American Flag Etiquette: A Complete Guide to the U.S. Flag Code
American Flag Etiquette: A Complete Guide to the U.S. Flag Code
American flag etiquette is built around a few consistent principles: give the flag the position of honor, keep it aloft and free, protect it from avoidable damage, and retire it respectfully when it is no longer fit for display. The details matter, however, because the correct position changes when the flag is mounted on a wall, flown with another flag, carried in a parade, placed on a casket, or lowered to half-staff.
This is a research-based guide to the current federal guidance for civilian display of the United States flag. It summarizes Title 4, Chapter 1 of the United States Code, commonly called the U.S. Flag Code. It is not legal advice, and military units, government agencies, schools, employers, associations, and event organizers may follow additional rules.
American flag etiquette at a glance
- Display the flag from sunrise to sunset, or illuminate it properly if it remains up after dark.
- Use an all-weather flag during ordinary inclement weather, and remove any flag when severe conditions threaten it, the flagpole, or surrounding property.
- On a wall, place the union—the blue field of stars—uppermost and to the observer’s left.
- On the same halyard as a state, city, military-service, or organizational flag, place the U.S. flag at the peak.
- At half-staff, raise the flag to the peak first, lower it to half-staff, and raise it to the peak again before taking it down.
- Do not display the flag upside down except as a signal of dire distress involving extreme danger to life or property.
- If a flag accidentally touches the ground, inspect and clean it as needed; the Flag Code does not state that accidental contact automatically requires retirement.
What Is the U.S. Flag Code?
The U.S. Flag Code is the federal codification of customs for the display and use of the American flag by civilians and civilian organizations that are not governed by separate executive-department regulations. The modern provisions appear in Title 4 of the United States Code:
- 4 U.S.C. § 4: The Pledge of Allegiance and the manner of delivery.
- 4 U.S.C. § 5: The civilian scope and definition of the flag.
- 4 U.S.C. § 6: Times and occasions for display.
- 4 U.S.C. § 7: Position and manner of display.
- 4 U.S.C. § 8: Respect for the flag.
- 4 U.S.C. § 9: Conduct during hoisting, lowering, or the passing of the flag.
- 4 U.S.C. § 10: Presidential authority to modify the rules and customs by proclamation.
Older references may cite former sections of Title 36. The current Flag Code is codified in Title 4. Many civilian-etiquette provisions use the word “should” and establish uniform national customs. Those provisions do not themselves assign a general federal penalty to ordinary display mistakes, although other federal laws, state laws, military regulations, property rules, or workplace policies may apply in particular circumstances.
Important current-law note: A December 23, 2024 amendment changed 4 U.S.C. § 8(c). The Code still says the flag should ordinarily be carried aloft and free, but it now includes a narrow exception when horizontal carrying is necessary in limited circumstances, performed respectfully, and part of a military or patriotic observance. Older flag-etiquette guides may not reflect this update.
When Should the American Flag Be Displayed?
Sunrise to sunset
Under 4 U.S.C. § 6, the customary display period on buildings and outdoor stationary flagstaffs is sunrise to sunset.
Displaying the American flag at night
The flag may remain displayed 24 hours a day when it is properly illuminated during darkness. The Code does not specify a fixture type, beam angle, or lumen level. As a practical standard, use dependable lighting that makes the flag clearly recognizable after dark rather than relying only on distant or inconsistent ambient light.
Rain, snow, and inclement weather
The Code says the flag should not be displayed on days of inclement weather unless it is an all-weather flag. “All-weather” does not mean indestructible. High winds, hail, ice, severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and contact with trees or buildings can damage the fabric, hardware, and flagpole. Remove the flag when severe conditions make continued display unsafe or likely to cause damage.
Material matters. Nylon is often selected for residential display and lighter wind, while heavier spun polyester is commonly used in more demanding conditions. Compare nylon and polyester American flags before choosing a replacement.
Raising and lowering the flag
The Flag Code says the flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. Make sure clips, snaps, halyards, brackets, and grommets are secure before raising it, and do not allow the flag to drag while attaching or removing it.
