Did you know that in 1942 congress approved certain laws for flying the American Flag? This is also known as the United States Flag Code. This helped establish an etiquette for handling the flag and the proper way to hang a flag.
If you are looking to hang a flag, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn all the ins and outs to make sure you’re following the laws.
Table of Contents
What Is the Proper Way to Hang a Flag?
We will discuss the rules below to make sure you’re not breaking any laws but before we go into those details the fundamental rule about displaying the American flag is to do it with respect. It is customary to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs that are in the open.
For those that want a patriotic effect, the flag can be displayed twenty-four hours a day as long as it’s illuminated after sunset.
Big No No’s
There are some major things you never want to do with the American flag. The last thing you want is to get in trouble with the law. This includes:
- Never use the flag for clothing
- Never use the flag for bedding or drapery
- Do not use the flag to cover the ceiling
- The flag must never be used as a uniform or a costume
- Never place any marks, words, designs, drawings, or pictures on any part of the flag
- Do not use the flag for advertising
- Never place the flag on the hood or sides of any vehicles unless it’s on a staff on the right side of a car
Keep all of these in mind to ensure you are always respectful of the flag.
Hoisting a Flag
When you hoist the flag on a aluminum flagpole everyone around should stand at attention facing the flag. If there’s anyone in uniform they should salute the flag as it’s being raised. Anyone that’s not in uniform should remove their hats and place their right hand over their hearts.
You will want to make sure that you use a reliable and sturdy flagpole. Making a titan flagpole purchase will give you peace of mind that you have a quality flagpole.
Displaying It at Home
If you’re going to display your flag in your residence the standard practice is to use a staff that angles upward from your home’s front wall. You can also opt to fly your flag horizontally if you choose. Make sure that your staff is held in place by a screw or by a bracket. You can even get an American flag made of wood if that’s your thing too.
If you’re displaying your flag on the wall make sure that the field of stars also known as the “union” are positioned on the top left. The union should always be at the flag’s peak when you’re flying it. You can also fly a flag from your car as long as you attach the staff on the right side of the car.
The main thing to keep in mind is for your flag to not touch the floor or the ground.
Flying Multiple Flags
If you plan on flying multiple flags on the same pole or lanyard The United States flag should always be on top. You can also fly multiple flags in a row as long as the American flag is always on the far left of the observer and Ultimate Flags.
If more than one nation is being flown next to each other both staffs must be the same height. Also, you want both flags to be as close in size as possible.
Flying Half Staff
Sometimes there might be an alert service telling you to fly your flag at half staff. This means that the flag should be hoisted to the peak for a quick instant and then lowered to half staff position. Before lowering the flag for the day, it should be raised again to the peak and then lowered.
There are certain dates that the flag should always be flown at half staff. These include:
- Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th)
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
- Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (July 27th)
- Patriot Day (September 11th)
- Pearl Harbor Day (December 7th)
Sometimes the President will order for the flag to be flown at half staff when one of the principal figures of the Government passes away. In these cases, the President will give exact orders on when to fly the flag half staff.
If your flag is flown at home on a pole that’s affixed to your home or on a building, then you don’t need to worry about flying it half staff. You can, however, place a memorial streamer at the top of the flagpole to signify half staff.
Casket
If you will be using the flag at a funeral or burial to cover a casket the union has to be at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased person. Make sure that the flag is not lowered into the grave when it’s being buried or that it touches the ground.
Before the casket is lowered there is a procedure for folding the American flag with respect and honor that must be followed according to the United States Flag Code mentioned above.
Ready to Fly Your American Flag With Pride?
Now that you have learned the ins and outs about the proper way to hang a flag are you ready to fly yours pridefully? Don’t forget flying it with respect is the cardinal rule.
Did you enjoy this post? Please don’t forget to bookmark our site to never miss our latest posts!
