The U.S. flag is a revered national emblem, and there are established protocols (formal rules and customs) for its display and care. Many of these guidelines are outlined in the U.S. Flag Code (Title 4 of U.S. law), which specifies how to correctly use, display, and respect the American flag. Though the Flag Code is not legally enforceable for civilians, following proper flag etiquette is a matter of honor and patriotism. It shows respect for the ideals the flag represents and for those who have defended it. This guide covers key flag display guidelines, including proper flag folding and ceremonial practices, to help you handle the American flag correctly.
Legal Framework: The U.S. Flag Code
The legal foundation governing the handling, display, and respectful treatment of the United States flag is encapsulated in Title 4 of the United States Code, commonly known as the U.S. Flag Code. Established formally by Congress in 1942, it provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure uniformity and dignity in flag etiquette, thereby reinforcing its symbolic importance. While this Code is detailed and authoritative, it lacks penalties for violations, meaning adherence is voluntary and driven primarily by patriotic respect rather than legal compulsion. This framework grants the President of the United States the authority to temporarily modify certain provisions, such as mandating half-staff display following national tragedies or the deaths of prominent individuals.
Chapter 1 of Title 4 outlines flag dimensions and design specifications, ensuring consistency in its production and appearance. The Flag Code also interacts with related statutes that regulate its treatment during special occasions or by specific groups, like military personnel or governmental agencies. Despite its non-enforceable nature for civilians, the Flag Code has a profound influence on how Americans engage with their flag, fostering an environment of respectful patriotism through education and example rather than coercion.
Historical Context and Evolution
The origins and development of U.S. flag etiquette intertwine closely with the nation's history, reflecting America's growth and shifting societal values since its founding. Initially, flag etiquette evolved informally, guided primarily by tradition and local custom rather than formalized rules. The first significant milestone occurred in 1777, when Congress officially adopted the Stars and Stripes design on June 14—a date now commemorated annually as Flag Day, established formally by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and later reaffirmed by Congress in 1949. Throughout the 19th century, as the flag gained prominence during major events such as the War of 1812 and the Civil War, patriotic fervor led to a broader awareness of respectful handling and display. However, formal guidelines remained fragmented until the early 20th century, when patriotic organizations like the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution advocated for standardized protocols to honor veterans and unify national sentiment. This advocacy culminated in the creation of the Flag Code in 1923 by a National Flag Conference, which outlined standardized procedures and symbolic meanings for handling and displaying the American flag.
Flag Display Guidelines
These guidelines address the correct way to display the American flag in various situations, in accordance with U.S. flag regulations:
- Time of Display: Display the flag only from sunrise to sunset. If flown at night, it must be properly illuminated during darkness.
- Weather Conditions: Do not display the flag in inclement weather unless you are using an all-weather flag made for outdoor conditions.
- Hoisting and Lowering: When raising the flag, hoist it briskly to the peak of the pole, and when lowering, lower it slowly and ceremoniously as a sign of respect. Never let the flag drop to the ground while lowering it.
- Half-Staff Protocol: Flying the flag at half-staff is a sign of mourning or respect. To do this properly, first raise the flag to the peak briefly, then lower it to the half-staff position (halfway down the pole). Before taking the flag down for the day, raise it to the peak again, then lower it completely.
- Multiple Flags Display: If the U.S. flag is displayed with other flags (such as state or organizational flags) on adjacent poles, the U.S. flag should be at the center (if applicable) and at the highest point, and it must be hoisted first and lowered last. No other flag should ever be placed above the U.S. flag or to its right (on the same level) when displayed together.
- Parade & Procession: When the flag is carried in a procession or parade with other flags, it should occupy the position of honor. This means the U.S. flag is on the marching right (i.e., to its own right, which is the viewer’s left), or if other flags line both sides, the U.S. flag goes in front at the center of the line. The U.S. flag should not be draped over a vehicle, float, or boat; if displayed on a vehicle, it must be on a staff firmly attached to the right fender or chassis, not draped over the hood or sides.
- Wall or Vertical Hanging: When hanging the American flag against a wall or from a window, the union (the blue field with stars) should always be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, which means to the observer’s left when facing the flag. This rule applies whether the flag is hung vertically or horizontally. (In other words, if you hang the flag vertically on a wall, make sure the stars are at the top left from the viewer’s perspective – this is the correct way to display American flags vertically.)
- Use on a Casket: When the flag is used to cover a casket (as in a military or state funeral), place it so that the union (blue field) is at the head of the casket and over the left shoulder of the deceased. The flag should not touch the ground at any point, and it is removed and folded with honor before the casket is lowered into the ground.
- Indoor Display and Stage: If displayed flat behind a speaker or on a stage, the flag should be above and behind the speaker, with the union to the observer’s left. When displayed by a staff on a podium or in a church/auditorium, the flag should be positioned to the speaker’s right (audience’s left) as they face the audience, as this is the position of honor.
Following these flag display guidelines will ensure the American flag is shown the proper respect in any setting, from public buildings to parades to your own front porch.
Proper Flag Etiquette and Respect
Equally important to how the flag is displayed are the rules for how the flag should not be used or treated. These flag etiquette guidelines outline the dos and don’ts to prevent any disrespect to the Stars and Stripes:
- Never dip the flag to any person or thing. Unlike flags of other organizations, which may be dipped as a salute, the U.S. flag is never lowered in salute to anyone.
- Do not fly the flag upside down (with the union at the bottom) except in a dire distress signal. An upside-down flag is recognized as a signal of extreme danger to life or property.
