How to Display the United States Flag at Your Home

Flag Day is June 14th, but if you want to display an American Flag at your home or place of business all year long, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The U.S. National Flag Code was created and distributed nationwide in 1923. In 1942, the code became Public Law, and is the same flag code we use today.

A few things to consider when displaying the U.S. flag…

• Do not display the flag outdoors during inclement weather
• Do not display the flag upside down, unless you are trying to convey a sign of distress or danger
• Do not allow the flag to touch anything beneath it (including water, merchandise or the floor/ground)
• Do not display a flag that is soiled or damaged. *When flags become damaged, there is proper protocol to retire them in a dignified manner. You may want to contact your local American Legion or Scouts troop for more information about flag retirement ceremonies.
• Do allow your flag to flow freely. Do not attach it to any sort of metal frame/spreaders.
• If displaying the U.S. flag with other flags, the U.S. flag should appear first and centered in the middle of a flag display.
• When a flag is displayed vertically in a window or against a wall, the union field should be uppermost and to the flag’s right. (The flag’s right is the observer’s left.)
• When a flag is displayed from the front of a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff, unless the flag is at half-staff.
• Any additional flag or pennant must be displayed lower than the U.S. flag.