View the full U.S. Flag Code

General Flag Display

It is the universal custom to display the American flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs 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.

1. 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. No other flag or pennant should be placed above, or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea. for personnel of the Navy.when the church pennant may be flown above the flag. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations of any other national of international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory of possession thereof; provided, that nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a positions of equal prominence of honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.
2. When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak.
3. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the American flag should be jousted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's left.
4. The American flag, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
5. The American flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
6. When flags of two of more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

Churches, Auditoriums

When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's of speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker of the right of the audience.

Displaying the Flag Indoors

When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.

The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.

When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.

When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.

Parading and Saluting the Flag

When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

Half-Staff

The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day, the American flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, and then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figured of the United States Government and the Governor of the State, territory or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials of foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to presidential instructions of orders, or in accordance with recognized customs practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present of former official of the government of any State, territory or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff.

Pledge of Allegiance Delivery

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

*US Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, 4. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery

Flag Folding

Courtesy of USHistory.org

Fold the flag in half width-wise twice. If done by two, then the blue field should be facing the bottom on the first fold. Fold up a triangle, starting at the striped end ... and repeat ... until only the end of the union is exposed. Then fold down the square into a triangle and tuck inside the folds.

Click here to read the meanings of the folds of the Flag, as outlined in the Flag Folding Ceremony by the US Air Force Academy.

Websites of Interest and Flag Resources

United States Code Title 36 Chapter 10, also known as the Flag Code.

Betsy Ross, the original flag creator

Here is how Robert G. Heft designed the 50-star Flag.

Here is what you need to know to buy a flag that has been flown over the Capitol!

The proportions of the Flag as set down by the law.

Should we amend the Constitution to make flag desecration a crime?

Visit the White House

Read the U.S. Constitution

All aboutthe drafting of Declaration of Independence, including links to interesting image files.

George Washington's personal copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Here are the words to the National Anthem, one of the few national anthems in the world devoted to a flag (includes link to anthem sound file).

Read about our National Symbol, the American Bald Eagle.

The History of Flag Day

Would you like to know when the President has ordered the Flag flown at half-staff? Search the White House Press Releases for half-staff.