Flag Etiquette

Official U.S. Flag Code

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, identifies the rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag. The federal code does not impose penalties for misusing the flag. The federal code clearly and succinctly identifies the flag as a living symbol. The U.S. Flag Code Guide can be found here.

Displaying the Flag

Same Staff

U.S. flag at peak, above any other flag.

Grouped

U.S. flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at same height.

Marching

U.S. flag to marcher’s right (observer’s left).

On Speaker's Platform

When displayed with a speaker’s platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff, it is on the speaker’s right.

Salute

All persons present 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. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

Over a Street

Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street.

Half-Staff (Half-Mast)

On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day, it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised.

Order of Precedence

The order of precedence when displaying military flags together is Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Illumination Guidelines

Per Federal Flag Code, Section 2, paragraph a, it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open; however, when patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be flown 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

Special Rules & Flag Disposal

Special Rules

Do not let the flag touch the ground.
Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
Do not use the flag as clothing.
Do not store the flag where it can get dirty.
Do not use it as a cover.
Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free
Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.

Flag Disposal

The flag should be folded in its customary manner.
It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.
Place the flag on the fire.
The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.