Ways to Fly the Flag Properly

Americans are extremely proud of their nation and flag. However, are you aware of the appropriate rules for displaying your flag in a polite manner? Are you certain that, if you have a flagpole at home, you are displaying Old Glory in a respectable manner? With a strong love for the flag, Flagpole Farms wants to ensure that you know how to treat it with care as you raise it atop your flagpole.

Regulations for Flag Display The Federal Flag Code, Public Law 94-344, lays forth the guidelines for what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate behavior when handling, displaying, holding, and storing the American flag. Although many states have their own flag laws and can impose fines for mistreating the flag, the federal code does not include any punishments for breaking the standards. Make sure you are flying the flag on your property correctly if you wish to.

Vital Points to Bear in Mind

According to conventional wisdom, a flag that is on display for the public to see should only be up from sunrise to sunset. Nonetheless, if the flag is well-lit at night, it can be flown at all hours.

The flag needs to be shielded from harm. If it’s not an all-weather flag, it should be taken down in inclement weather like rain, snow, or strong winds.

As often as it is judged suitable, the United States flag should be flown in the open, but particularly on state and federal holidays and other significant occasions. The flag needs to be flown at a tidy and well-kept location close to the building’s main front door. It should be lowered ceremoniously and cautiously after being swiftly raised to avoid hitting the ground or snagging the flagpole.

It is improper to drape or fold the flag back. Bunting should be utilized as decorations if flag-colored decorations are required. Under these circumstances, the bunting needs to be hung with the red at the bottom and the blue at the top.

In observance of the color, the flag ought to be raised to the top of the flagpole. The president or governor may, by proclamation, keep the US flag at half-staff in remembrance of a recently deceased state or federal government figure. On Memorial Day, all flags should be flown at half staff until noon.

Never wave the flag in front of someone, a car, a procession, or another flag. As a mark of honor and respect, other ceremonial and regimental flags can be dipped into the American flag.

The union square should be on top and to the right of the flag when it is hung up against a wall. The flag ought to appear the same while it’s in a window.

The American flag ought to fly freely and not be in any manner “pinned down.” The proper display technique is to let it fall and move freely while anchoring it by the top corners. It is never appropriate to stretch and fasten the flag on all four corners.

In the order of service precedence—Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard—service flags are flown beside the flag.

The American flag always appears first and is positioned in the center of the display when it is displayed alongside other flags. The United States flag should always be displayed in the middle and at the same height as other national flags when they are on display.

Don’t Do

Install the flag so that the union is facing down on a flagpole or in any other manner. This does not apply when there is a natural disaster or when there is a distress signal.

Make sure the flag touches everything below when it is hung. This applies to everything, including people’s heads, merchandise, the floor, the ground, and water.

purposefully secure or fly the flag in a way that invites tarnishing or damage. When a fresh configuration is used to search for damage, always be sure to check the flag.

Alter the look of the flag in any way. This includes never painting any writing, emblems, or other designs on the flag, as well as never altering its colors.

Use the flag to hold, carry, or convey objects, or treat it like any other form of vessel. It must always be done independently and with deference.

Use it for draperies, beds, or clothing. Although official flag and symbol patches can be found on military uniforms, it should not be worn on costumes or sportswear. Have the flag printed for any promotional or advertising purposes, or use it on items like boxes, paper napkins, or anything else that is only intended to be used briefly before being thrown away.

Courtesy Toward the Flag

Americans should respect the flag’s colors whether it is being raised or lowered or when it is passing by in a parade. Their right hand should be over their hearts as they face the flag and stand at attention. During the procession, there should be no talking or teasing; silence is required. The military salute is to be given by members in uniform. Men who are not in uniform should take off their caps and hold them over their hearts in their palms. Non-citizens of the United States should be courteous, silent, and stand at attention. The flag should be disposed of properly when it is worn out or otherwise judged unfit for display. It should never be thrown in the garbage or buried. Burning in a ceremonial and courteous manner is the recommended way of disposal.

In Summary

One of the best ways to demonstrate your patriotism and admiration for your nation is to fly the American flag. Having the appropriate setup and adhering to the correct procedures guarantees that you are not inadvertently defaming the flag. See how you may proudly display your flag by learning more about Flagpole Farms’ alternatives for flagpoles. Click here to learn more about our flagpoles and the proper way to display your patriotism. We look forward to helping you flag with pride.