Flag-flying holidays and occasions
The Code encourages display on all days and especially identifies the following occasions. The list is not exclusive; presidential proclamations, state admission anniversaries, and state holidays may add other appropriate dates.
| Occasion | Date or timing | Special note |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Standard display |
| Inauguration Day | January 20 | Applicable in an inauguration year |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Standard display |
| Lincoln’s Birthday | February 12 | Standard display |
| Washington’s Birthday | Third Monday in February | Often called Presidents Day |
| National Vietnam War Veterans Day | March 29 | Standard display |
| Easter Sunday | Variable | Standard display |
| Mother’s Day | Second Sunday in May | Standard display |
| Armed Forces Day | Third Saturday in May | Standard display |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Half-staff until noon, then full-staff |
| Flag Day | June 14 | Standard display |
| Father’s Day | Third Sunday in June | Standard display |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Standard display |
| National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day | July 27 | Standard display |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Standard display |
| Constitution Day | September 17 | Standard display |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October | Name or observance may vary locally |
| Navy Day | October 27 | Listed in the Flag Code |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Standard display |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | Standard display |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Standard display |
| State birthdays and state holidays | Varies by state | Includes a state’s admission anniversary |
The Code also calls for daily display on or near the main administration building of public institutions, at or near polling places on election days, and during school days in or near schoolhouses.
How to Display the American Flag at Home
On a house-mounted pole
When a staff projects horizontally or at an angle from a home, balcony, or building, place the union at the peak of the staff unless the flag is being displayed at half-staff on equipment designed for that purpose. Give the flag enough clearance to fly without striking siding, brick, gutters, roof shingles, railings, branches, utility lines, or nearby decorations.
A 3-by-5-foot flag is a common match for a five- or six-foot residential pole, but the right dimensions depend on the pole, location, wind exposure, and hardware. Use the American flag and flagpole size guide before purchasing a larger flag.
Horizontally on a wall
Place the union uppermost and to the flag’s own right. From the viewer’s perspective, that means the blue field belongs in the upper-left corner.
Vertically on a wall
The same rule applies when the flag is displayed vertically: the union remains uppermost and to the observer’s left. Do not simply rotate a horizontal display in a way that puts the union on the viewer’s right.
In a window
Display the union to the left of the person viewing the flag from the street. Think from the outside observer’s perspective, not from the perspective of someone inside the room.
Suspended over a sidewalk
If a flag is suspended from a rope extending from a building to a pole at the edge of a sidewalk, hoist it outward from the building union first.
How to Display the American Flag With Other Flags
The correct arrangement depends on whether the other flag represents a state, city, military service, organization, or another nation. The common statement that the U.S. flag must always be physically higher than every other flag is incomplete; international displays follow a separate rule.
| Display | Correct position |
|---|---|
| U.S. flag with a state, city, military-service, or organizational flag on one halyard | Place the U.S. flag at the peak. Confirm that the pole is rated for the combined flag load. |
| U.S. flag and state or organizational flags on adjacent staffs | Hoist the U.S. flag first and lower it last. Do not place the other flag above it or to the U.S. flag’s own right. |
| Group of state, city, or organizational flags | Place the U.S. flag at the center and highest point of the group. |
| Two crossed staffs against a wall | Put the U.S. flag on its own right—the observer’s left—and place its staff in front of the other staff. |
| Flags of two or more nations | Use separate staffs of the same height and flags of approximately equal size. In peacetime, do not place one nation’s flag above another. |
| Procession or parade | Carry the U.S. flag on the marching right, or in front of the center when other flags form a line. |
These arrangements come from 4 U.S.C. § 7. Formal military, diplomatic, and government events may use additional protocol, so follow the responsible organization’s instructions.
American Flag Half-Staff Rules
How to raise and lower a flag at half-staff
- Raise the flag briskly to the peak for an instant.
- Lower it ceremoniously to the half-staff position.
- Before taking it down, raise it to the peak again.
- Lower and remove it ceremoniously.
The Code defines half-staff as halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. “Half-staff” is the term used in Title 4, although “half-mast” is also commonly heard.
