Etiquette for Displaying the US Flag

The etiquette for displaying the flag of the United States is established by law. Visit USA.gov for details on displaying the American flag, but here are some key points for flying the flag at half-staff, flying the flag on Memorial Day and other tips for displaying the US flag on private property:

• Display the flag at half-staff in mourning the death of principal government leaders or upon presidential or gubernatorial order. Fly the flag at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.
• Flying the flag at half-staff means the flag is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. To properly place the flag at half-staff, first raise the flag to the top of the staff for a moment and then lower it to half-staff. When lowering the flag for the day after it's at half-staff, raise the flag to the top of the pole and lower it.
• On Memorial Day, fly the flag at half-staff until noon and raise it to full staff to fly until sunset.
• It’s customary to fly the US flag daily from sunrise to sunset. If you'd like to display it 24 hours a day, illuminate it at night with a light.
• When displaying the US flag on a staff from a window or balcony, the stars should be at the top of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. 
• If you're draping the flag out a window or over a building, hang it vertically with the stars to the left of anyone looking at it from below.
• The US flag should never touch the ground, the floor, water or anything underneath it.
• If the US flag is displayed on the same pole as another flag, the US flag must be on top. 
• The US flag should be the largest flag on display.

In addition to displaying the flag properly, you need to take care of it:

• You can wash most outdoor flags in a mild detergent. Rinse the flag thoroughly and hang it up to dry, ensuring it doesn’t touch anything underneath it.
• If the forecast calls for rain, it’s a good idea to take your flag down. While you can display an all-weather flag in the rain, this can cause the colors to fade faster. If your flag gets caught in the rain, take it down and hang it up to dry.
• Rusting flag poles cause flag problems. The rough metal on the pole can catch the flag and tear the fabric. Rust will also create permanent stains on your flag. If you have a lot of rust on your flag pole, think about purchasing a new one.
• When flying the flag from a pole on a building, ensure there’s nothing nearby that the flag can catch on.

Per the Flag Code, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” 

For assistance or guidance on retiring a US flag, contact your local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post, Boy Scout troop or a local municipal government office.