Displaying the Stars and Stripes is a proud occasion, but there are certain rules that govern how to properly display the U.S. Flag.
According to United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1, section 8, “no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.”
Here are some other rules to consider when displaying Old Glory.
• The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger.
• The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, or merchandise.
• It shouldn’t be carried flat or horizontally, but aloft and free.
• It shouldn’t be used as apparel or bedding.
• The flag should not be used as a receptacle to deliver items.
• When in a condition that is no longer fitting for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
• A flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff.
• No other flag or pennant should be placed above, or if at the same level, to the right of the U.S. flag. Flags of other nations should be displayed at the same level of prominence with the U.S. flag.
• The U.S. Flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when numerous flags are displayed from staffs.
• When flying on the same halyard, the U.S. Flag should be placed at the peak. No flag should be placed above the flag of the United States.
• If flying from adjacent staffs, the U.S. Flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.
• When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from a window sill or balcony, the union (blue) should be played at the peak of the staff, unless flying at half staff.
• If suspended from a house to a pole at the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.
• When the flag is displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, which is to the observer’s left. It should be displayed to the observer’s left if displayed in a window.
