How to display the flag

Published: July 3, 2008

The Fourth of July holiday is a good time to remind people that there are rules to follow when it comes to displaying the American flag. These are facts all Americans should know when it comes to proper display of the flag, according to the American Legion.

The flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. When a patriotic effect is desired, however, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated when it's dark. The flag should be hoisted briskly, but lowered slowly and ceremoniously.

The flag should be displayed on all national and state holidays and on historic and special occasions. It should fly from a flagpole every day throughout the year, weather permitting. An all-weather flag may be flown daily, even during inclement weather. The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution and in or near school buildings. The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days.

When the flag is displayed in a manner other than flown from a staff it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out, or suspended so its folds fall as if it were staffed. When displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's right, which is to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way (with the union, or blue field, to the left of the observer).

When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer fitting to display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

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