Daylight and illumination
The customary display period is sunrise to sunset. The flag may remain displayed 24 hours a day when properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
Honor in every display
U.S. Flag Code
A practical guide to displaying, saluting, caring for, and retiring the Stars and Stripes with dignity and respect.
What the code means
A living symbol, treated with care
The federal Flag Code, found in Title 4, Chapter 1 of the United States Code, establishes customs for displaying and honoring the flag of the United States.
The Flag Code provides a nationally recognized standard of conduct for civilians. It does not generally impose penalties for private violations of these customs. State laws and regulations may differ.
This page provides a practical summary of common situations. For complete requirements and exact statutory language, consult the official United States Code.
Read Title 4, Chapter 1 at the U.S. HouseEveryday display
Six rules worth remembering
These basics cover many of the situations encountered by homes, businesses, schools, veterans organizations, and community institutions.
Weather conditions
The flag should not be displayed in inclement weather when it could be damaged unless an all-weather flag suitable for those conditions is used.
Raise and lower
Hoist the flag briskly and lower it ceremoniously. Keep it under control throughout the process and prevent it from touching anything beneath it.
On a wall
When displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, place the union—the blue field—uppermost and to the flag's own right, which is the observer's left.
With other flags
When flags share a staff, the U.S. flag occupies the highest position. When national flags are displayed together in peacetime, they should be on separate staffs of equal height.
In a procession
Carry the U.S. flag on the marching right—the flag's own right—or at the front and center when other flags are arranged in a line.
Care and respect
Let the flag remain a flag
Respect is shown through simple choices that preserve the flag's dignity and distinguish the flag itself from patriotic decoration.
Do
- Keep the flag aloft and allow it to fall freely.
- Store the flag clean, dry, and protected from damage.
- Use red, white, and blue bunting for decoration, with blue at the top, white in the middle, and red at the bottom.
- Inspect flags regularly for fading, tearing, fraying, and other deterioration.
Avoid
- Do not dip the flag to any person or thing.
- Do not display the flag with the union down except as a signal of dire distress involving extreme danger to life or property.
- Do not allow the flag to touch the ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
- Do not use the flag itself as clothing, bedding, drapery, a receptacle, or advertising.
- Do not place lettering, drawings, marks, insignia, or objects upon the flag.
Half-staff protocol
Honor periods of national or state mourning
Half-staff observances may be directed by federal or state authority. Follow applicable official proclamations and instructions for the location where the flag is displayed.
Review VFW Flag Etiquette-
Raise to the peak
Hoist the flag briskly to the top of the staff for an instant.
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Lower to half-staff
Lower the flag ceremoniously to the half-staff position.
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Return to the peak first
Before lowering the flag for the day, raise it to the peak once again and then lower it ceremoniously.
Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, display the flag at half-staff from sunrise until noon. At noon, raise it briskly to the top of the staff for the remainder of the day.
During raising, lowering, or passing
How to render respect
Face the flag and remain attentive while the flag is being raised, lowered, or passing in procession.
Military salute
Persons in uniform render the appropriate military salute.
Military salute permitted
Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are not in uniform may render the military salute.
Hand over heart
Stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When applicable, remove non-religious headwear.
When a flag is no longer fit to serve
Retire it in a dignified manner
The Flag Code states that when the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. Always follow applicable fire regulations and safety requirements. An experienced veterans organization can assist with proper retirement.
VFW Post 7824 Flag Services
VFW Post 7824 accepts worn, torn, and faded U.S. flags for proper retirement and can assist with flag procurement and presentation requests.
Visit Flag Services 400 N. Andresen Road, Vancouver, WA 98661
(360) 254-0155
Go to the source
Official guidance
Use these references for complete statutory language, detailed display scenarios, and additional flag etiquette guidance.
Federal law
U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1
Official U.S. House source →
Veterans guidance
VFW Flag Etiquette
Display, salute, folding, and disposal →
Federal guidance
USA.gov — American Flag
Federal flag information and resources →
About this page:
This webpage is an educational summary intended to help
members of the community understand common U.S. Flag Code
customs. It is not a substitute for the complete text of
Title 4 of the United States Code or any applicable federal,
state, or local requirement.
