How to Display the American Flag

When can I display the flag?

Display the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and outdoor stationary flagstaffs. The flag can be displayed 24 hours a day if the flag is illuminated during the hours of darkness.
Unless you have an all-weather flag (frequently made of nylon, polyester, or treated cotton), the flag should not be displayed during inclement weather.

What position should the flag be in when it is displayed?

Pay attention to the position of the union (the blue field of stars). When the flag is displayed horizontally or at an angle from a windowsill or the front of a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff—unless the flag is flown at half-staff. When displayed flat against a wall or in a window, the union should always be at the top and to the observer’s left.
The flag should not be allowed to touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
Always carry our flag aloft and floating free, never flat or horizontally.
The flag must always fall free and must never be festooned, drawn back or up, or in folds.
Never display the flag with the union at the bottom of the flag, except as a signal of extreme distress (as in a danger to life or property)

Make sure your flag is never displayed or stored in a way that would allow it to be torn, soiled, or otherwise damaged.

How should I display the flag in other locations?

To display the American flag on a car, the staff should be attached to the chassis or the right fender.
On a float in a parade, the flag may only be displayed from a staff.
Position a lapel flag pin on the left lapel, near the heart.
According to the U.S. Flag Code, a flag patch is considered appropriate for the uniforms of military personnel, police officers, firefighters, and members of patriotic organizations. And, while it’s not illegal for others to wear flag patches, doing so in a casual or decorative way may be seen as disrespectful by some.

When and why are flags displayed half-staff?

Occasionally, the American flag is flown at half-staff—halfway up the flagpole—as a mark of respect. This is typically done by order of the President to honor the death of a prominent government official or during a national tragedy. To check whether the flag should currently be at full- or half-staff, visit Stars & Stripes Daily; it offers up-to-date information on flag-flying protocols and official half-staff orders.

When flying the flag at half-staff, raise it to the peak briefly before lowering it to the halfway point. Before lowering it for the day, raise it to the top again for a moment, then bring it down completely. The half-staff position is defined as halfway between the top and bottom of the staff.

Half-staff v. half-mast

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably but they shouldn't be. Half-staff is used for flags displayed on land, while half-mast is used for flags displayed aboard sailing vessels.

How should I dispose of a flag if necessary?

It's best to dispose of a flag that is worn, frayed, tattered, or no longer suitable for display. The flag should be destroyed respectfully, preferably by burning, according to U.S. Code, Title 36, Section 176k, Respect for Flag.2 Many communities and organizations, such as the American Legion or Boy Scouts, offer flag retirement ceremonies if you prefer not to handle disposal yourself.

Can I display a historic U.S. flag?

While the 50-star flag is the official flag of the United States as designated by President Eisenhower in 1959, you can display a 48-star flag or another historic U.S. flag with pride. There are many historic U.S. flags and, according to tradition, they may be displayed as long as they are in good condition. Historic U.S. flags should be treated with the same respect and rituals as the official flag.

How and where should I not display the flag?

In order to treat the flag with respect, here are some ways and places where it should not be used.

Do not place the flag over the hood, top, sides, or back of any vehicle, including a train or boat.
Neither the flag nor any part of the flag may be used as a costume or athletic uniform.
Never use the flag for apparel, bedding, or drapery.
Never use the flag as a covering for a ceiling.
No mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing can be placed on the flag or any part of the flag.
The flag must never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
Never use the flag for advertising in any manner. Advertising signs should not be attached to the flag's staff or halyard (the rope used to hoist the flag).
No items that are intended for temporary use should be adorned with the flag. The flag should not be embroidered, printed, or embossed on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything that will be discarded.

When to Use Bunting

Besides the flag, another option for a patriotic display is bunting, which is fabric with wide red, white, and blue stripes. It can be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping in front of a platform, and decorating interior or exterior spaces. Available as ornamental banners, in fans, and by the bolt, bunting comes in traditional cotton, easy-care cotton/poly, and convenient plastic. It should always arranged with the blue at the top, the white in the middle, and the red at the bottom.

Which days should I fly the flag?

We are encouraged to display the American flag every day. However, it's particularly important to fly the flag high and proudly on the following days:

New Year's Day, January 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, third Monday in January
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
Easter Sunday
Mother's Day, the second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
Memorial Day, last Monday in May (flag at half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff)
Flag Day, June 14
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Constitution Day, September 17
Columbus Day, the second Monday in October
Navy Day, October 27
Veterans Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, December 25
Any other days proclaimed by the President of the United States, including State birthdays and holidays

Displaying the American flag is a meaningful way to express your patriotism and honor the values it represents. By following the Federal Flag Code and these simple guidelines, you can ensure your flag is flown with the dignity and respect it deserves. Whether you’re celebrating a national holiday, honoring a special occasion, or proudly displaying the flag every day, thoughtful flag etiquette helps preserve its symbolism for generations to come.