U.S. Flag Code Basics for Displaying Your Flag at Home
The U.S. Flag Code (4 U.S.C. Chapter 1) sets out customs for displaying the flag. It is advisory for civilians, but following it shows respect and avoids common mistakes. Here are the parts most homeowners and small businesses ask about.
Hours and lighting
The custom is to display the flag from sunrise to sunset. The Flag Code allows 24-hour display when the flag is properly illuminated during darkness. A small spotlight aimed at the flag is enough.
Weather
The Code says the flag should not be displayed in inclement weather unless it is an all-weather flag. Most modern nylon and polyester flags are all-weather, but taking any flag down in a severe storm will make it last much longer.
Position
- On a wall or in a window, displayed flat, the union (blue field of stars) goes at the top and to the flag's own right, which is the observer's left.
- On a staff from a house, the union goes at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.
- With other flags on the same pole, the U.S. flag goes at the top.
- With other flags on separate poles of the same height, the U.S. flag goes to its own right (the observer's left) and is raised first and lowered last.
Respect for the flag
- The flag should not touch the ground or anything beneath it.
- It should not be used as clothing, bedding, or drapery. For decoration, the Code suggests bunting of blue, white and red.
- Nothing should be placed on the flag, such as marks, insignia or letters.
- It should not be used for advertising.
Half-staff
The flag is flown at half-staff to honor the death of certain officials and on specific days such as Memorial Day (until noon) and Peace Officers Memorial Day. The President, and in some cases a state governor, may order half-staff display. When flying at half-staff, first raise the flag to the peak for an instant, then lower it to the half-staff position. Before lowering it for the day, raise it to the peak again. On a fixed house bracket where you cannot lower the flag, some people attach a black ribbon at the top instead; this is a common practice rather than a Code requirement.
Folding
The traditional triangular fold leaves only the blue field showing. Fold the flag in half lengthwise twice, then make triangular folds starting from the striped end until only the union remains, and tuck the end in. Folding it this way is also a respectful way to store a worn flag before retirement.
When it wears out
When the flag is no longer a fitting emblem for display, the Code says it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. See when to retire a flag and where to drop it off.
The short version
Fly the flag sunrise to sunset or light it at night, take it in during bad weather, put the union at the top-left as viewed, keep it off the ground, follow half-staff orders, fold it respectfully, and retire it when worn.