The flag can only be flown at night if properly illuminated. Otherwise, it should only be flown from sunrise to sunset. The flag should always be allowed to fall free. The flag should never be used to carry, store, or deliver anything.
What time should the flag be displayed?
(a) It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
Should flags be flown at night?
According to the US Flag Code, all American flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day. Lowering the flag at night is an ultimate sign of respect for Old Glory. But like many rules, there is an exception. You can keep your flag flying 24-hours if it is properly illuminated during all hours of darkness.
Does the US flag have to be lit at night?
Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it's illuminated during darkness.
What are the rules for displaying the American flag?
When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the American flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
40 related questions foundWhat side of the porch do you hang the American flag on?
We've checked with the official flag etiquette to bring you the answer. The American flag can hang on either side of the porch unless there is a second flag (or multiple flags). If there are two or more flags hanging on the porch, the American flag should hang on the left side of the porch when viewed from the street.
What are the do's and don'ts on an American flag?
Don't let the flag touch the ground. Don't fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency. Don't carry the flag flat, or carry things in it. Don't use the flag as clothing.
What are the rules for lighting the American flag at night?
The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
When can a flag stay up when it is raining or snowing?
The United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, states: "The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed."
Why can't you let the American flag touch the ground?
Don't Let It Touch the Ground!
If the American flag hangs so low on a flagpole that it touches the ground, it will likely accumulate dirt. And if it continues to touch the ground, it may sustain more severe damage in the form of torn fabric.
What is the proper way to light a flag?
You should position the light towards your American flag. When turned on, the light should beam directly at your American flag. It shouldn't beam to the side of your American flag. If the light is off to the side, it won't create a patriotic effect.
When should you burn a flag?
The U.S. Flag Code says, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” When an American flag is worn beyond repair, it should be retired in a respectful manner.
Where do you put a flag on your house?
Ideally, an American flag on your house should hang from a staff that angles out from the front wall or a windowsill or balcony. It's a good idea to screw a bracket made for holding the flagstaff to the trim. Fasten it securely and so the flag won't become soiled or damaged.
How do you display an American flag outside?
Hang flag vertically with the canton farthest from the building. The union, or star field, should always be at the top and should be on the flag's own right (the viewer's left). When being hung over a street, the union should ideally point north or east.
Do you have to take a flag down when it rains?
The United States Flag Code states:
"The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed."
Is it OK to wash an American flag?
Thankfully, there are no rules against washing your American flag. If you're getting your flag ready to hang for the 4th of July and notice it's looking a little dirty, it's completely okay to wash it before putting it out.
Can you unfold a military funeral flag?
Although some people feel that a flag used to drape a casket should not be unfolded after it has been folded at graveside, it is actually proper—if desired—to unfold and then display a burial flag. It is entirely up to the next of kin who received the flag at the burial.
How is the flag flown on Flag Day?
The U.S. flag should always be in the center and highest when displayed with other flags. If displaying the flag off a staff, it should be displayed flat. If the flag is being shown on a wall, door or window, the blue section, also known as the Union, should go on your left when displayed horizontally.
Do you put flags out on Labor Day?
Labor Day celebrates our nation's workers, so it's considered an official flag holiday under the U.S. Flag Code. You can still fly the American flag on other days of the year, but it's particularly important to fly it on Labor Day.
Should the flag be flown on Flag Day?
When to display the American flag
According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should be displayed on all days, and especially on certain holidays, including New Year's Day, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and several other notable U.S. holidays.
What angle should a flag be hung?
Mount the flagpole off the building so it makes a 90-degree angle with the side of the building. The flagpole needs to be parallel with the ground so the flag hangs vertically on it. Make sure the flagpole you use is long enough to keep the edge of the flag from brushing against the side of the building.
How do you display the flag on Memorial Day?
On Memorial Day, the flag should be briskly raised to the peak and remain there for an instant before it is slowly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. Then the flag is briskly hoisted to the peak again, where Old Glory remains until sunset, when it is slowly lowered.
How do you hang a flag on a porch?
The Front Porch
When flying an American flag on your front porch, keep in mind that the union of the flag should be at the highest point on the flagpole (unless the flag is at half staff). The union is the blue field and stars of the flag. Say your flag is on a pole pointing out towards your front lawn.
How do you hang a flag without a pole outside?
How to Display an American Flag Without a Pole
- Hang the flag vertically over a street with the stars, or union, to the north or east, and toward the top.
- Hang the flag vertically over a sidewalk, with the stars farthest away from the nearest building.
What does it mean when a flag is upside down?
According to U.S. Flag Code, the flag should never be displayed upside-down “except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.”
