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Flag Etiquette
Displaying The Flag At Half-Staff
When flying the flag at half-staff, the flag should be raised to the top of the staff for an instant then lowered to the mid-way point of the staff (half-staff). It should be raised to the top of the staff again before lowering the flag at the end of the day. The flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day. It is flown at full staff for the remainder of the day.
In the event of the death of principal figures of the United States government and the governor of the state, territory or possession, the President may order the flag to be flown at half-staff as respect for their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is displayed at half-staff in accordance with recognized customs or practices, not inconsistent with law.
The governor of a state, territory or possession of the United States may proclaim that the national flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a present or former official of that state, territory or possession.
How Long Should A Flag Last?
How long any flag will last depends on the weather, it’s location, airborne contamination and how often you fly your flag. Remember, your flag is a piece of cloth that works very, very, hard. Throughout its lifetime your flag shakes, snaps, chafes, bakes, freezes, furls, twists, flaps, flies, unfurls and hangs! Is it any wonder that a flag that flies continuously needs replacing two or three times a year? No one can control the weather but you can take some important steps to lengthen the life of your flag. Always let your flag dry thoroughly before storing it to prevent mildew or color transfer. Also, at the first sign of fraying, have your flag repaired before further damage is done.
When To Fly The Flag
Our national flag should be displayed on all days that there is no danger the weather will damage it. This not only shows respect for our national symbol, but prolongs the life of the flag. It is customary to fly the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings or on a stationary flagpole in the open. However, it may also be flown at night if it is properly illuminated with a spotlight.
Displaying Other Than On A Staff
When displaying the flag against a wall, either horizontally or vertically, the union (blue field with 50 stars) should be upper most and to the observer’s left (the flag’s own right). The union should also be to the observer’s left when displaying the flag from a window.
On The Same Halyard
When flying state, city, organizational or institutional flags from the same halyard with the U.S. flag, the latter should always be at the peak.
From Adjacent Staffs
When flying from adjacent staffs, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first and lowered last. Never fly any other flag or pennant above or to the right of the U.S. flag.
In A Group
When displaying in a group with state, city, organization or institutional flags from staffs, the U.S. flag should be in the center and at the highest point of the group.
Crossed Staffs
When displaying with any other flag from crossed staffs, the U.S. flag should be on the right (the flag’s own right) and its staff should be in front of the other flag.
With Other Nation’s Flags
When displaying two or more nation’s flags, each flag should be on separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be approximately the same size. International customs forbid displaying one nation’s flag over another in times of peace. This is a sign of war time victory and a serious insult.
Speaker Platform
The U.S. flag should be displayed above and behind the speaker, if displaying flat. If displaying from a staff on a pulpit or public auditorium, the flag should be on the speaker’s right. All the other flags should be placed on the left.
