Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.

Etiquette for Displaying the US Flag

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Updated October 14, 2019

Learn the correct way to handle and fly the United States flag with these details on flag etiquette.

Skill

Beginner

Time

Few Hours

An American flag on a flag pole flying in the breeze.

Flying the Flag

An image showing how to properly hang an American flag vertically with stars on the upper left.

The etiquette for displaying the US flag is established by law. For additional information on displaying the US flag, visit The American Flag.

Here are a few things you should know when displaying the US flag on private property:

  • On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon and at full-staff from noon to sunset.
  • The flag should be displayed at half-staff in mourning the death of principal government leaders or upon presidential or gubernatorial order. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.
  • 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, you should first raise the flag to the top of the staff for a moment and then lower it to half-staff.
  • The custom is 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.
  • When the US flag is displayed on a staff from a window or balcony, the stars should be at the top of the staff unless it's at 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.
  • 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.

Caring for Your Flag

  • You can wash most outdoor flags in a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly. Hang it up to dry.
  • If the forecast calls for rain, take your flag down. Rain will 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 will catch the flag and tear the fabric. Rust will also cause permanent stains on your flag and eat holes in the fabric. If you have a lot of rust on your flag pole, think about purchasing a new pole.

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.