Who can order flags to half-staff?
National half-staff observances may be directed by the President. A state governor may issue a proclamation for qualifying events within the state, territory, or possession, and the mayor of the District of Columbia has corresponding authority in the District. Federal agency leaders may also direct half-staff display on facilities under their jurisdiction in appropriate circumstances.
Check an official federal or state proclamation rather than relying on an undated social-media post. USA.gov’s American flag guidance summarizes current half-staff authority and common reasons for lowering the flag.
Annual half-staff observances
| Observance | Date | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Peace Officers Memorial Day | May 15 | Half-staff unless the date coincides with Armed Forces Day |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff |
| Patriot Day | September 11 | Federal law calls for an annual proclamation requesting half-staff display |
| National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day | December 7 | Federal law calls for an annual proclamation requesting half-staff display |
Patriot Day is addressed separately in 36 U.S.C. § 144, while National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day appears in 36 U.S.C. § 129. Review the applicable annual proclamation and official notices for final instructions.
Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, display the flag at half-staff only until noon. At noon, raise it to the top of the staff for the rest of the day. Leaving the flag at half-staff through sunset is a common mistake.
Indoor, Parade, Vehicle, Street, and Casket Display
On a speaker’s platform
When displayed flat, place the flag above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, place the U.S. flag in the position of honor at the speaker’s right as the speaker faces the audience. From the audience’s perspective, that is the left side of the stage. Place another flag on the speaker’s left.
In a corridor or lobby
In a corridor or lobby with one main entrance, suspend a vertically displayed flag with the union to the observer’s left upon entering. Where there are entrances from opposite directions, the Flag Code provides more specific north-or-east orientation rules. Event venues and public facilities should review the complete text of 4 U.S.C. § 7 before installation.
In a parade or procession
Carry the U.S. flag on the marching right. If several flags form a line, place the U.S. flag in front of the center. During a passing ceremony, render the appropriate salute or respectful attention at the moment the flag passes.
On a vehicle or parade float
Do not drape an actual U.S. flag over the hood, roof, sides, or back of a car, truck, train, boat, or parade float. Display a flag on a float from a staff. When displayed on a motor vehicle, mount the flag on a staff fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
Over a street
When the flag is suspended vertically over the middle of a street, orient the union to the north on an east-west street or to the east on a north-south street.
On a casket
Place the union at the head and over the deceased person’s left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides additional information about burial flags for eligible Veterans and reservists.
After a burial or memorial service, families often preserve the folded flag. Confirm the original unfolded flag size before choosing among American-made flag display cases, because a case intended for a smaller 3-by-5-foot display flag is not interchangeable with a case designed for a 5-by-9.5-foot veteran burial flag.
At an unveiling or on a ceiling
The flag may be a distinctive part of an unveiling ceremony, but it should not be used as the covering for a statue or monument. It should never be used to cover a ceiling.
Respectful Handling of the American Flag
Do not dip the U.S. flag
The United States flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Certain regimental colors, state flags, and organizational or institutional flags may be dipped as a mark of honor, but the national flag remains upright.
Do not display the union down except in dire distress
An upside-down American flag is reserved as a signal of dire distress in an instance of extreme danger to life or property. It is not the standard way to express ordinary disagreement, frustration, or political preference under the Flag Code.
Do not let the flag touch the ground, floor, water, or merchandise
Handle the flag carefully when raising, lowering, folding, transporting, and storing it. If it accidentally touches the ground, the Code does not say that it must immediately be destroyed. Inspect it, clean it according to the manufacturer’s directions if necessary, and return it to service if it remains in suitable condition.
Carry it aloft and free—with a narrow current exception
The traditional rule is that the flag should not be carried flat or horizontally. The 2024 amendment to 4 U.S.C. § 8 now permits a limited exception when horizontal carrying is necessary in limited circumstances, done respectfully, and part of a military or patriotic observance. That exception does not make casual horizontal carrying or ground-level display appropriate.
