Displaying the American Flag

• The Flag is usually displayed from sunrise to sunset. It should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously. In inclement weather, the flag should not be flown.

  • If flown at night only if it is illuminated properly.

• The Flag should be displayed daily and on all holidays, weather permitting, on or near the main administration buildings of all public institutions. It should also be displayed in or near every polling place on election days and in or near every schoolhouse during school days.

  • • Don't forget National Flag week. This is designated as the week that June 14 falls.

• When displayed on a flag pole the U.S. flag flies above all other flags.

  • If the U.S. flag is displayed on the same pole as another flag it is always on top.

  • If the U.S. flag is display on a pole alone but with other poles with other flags then the U.S. flag should fly above (higher) than the other flags.

• When displayed flat against a wall or a window, or in a vertical orientation, the "Union" field of starts should be uppermost and to the left of the observer.

• When folded the Canton (blue field) should be visible.

• When the flag is raised or lowered as part of a ceremony, and as it passes by in a parade or review, everyone, except those in uniform, should face the flag with the right hand over the heart. Those in uniform will salute the flag.

• The Flag should always be raised to Full Staff unless. There are times however when the Flag should be raised only to half staff. Flying the American Flag at Half Staff is during periods when the whole nation is in mourning. These periods of mourning are proclaimed either by the president of the United States, for national remembrance, or the governor of a state or territory, for local remembrance, in the event of a death of a member or former member of the federal, state or territorial government or judiciary. The heads of departments and agencies of the federal government may also order that the flag be flown at half staff on buildings, grounds and naval vessels under their jurisdiction.

• You can follow Halfstaff.org to know if the flag is to be flow Full Staff or Half Staff.