

"Polyester is renowned for its high tensile strength, making it the ideal choice for large flags that need to endure continuous wind pressure".

For outdoor flags, here are two key tips:

• Use UV-resistant materials in sunny areas to reduce fading.
• Ensure the flag's length is 1/4 to 1/3 of the pole height for proper proportion.

Selecting the right material is just the first step - caring for your flag during harsh weather is equally important.

Bad Weather Procedures

Once you've chosen the proper material, take steps to shield your flag from bad weather.

The U.S. Flag Code offers this guidance:

"The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed".

Here’s how to protect your flag:

• Monitor weather conditions: Lower the flag during high winds, remove it before storms, and allow it to dry completely before storing.
• Store properly: Keep the flag in a dry, dark place to avoid damage.

If you’re using an all-weather flag:

• Inspect regularly, especially after storms.
• Check that grommets and attachments are secure.
• Clean with care: Use mild detergent and cold water.
• Repair any damage promptly.
• Replace the flag if it shows heavy wear or fading.

Even all-weather flags need regular care. Frequent inspections and maintenance ensure your flag continues to fly proudly while honoring its symbolic importance.

4. Flag Care and Storage

Raising and Lowering Steps

Here are key steps to keep in mind when handling a flag:

When raising the flag:

• Hoist it quickly at sunrise or the designated start time.
• If displaying the flag at night, ensure it is properly lit.

When lowering the flag:

• Lower it slowly and carefully.
• Make sure the flag never touches the ground.

"The flag should be illuminated if displayed at night"

Once the flag is lowered, folding it correctly helps maintain its condition for storage.

Flag Folding Instructions

The traditional triangle fold is a precise process. Follow these steps:

1. Lay the flag flat on a clean surface with the union (blue field) facing up, and fold it lengthwise.
2. Starting at the striped end, fold the flag into a triangle. Keep folding in triangles until only the blue field remains visible. This process involves 13 folds, symbolizing the original 13 colonies.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is essential to protect the flag from damage. Consider these tips:

• Keep the flag in a dark, dry place to prevent fading or mildew.
• Use acid-free tissue paper to avoid discoloration.
• Avoid plastic containers, as they can trap moisture and lead to deterioration.
• Inspect the flag regularly for any signs of wear or damage.
• Clean the flag thoroughly before storing it.

"For most textiles and fabrics, including the American flag, we recommend ventilated and dry environments that do not fluctuate in temperature" - Jeff Ley, Sales Manager for STORExpress Self Storage

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8 rules for properly displaying the American Flag

5. Half-Staff Display Rules

This section provides guidelines for displaying the flag at half-staff, a gesture of national mourning and respect.

When to Display the Flag at Half-Staff

The flag is flown at half-staff during specific periods of mourning, as directed by the President or state governors. Here are the standard protocols:

• Death of a President: 30 days after their passing
• Death of a Vice President: 10 days after their passing
• Death of a Chief Justice: 10 days after their passing
• Death of a Member of Congress: Day of death and the following day

Additionally, the flag is lowered to half-staff on these annual days of remembrance:

• Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
• Memorial Day (until noon)
• Patriot Day (September 11)
• National Firefighters Memorial Day (in October)
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7)

How to Display the Flag at Half-Staff

The method for displaying the flag at half-staff depends on the type of flagpole or mount being used.

For Traditional Flagpoles

• Start by raising the flag quickly to the top of the pole.
• Lower it slowly to the halfway point between the top and bottom.
• Before taking the flag down for the day, raise it back to the top briefly, then lower it completely.

For Fixed-Mount Flags
If the pole doesn’t allow movement, follow one of these methods:

1. Mourning Ribbon Method
   • Attach a black ribbon to the top edge of the flag.
   • The ribbon’s width should match one stripe, and its length should match the flag’s length.
2. Telescoping Pole Method
   • Attach the flag to the second set of rings on the pole.
   • Leave the top rings empty and ensure even spacing between the rings.

When the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff, any other flags should either be removed or adjusted to match the same position.

6. Flag Retirement Steps

Retiring a worn American flag is an important way to honor its symbolism and history.

When to Replace a Flag

Check your flag regularly for signs of wear. Outdoor flags typically last about 90 days. Replace your flag if you notice:

• Tears or rips
• Frayed edges
• Faded colors
• Stains
• Structural issues like broken grommets or loose stitching

Proper Disposal Methods

The U.S. Flag Code specifies that worn flags should be destroyed respectfully, usually by burning.

1. Ceremonial Burning

• Fold the flag into the traditional triangle shape.
• Prepare a fire large enough to fully burn the flag.
• Place the folded flag gently into the flames.
• Show respect during the process - salute or recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Once the flag is fully burned, collect and bury the ashes.

2. Dignified Burial

• Fold the flag properly following protocol.
• Place it in a sturdy wooden box for protection.
• Bury the box deep enough to avoid disturbances.
• You may choose to mark the burial site as a gesture of respect.

"The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." - U.S. Flag Code

Organizations Offering Flag Retirement Services

If you're unsure about handling the process yourself, several organizations provide flag retirement services:

Additional Tips

• Safety Note: Burning nylon flags can release harmful fumes. If your flag is made of nylon, consider using alternative methods or seeking professional help.
• Many communities host flag retirement ceremonies on Flag Day (June 14), offering a meaningful way to retire your flag while honoring its legacy.

These steps ensure the flag is treated with the respect it deserves, even at the end of its service.

Conclusion: Proper Flag Display Basics

Following the guidelines outlined above helps ensure the U.S. flag is displayed with the respect it deserves. While the U.S. Flag Code is voluntary, it offers clear recommendations for honoring the flag appropriately.

Key practices include displaying the flag from sunrise to sunset - or around the clock if it's properly lit - ensuring the union (blue section) is positioned correctly, and protecting it from damage during bad weather. Using weather-resistant materials and cleaning the flag regularly can help maintain its condition.

It's also important to inspect your flag often for wear and tear. If it becomes too damaged to display, it should be retired respectfully, ideally through burning as outlined in proper disposal methods.

FAQs

How should the American flag be lit at night to comply with the U.S. Flag Code?

According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag can be displayed at night if it is properly illuminated. This means the flag must be lit in a way that ensures it is clearly visible and recognizable in the dark.

To achieve this, position a dedicated light source, such as a spotlight, to shine directly on the flag. The lighting should be bright enough to make the flag stand out without causing glare or excessive light pollution. Solar-powered or energy-efficient LED lights are excellent options for this purpose, as they provide consistent illumination while being environmentally friendly.

What should I do with a worn-out American flag if I can’t perform a ceremonial burning myself?

If you're unable to conduct a ceremonial burning, you can take your worn-out American flag to designated flag disposal boxes, often found at local government offices, police stations, or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts. Many American Legion posts, VFW chapters, and organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts also collect flags for proper retirement ceremonies. These groups ensure the flag is respectfully handled in accordance with established etiquette.

When should the American flag be flown at half-staff, and how is it properly displayed?

The American flag is flown at half-staff as a mark of respect or mourning. This is done on specific occasions, such as the death of principal U.S. government officials, state governors, or during national tragedies. It is also flown at half-staff on designated days like Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15), Memorial Day (until noon), Patriot Day (September 11), National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service (October), and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7).

To properly display the flag at half-staff, first hoist it briskly to the peak of the pole, then lower it slowly to the half-staff position. When taking it down, raise it back to the peak before lowering it completely. This practice ensures proper respect and honors the tradition of flag etiquette.

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