- Do not let the flag touch the ground (or floor, or water, or anything beneath it). The flag should be handled respectfully at all times, and allowing it to touch the ground or get dirty is considered disrespectful.
- Do not carry the flag flat or horizontally. The flag should always be carried aloft and free, never flat.
- Never wear the flag as apparel or use it as drapery. The flag itself should not be used as clothing, bedding, or curtains. It should never be festooned or drawn back in folds as decoration – instead, use patriotic-colored bunting for decorative purposes (with blue on top, then white, then red)
- Avoid damage or soiling: Do not fasten or display the flag in a way that could allow it to be torn, soiled, or damaged. For example, don’t use it as a cover on a ceiling (flags should never be used as ceiling canopies).
- No markings or attachments: Never place any mark, insignia, letter, word, design, or picture on the flag. The flag should also not have any objects attached to or lying on it.
- Not a receptacle: Do not use the flag as a receptacle to carry or hold anything. It should not carry objects or be used to bundle items.
- No advertising use: The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. This means you should not print the U.S. flag on disposable items like paper napkins, plates, or boxes that will be thrown away.
- Not part of a costume or uniform: No part of the flag should be used as an actual costume or athletic uniform. The only exceptions: a flag patch may be worn on the uniforms of military personnel, police, firefighters, and patriotic organizations, and a flag lapel pin may be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
- Proper disposal: When a flag becomes worn, faded, or torn beyond repair – in other words, no longer a “fitting emblem for display” – it should be retired and destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning in a respectful ceremonial manner. Many veterans’ organizations conduct flag retirement ceremonies for this purpose.
The flag is a powerful symbol of the nation’s ideals and those who have defended them, so it’s important to never display it or use it in a way that diminishes its dignity.
Flag Folding Steps
One important aspect of U.S. flag display rules is the proper folding of the flag during ceremonial occasions or storage. The United States flag is traditionally folded into a triangular shape reminiscent of a cocked hat, with only the blue canton (union) and stars visible in the end. The standard method involves two people holding the flag: they first fold the flag in half lengthwise, and then fold it in half lengthwise once more. Next, starting from the striped end, they make a series of triangular folds until the entire flag is folded into one neat triangle and only the star-covered blue field shows.
It typically takes 13 folds to achieve this final shape, and in military or memorial ceremonies, each of these 13 folds is often assigned a symbolic meaning (representing themes like life, belief in liberty, honor, remembrance of veterans, and so on) as the flag is being folded. The final folded flag resembles a tri-cornered hat from the Revolutionary War era – this is not by accident, as it is said to honor the legacy of the colonial soldiers and sailors (under George Washington, John Paul Jones, and their contemporaries) who fought for American independence. A properly folded American flag is treated with great reverence: for example, at a military funeral, the folded flag is presented to the next of kin as a token of gratitude and honor for the veteran’s service.
Flag Raising Ceremony
Flag ceremonies mark the raising and lowering of the U.S. flag with formality and respect. At a typical flag-raising ceremony (for instance, at the start of a school day or a national holiday event), the flag is attached to the halyard and then hoisted briskly to the top of the flagpole. Participants often stand at attention facing the flag; those in uniform render a crisp military salute, while civilians remove any hats and place their right hand over their heart during the raising and playing of the National Anthem or recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The moment the flag reaches the peak, it may be saluted or honored with a brief pause.
At sunset or the end of the day, the flag is lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Again, observers should stand attentively, saluting or with hand over heart, as the flag is taken down. The flag should never be allowed to fall or touch the ground while being lowered. Once the flag is lowered, it is carefully detached and folded properly for overnight storage. If the flag is being lowered from half-staff, it is first raised to the peak and then lowered. These daily rituals of raising and lowering the flag are a poignant reminder of the respect due to the national flag. They also serve to signal the beginning and end of official days, and are often accompanied by ceremonies that instill patriotism and reflection in those present.
Observing the above U.S. flag protocol guidelines ensures that Old Glory is always treated with the honor it deserves. Proper display and handling of the American flag is more than just following rules – it’s a meaningful show of respect for the nation’s ideals, history, and the people (especially veterans) who have sacrificed for the United States. By adhering to flag etiquette in your daily life, you demonstrate patriotism and set an example for others.
It’s also important to use a flag that is made to official specifications and in good condition when you display it. High-quality flags (ideally made of all-weather materials for outdoor use) are available from reputable U.S. flag suppliers and retailers. For instance, Allegiance provides a variety of American flag products – from durable nylon outdoor flags to custom American flags that you can buy to ensure you have the proper flag for any occasion. Using a well-made flag and following proper protocol go hand in hand.
Sources
- The American Legion – U.S. Flag Code (Title 4): Official U.S. Flag Code as adopted by Congress, detailing the rules for flag display and respect legion.orglegion.org.
- The American Legion – American Flag-Folding Procedures: Traditional method for properly folding the U.S. flag into a triangle and the ceremonial meaning behind each fold legion.org.
- Federal Flags (Blog) – Understanding American Flag Etiquette, Rules, and Guidelines: Article summarizing key flag protocol rules (display guidelines, flag etiquette, etc.) in an easy-to-understand format federalflags.comfederalflags.com.
- National Veterans Training Institute – “The 13 Folds of the American Flag”: Explainer on the 13-step flag folding ceremony often performed at military funerals, including the technique and symbolic values of each fold nvti.orgnvti.org.