How to Display the U.S. Flag

Displaying the U.S. Flag in a respectful manner is an important factor in honoring its symbolism. There are several situations to keep in mind when hanging your flag. Below are acceptable ways to display the flag both indoors and outdoors.

Speaking Engagements:

When on display, the U.S. Flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place the flag to the right of the speaker, podium, dais, staging area, or sanctuary (also known as Stage Right). Other flags should be to the left of the U.S. Flag. From the audience's perspective, the U.S. Flag will be the farthest left.

Flag Poles:

When carried in a procession with another flag or flags, the U.S. Flag should be either on the marching right (flag’s own right) or if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line. The U.S. Flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of other nations, states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.

For instance: A Color Guard or Honor Guard's "Presentation of Colors" prior to playing the U.S. National Anthem.

Crossed:

When one other flag is used with the U.S. Flag and the staffs are crossed, the U.S. Flag is placed on its own right (observer’s left) with its staff in front of the other flag.

On a Wall:

When hanging the U.S. Flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag’s union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag’s own right and the observer’s left.

Staff:

When the U.S. Flag is hung from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or building, the union (stars) should be at the peak of the staff. If displayed at half-mast for national mourning, the union is still located at the top of the flag.

It is a universal custom to display the flag only during the hours from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.

Note: The U.S. Flag may be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. "Proper illumination" is a light specifically placed to illuminate the flag (preferred) or having a light source nearby (porch light) that is sufficient to illuminate the flag so it is recognizable by a casual observer.

When the U.S. Flag is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag of a nation, state, community, society, or Scout unit, the U.S. Flag must always be at the top.

Never hang the U.S. Flag upside down with the union at the bottom, except in rare emergencies as a sign of distress due to extreme danger to life or property.

With Other Flags:

When flown with flags of other nations, states, communities, or societies on separate flagpoles of the same height and in a straight line, the U.S. Flag is always placed in the position of honor — to its own right and observer’s left.

The other flags may be smaller, but none may be larger than the U.S. Flag. No other flag should ever be placed above it. The U.S. Flag is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.

Raising and Lowering the Flag:

The U.S. Flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly (ceremoniously). Ordinarily it should be displayed only between the hours of sunrise and sunset. If kept raised at night, it should be illuminated by a light source so it is recognizable by a casual observer.

During the ceremony of raising and lowering the U.S. Flag, or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart. If applicable, civilian headwear (not part of a uniform) should be removed with the right hand and held at the left shoulder so the hand is over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention.

Over a Street:

When the U.S. Flag is hung over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag’s union (stars) should be farthest from the building.

---

Summary Reference

The National Flag Foundation. (n.d.). How to Display the Flag. Retrieved December 16, 2022, from https://nationalflagfoundation.org/etiquette/how-to-display-the-flag/