Proper American Flag Etiquette
When to Display the American Flag?
The flag should be displayed any day of the year.
It should especially be displayed on:
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- Inauguration Day – January 20
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday – third Monday in January
- Lincoln’s Birthday – February 12
- Washington’s Birthday – third Monday in February
- Easter Sunday – variable dates
- Mother’s Day – second Sunday in May
- Armed Forces Day – third Saturday in May
- Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) – last Monday in May
- Flag Day – June 14
- Father’s Day – third Sunday in June
- Independence Day – July 4
- Labor Day – first Monday in September
- Constitution Day – September 17
- Columbus Day – second Monday in October
- Navy Day – October 27
- Veterans Day – November 11
- Thanksgiving Day – fourth Thursday in November
- Christmas Day – December 25
- and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States
- the birthdays of States (date of admission)
- State holidays
Most modern flags are made of nylon or polyester and are suitable to fly in all weather conditions. However, flying it in severe weather will shorten the life of the flag.
It is customary to only display the flag from sunrise until sunset, unless you have proper illumination to display it prominently at night.
Other important display notes include:
- The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution
- The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days
- The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse
How to Properly Display the Flag
According to the U.S. Flag Code, here are proper ways to display your American flag:
- When hung vertically on a wall, window, or door, the blue section (called the Union) of the flag should be to the observer’s left.
- When the flag is not being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flatly OR suspended so that it falls freely as though it were being flown from a staff.
- During a procession, the flag should be to the right of any other flag. If in a line of flags, it should be at the front of the line.
- When used to cover a casket, the Union should be at the head and over the left shoulder of the casket
- No other flag should be placed above the American flag. If multiple flags are to be placed on the same level, they should sit to the right of the American flag.
- The American flag should be at the center and the highest point when displayed with a group of state flags.
These are things you should NOT do to to the flag:
- Let it touch the ground
- Fly it upside down (unless there is an emergency)
- Carry the flag flat
- Use the flag as clothing
- Store it where it can get dirty, torn, or damaged in any way
- Fasten or tie it back (always let it fall freely)
- Draw on or mark it in any way
Read more details in the official US Flag Code.
Flying the Flag at Half-Staff
When the country is in mourning, the flag should be flown at half-staff.
Your flag should first be hoisted to its highest position and then lowered to half-staff. When the flag needs to be lowered for the day, it must again be raised to the highest point and then lowered.
For your staff to be considered properly positioned at half-staff, it must be located where “it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff” according to the US Flag Code.
Read our blog post “Why Do We Fly the American Flag at Half-Staff?” for more information about half-staff.
How to Properly Dispose of a Flag
Sometimes flags get worn and torn after being on display for long periods of time and need to be disposed of properly.
Disposal of a flag should be a ceremonious occasion.
Here are 3 ways you can respectfully retire your flag:
- Receive disposal assistance locally.
Some local groups, such as the American Legion, the VFW, the Boy Scouts, or the Girl Scouts hold annual ceremonies for properly disposing of the flag. Contact your local chapter to find out if they offer flag disposal assistance in your area. This method ensures that your flag will be retired by people who are properly trained.
2. Ceremoniously burn the flag.
The most ceremonial way to retire a flag is through burning, but it does have its drawbacks. Today’s flags are made from petroleum-based materials such as nylon and polyester. When burned, the smoke is toxic and harms the environment. If pursuing this route, make sure your flag is made from materials such as cotton or wool.
To properly burn a wool or cotton flag:
- Fold it in its customary manner
- Build a fire large enough to ensure burning of the entire flag
- Place the flag on fire
- Come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and have a moment of silence
- Once the flag has been completely consumed, extinguish the fire and bury the ashes
Recycling the flag is the most practical way to retire it. This is also the retirement method that Volunteer Flag Company recommends.
To recycle the flag, cut it up by separating the Union from the stripes.
To properly cut the flag:
- Stretch out the corners of the flag
- Cut the flag in half vertically and be careful not to cut into the Union (blue star field)
- Place the two cut halves together and cut in half horizontally
Once these cuts are made, you will have four pieces of flag: the blue star field and three red and white stripes. Place the four pieces into a container and dispose of properly.
You can also search for flag recycling companies that will take your flag and properly recycle it. However, these companies are not as prevalent anymore and it may be hard to find one in your area.
These are things you should NOT do to to the flag:
- Let it touch the ground
- Fly it upside down (unless there is an emergency)
- Carry the flag flat
- Use the flag as clothing
- Store it where it can get dirty, torn, or damaged in any way
- Fasten or tie it back (always let it fall freely)
- Draw on or mark it in any way
Read more details in the official US Flag Code.
Find the Perfect Flag through Volunteer Flag Company
Volunteer Flag Company has quality American flags for sale, as well as state flags, military flags, and historical flags.
We also offer flag poles and hardware so that you can display all of your flags proudly.
All of our products are made proudly in the USA.
We ship our products throughout the country, so contact us today for all your flag needs.