U.S.Flag

A. On a Wall: When the flags displayed on a wall, it should be displayed with the union uppermost and to the observer's left.

B. In Multi-National Flag Displays: In the United States, the U.S. Flag is to be displayed first - to "its own right" - followed by flags of all other countries (at equal height and in alphabetical order) to the left (observers right) of the U.S. Flag.

C. Among Subordinate Flags: When the U.S. Flag is among a group of subordinate flags, the U.S. Flag should be at the center and the highest point - the position of prominence.

D. Displayed from a Staff: When displayed from a staff . the flag should hold a position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and to the speaker's right (facing the audience}. If other flags are also displayed, they should be displayed to the speaker's left.

E. On a Pole: When several flags are flown from the same pole, the U.S. Flag should always be at the top - except during church serves by naval chaplains at sea when the church pennant may be flown above the U.S. Flag on the ship's mast.

F. On a Lapel: When the flag is displayed as a lapel pin, it should be worn on the left lapel - near the heart.

G. Among Peers: When the flags from two or more nations are displayed, the flag code forbids the display of any nation's flag in a position superior to another in time of peace. Therefore, each flag should be of approximately equal size and flown at the same height.
The United Nations Headquarters in New York City where the U.N. Flag holds the most prominent position, is the only U.S. location exempt from this provision.

Flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff, or on a ship at half-mast, is honored tradition which signifies that the nation is in mourning due to then death of a prominent citizen. In 1976, when the flag code was amended, changes were incorporated concerning whose death meets the criteria befitting a half-staff display. These changes make it difficult to define the half-staff criteria clearly and concisely.
However, generally speaking, the flag code dictates that the U.S. Flag be flown at half-staff only upon the death of principle figures of the U.S. government and the governor of state, territory or possession as a mark of respect to their memory. (Note: For specific information concerning the limited additions to this general provision, please refer to the flag code.)
When desiring to honor someone who has died but for whom a half-staff display is not appropriate, National Flag Foundation recommends adhering to the flag code by lowering private flags to half-staff (e.g., corporate, fraternal, military, etc.). This substitution of flags preserves the integrity of the "nation in mourning" distinction while allowing appropriate mourning for the deceased.
To position the flag at half-staff, first hoist the flag to the peak of the staff for an instant before lowering it to the half-staff position -- roughly halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Before lowering the flag for the day, raise the flag again to the peak for an instant.

The United States Flag Code, first adopted in 1924 and amended through the present, prescribes flag etiquette for a variety of circumstances ensuring that our national symbol is treated properly.This web site reflects the National Flag Foundation's explanation of the U.S. Flag Code in layman's language. NFF has not endeavored to restate the flag code, but rather to explain it in understandable terms. This site is an authoritative guide containing up-to-date recommendations for displaying, honoring and caring for the Flag of the United States of America -- our National Symbol.Readers should always remember that the flag code is designed for "the use of such civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the U.S. Government."Thus, the flag code does not contain any penalties or enforcement provisions for noncompliance. Quite simply, it is a guide for civilians and civilian groups who wish to properly honor the United States of America's principle emblem.It should also be noted that each military branch has it own flag code of military etiquette; therefore, on matters concerning military flag etiquette, we recommend that you consult the specific branch code.

The flag may be displayed on any, or every day, subject to the conventions explained elsewhere on this site. On the days below it is particularly appropriate to display the flag. New Year's Day - January 1 Martin Luther King Day - Third Monday in January Inauguration Day - January 20 Lincoln's Birthday - February 12 Washington's Birthday - Third Monday in February Easter Sunday (date is variable) Mother's Day - Second Sunday in May Peace Officers Memorial Day (half-staff) - May 15 Armed Forces Day - Third Saturday in May Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) - Last Monday in May Flag Day - June 14 Father's Day - Third Sunday in June) Independence Day - July 4 Labor Day -- First Monday in September Patriot Day - (half-staff) September 11 Constitution Day - September 17 Gold Star Mothers Day - Last Sunday in September Firefighters Memorial Day, (half-staff) Sunday before or on October 9th. Columbus Day - Second Monday in October Navy Day - October 27 Election Day - First Tuesday in November Veterans Day - November 11 Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (half-staff) - December 7 Christmas Day - December 25 State Birthdays Holiday (and other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.)

The flag of the United States is a living symbol that calls to our spirit, reminding us of the greatness of America. We cherish and uphold it because it is the standard of honor under which we live. The proper name of the nation's symbol is the United States Flag; however, it is sometimes referred to as Old Glory.We view the flag with devotion, for it represents our national heritage of noble deeds, splendid accomplishment, and untold sacrifices which combined to establish the moral character of our country. Our flag is a symbol that makes our past one with the present and makes the present a foundation for tomorrow.It signifies a people dedicated to liberty, justice and freedom for all.It is our companion around the world. It summons confidence on sight. There is a magic in its folds that continually renews the hope that this nation, under God, will long be an example everywhere for all who love freedom with honor.We give homage to the flag because it stands for the courageous, earnest, and unselfish experiences of our people who have given us strength as a nation and pride as citizens.We respect our flag because we have respect for our fellow citizens, and because our love for country finds its center in our flag.The customs and traditions which surround the display and use of our flag are guides to the means by which we as proud and grateful citizens may demonstrate the ultimate respect for the flag of our nation. In honoring and saluting our flag we demonstrate affection for our nation, fellow citizens and the proud future we share.

When used to cover a casket or coffin, the flag should be placed with the blue field covering the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or touch the ground at any time. The flag should never be used as the covering for a headstone or other statue or monument. When taken from the casket, the flag should be formally and properly folded as a triangle with only the stars showing. Subsequently, the flag may be displayed in a storage case or it may be unfolded and flown. The ceremony of draping the casket with a United States Flag is used to honor veterans, patriotic citizens, and highly regarded state and national officials. Several organizations have defined the meaning of each fold of the flag. These are unique and original with each organization. None are official or included in the Flag Code. For more information about the meaning of the folds, please contact the National Flag Foundation.