Do not use an actual flag as clothing, bedding, or drapery
The Code says the flag itself should not be used as wearing apparel, bedding, drapery, a costume, or an athletic uniform. It allows flag patches on the uniforms of military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations. A stylized patriotic graphic is not necessarily the same object as an actual U.S. flag, but an actual flag should not be cut up or repurposed as clothing.
Use bunting for decoration
Instead of draping an actual flag across a table, desk, platform, railing, or stage front, use red, white, and blue bunting. Arrange the bunting with blue on top, white in the middle, and red on the bottom.
Do not add words, logos, or drawings
Do not write on the flag or attach a logo, insignia, letter, word, figure, picture, or drawing to it. Personalization belongs on a separate plaque, frame, case, sign, or commemorative display—not on the flag itself.
Do not use the flag as advertising or a disposable item
The Code discourages using the flag for advertising and placing advertising signs on the same staff or halyard. It also says the flag should not be printed on disposable items such as paper napkins or boxes intended for temporary use and discard.
Do not use the flag as a container
The flag should not be used to receive, hold, carry, or deliver objects.
Saluting the Flag, the Pledge, and the National Anthem
During hoisting, lowering, or a passing flag
Under 4 U.S.C. § 9, people in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. Other people should face the flag, stand at attention, and place the right hand over the heart; if applicable, they may remove headwear and hold it at the left shoulder with the right hand over the heart. Citizens of other countries should stand at attention.
During the Pledge of Allegiance
4 U.S.C. § 4 directs participants to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. People in uniform render the military salute, and members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may also render the military salute.
During the national anthem
Conduct during the national anthem is addressed separately in 36 U.S.C. § 301. When the flag is displayed, uniformed individuals should render the military salute; members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are not in uniform may salute; and other individuals should face the flag, stand at attention, and place the right hand over the heart. When the flag is not displayed, face toward the music.
American Flag Care, Storage, and Retirement
Inspect the flag regularly
Check the fly end, seams, embroidered or appliquéd stars, header, grommets, rope, thimbles, snaps, and pole hardware. A rough clip, sharp edge, nearby branch, or repeated contact with a wall can damage even a well-made flag.
Clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions
The Flag Code does not prohibit cleaning a flag. Follow the care directions for the exact fabric and construction. Avoid harsh treatment that may cause colors to bleed, stitching to weaken, or decorative elements to separate.
Dry the flag before storage
Do not fold and store a wet or damp flag. Allow it to dry completely, then place it in a clean, dry location away from pests, excessive humidity, direct sunlight, and substances that may stain the fabric.
Repair minor wear before it spreads
Small areas of fly-end fraying may sometimes be professionally trimmed and re-hemmed before the damage reaches the field or substantially changes the flag’s proportions. Retire the flag when fading, tearing, staining, or structural damage leaves it no longer fitting for display.
How to retire an American flag
Section 8 says a flag that is no longer a fitting emblem for display should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. “Preferably” does not make household burning the only respectful option.
Modern nylon and polyester flags can be difficult to burn safely and may release harmful gases. The American Legion’s flag etiquette guidance recommends contacting a local post or an appropriate licensed disposal service for synthetic flags. Follow local fire and environmental rules rather than attempting an unsafe burning ceremony.
Many veterans organizations, civic groups, scouting organizations, fire departments, and community programs accept worn flags for dignified retirement. Confirm local availability before dropping one off.
Common American Flag Etiquette Myths
| Myth | What the Flag Code says |
|---|---|
| The union belongs in the viewer’s upper-right corner on a wall. | The union belongs uppermost and to the observer’s left. |
| A U.S. flag that touches the ground must be burned immediately. | The Code says it should not touch the ground, but accidental contact does not automatically determine whether it remains fit for display. |
| The American flag must always be higher than every foreign flag. | Flags of different nations should be on separate staffs of the same height and approximately equal size in peacetime. |
| Memorial Day requires half-staff display all day. | The flag is at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff. |
| An all-weather flag should remain outside during every storm. | All-weather fabric permits ordinary inclement-weather display; severe conditions can still damage the flag and pole. |
| Horizontal carrying is always forbidden. | A 2024 amendment created a narrow exception for necessary, respectful use in military or patriotic observances. |
| The Flag Code requires one official 13-fold procedure. | The Code does not prescribe a specific folding sequence, although the familiar triangular fold is a widely observed ceremonial custom. |
Frequently Asked Questions About American Flag Etiquette
Can the American flag be flown at night?
