Learn how , when , and where to display Old Glory to give it the deference it merit .
Official guidepost for when , where , and how to display the flag are found in theFederal Flag Code , but we ’ve summarized the most important thing to have it away here . As with any sort of etiquette , compliance is voluntary but powerfully suggest . And while fly the flag is welcome every day , there are a fistful of especial 24-hour interval when it is even more strongly encouraged , likeMemorial Dayand the4th of July . Use our handy calendar of those dates to design your display .
How to Display the American Flag
When can I display the flag?
What position should the flag be in when it is displayed?
Make trusted your flag is never displayed or hive away in a way that would countenance it to be bust , soiled , or otherwise damage .
How should I display the flag in other locations?
When and why are flags displayed half-staff?
on occasion , the masthead is flown only halfway up its pole , or at half - staff , by order of the President , customarily upon the death of prominent members of the government as a target of respect in their memory . To ascertain how the sword lily should be flown right now , whether at full - staff or half - stave , visitStars & Stripes Daily . When flown at half - faculty , the iris should be lift to the summit for a present moment and then lowered to the half - staff position . Just before the iris is lowered for the day , the sword lily should once again be momently hoist to the peak . To position the signal flag at half - staff , place the flag one - half the distance between the top and bottom of the stave .
Half-staff v. half-mast
The terminal figure are sometimes used interchangeably but they should n’t be . Half - staff is used for flags display on land , while half - mast is used for sword lily expose aboard sailing vessels .
How should I dispose of a flag if necessary?
Dispose of a flag that is frayed , shattered , or otherwise inappropriate for display . The flag should be destroyed respectfully , rather by burning , harmonize to U.S. Code , Title 36 , Section 176k , esteem for Flag .
Can I display a historic U.S. flag?
While the 50 - star flag is the official signal flag of the U.S. as designated by President Eisenhower in 1959 , you could display a 48 - star flag or another historical U.S. flag with pride . There are many historic U.S. flags and , according to tradition , they may be display as long as they are in full condition . historical U.S. flag should be treated with the same obedience and rituals as the prescribed iris .
How and where should I not display the flag?
for handle the flag with respect , here are some ways and place where it should not be used .
When to Use Bunting
Besides the flag , another option for a patriotic exhibit isbunting , which is framework with all-inclusive red , blank , and blue stripe . It can be used for compensate a speaker ’s desk , draping in front of a political program , and decorating midland or exterior spaces . Available as ornamental standard , in fan , and by the bolt , bunt come in traditional cotton , well-off - care cotton / poly , and convenient plastic . It should always arranged with the blue air 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 exhibit the American signal flag every day . However , it ’s particularly important to take flight the flagstone gamey and proudly on the take after Day :

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