Flag Etiquette

The fundamental rule of flag etiquette is: treat all flags with respect and common sense.

It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, the flag may also be displayed at night on special occasions to produce a patriotic effect. Flags should be illuminated when flown at night. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States. It should not be smaller than another flag flown with it. Other flags may, however, be flown the same height and in the same size. Other national flags should not be smaller nor flown lower than the Stars and Stripes when displayed together. If it is not possible to display two or more national flags at the same height, it is not proper to display them together at all. One exception to this rule: During church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, the church pennant may be flown above the U.S. flag during services for Navy personnel.

When flown at half-staff, the flag should first be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. If one flag is at half-staff in mourning, other flags flown with it should be at half-staff. The Stars and Stripes is raised first and lowered last. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. "Half-staff" means lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.

The point of honor is on the extreme left from the standpoint of the observer ("the flag's right"). The order from left to right of flags flown together is: the Stars and Stripes, other national flags in alphabetical order, state flags, county and city flags, organizational flags, personal flag.

In a public gathering (lecture hall, church, etc.), the Stars and Stripes should be to the right of the speakers or on the wall behind them.

The canton of the flag (the blue 'field' with the 50 stars) should always be to the observers' left except:

• When displayed on a casket.
  when displayed as a decal on the right side of a vehicle (bus, truck, plane, etc.).
  when worn as a patch on the right arm (but use on the left arm is preferable).
  The Stars and Stripes should be in the center of a group of flags only when:
• The center pole is taller than the others.
  when a fan-like arrangement makes the center pole higher than the others.
  It is not illegal or improper to fly any flag (state, ethnic group, organization, etc.) alone, but it is always preferable to display the Stars and Stripes at the same time.

No disrespect should ever be shown to the flag of the United States of America. A salute (hand over heart for those not in uniform) should be rendered when the flag is raised, lowered, or carried by on parade, when the national anthem is played (unless the flag is not present).

The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, state flags and organizational or institutional flags are to be dipped to the U.S. flag as a mark of honor.

The flag should never be displayed with the union down, save as a signal of the most dire distress.

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor or water.

The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

No flag should be flown during weather that might damage it, based on a common sense interpretation of circumstances.

To extend the life of a flag, when it is torn it should be repaired and under no circumstances should a flag be folded while wet. When a U.S. flag has become discolored, frayed or torn so that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, flag etiquette prescribes that it "should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."