Yes. It may be displayed 24 hours a day when properly illuminated during darkness.
Can the American flag be left out in the rain?
Yes, when the flag is designed and labeled for all-weather use. Remove it during severe weather when continued display could damage the flag, hardware, pole, or surrounding property.
Which side should the stars be on when the flag hangs vertically?
The union should be uppermost and to the observer’s left.
Can a state flag be flown on the same pole as the American flag?
Yes. Place the U.S. flag at the peak and the state flag below it. Confirm that the flagpole and hardware are rated for the combined size, weight, and wind load.
Can a foreign flag be flown below the American flag on the same pole?
For a display involving flags of different nations, use separate staffs of the same height and flags of approximately equal size. International custom does not place one nation’s flag above another during peacetime.
Can the American flag be flown upside down?
Only as a signal of dire distress involving extreme danger to life or property under the Flag Code.
Does a flag have to be destroyed if it touches the ground?
No. Prevent ground contact, but accidental contact does not automatically make the flag unserviceable. Inspect and clean it, and retire it only when its condition makes it no longer fitting for display.
Is violating flag etiquette illegal?
The Flag Code is codified federal law, but most civilian-etiquette provisions establish customs using terms such as “should” and do not contain a general penalty for ordinary noncompliance. Other laws, regulations, association rules, property requirements, or employment policies may apply. Consult qualified counsel for a specific legal dispute.
Can a homeowners association ban the American flag?
The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 generally prevents covered condominium, cooperative, and residential real-estate-management associations from completely prohibiting a member’s display on property the member separately owns or exclusively possesses.
The law permits reasonable time, place, or manner restrictions when necessary to protect a substantial association interest. It also does not necessarily guarantee approval for every flagpole, bracket, light, structural modification, or installation. State law and the governing documents may provide additional rights or restrictions.
Is there an official way to fold the American flag?
The Flag Code does not prescribe one mandatory folding sequence. The triangular fold commonly used by the military, veterans organizations, and funeral details is a respected ceremonial tradition.
Can the American flag be used as clothing?
The actual flag should not be used as apparel, a costume, or an athletic uniform. Flag patches are expressly recognized for certain uniforms. Patriotic colors or a stylized flag-inspired graphic are not necessarily the same thing as cutting up or wearing an actual flag.
What days should the American flag be flown at half-staff?
Recurring federal observances include Peace Officers Memorial Day, Memorial Day until noon, Patriot Day, and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Flags may also be lowered following an official presidential, gubernatorial, District of Columbia, or authorized agency proclamation. Verify the current official notice because the duration and geographic scope can vary.
Choosing a Replacement American Flag
When a flag is worn beyond respectful display, choose the replacement for the actual location rather than buying by appearance alone. Confirm the flagpole height, recommended flag size, attachment method, fabric, wind exposure, hours of display, and available clearance.
- Compare the best American flags made in the USA.
- Review the complete American flag size guide.
- Choose between nylon and polyester flag materials.
- Compare Annin, Valley Forge, and Allegiance flags.
The Flag Code governs respectful display; it does not establish where a flag was manufactured. Verify the exact country-of-origin statement for the specific product rather than assuming that every flag sold by an American company was made domestically. Use the BuyAmerican.com guide to verifying whether a product is really made in the USA when reviewing a flag or flag accessory.
Find a flag suited to your home, business, school, organization, or memorial display.
Official Sources and Further Reading
- Office of the Law Revision Counsel: 4 U.S.C. Chapter 1—The Flag
- GovInfo: Title 4, Chapter 1 PDF
- USA.gov: The American Flag and Other National Symbols
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Burial Flags
- The American Legion: Flag Etiquette FAQs and Terminology
Research reviewed August 12, 2026. Federal and state guidance can change; verify official sources when planning a formal government, military, school, or organizational display.
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