Flag Etiquette

How to Display Our Flag

Display the flag vertically or horizontally, only between sunrise and sunset unless it can be illuminated overnight.

Only all-weather flags should be displayed in inclement weather.

The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously, and should never touch the ground.

The flag should never be carried flat, horizontally or with things on top of it.

According to the flag code, when the flag is raised or lowered during a ceremony, all except those in uniform should face the flag with the right hand over the heart.

On Memorial Day, the flag can be displayed at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff for the rest of the day. Before flying at half-staff, hoist to its peak for an instant before lowering it.

Do not use the flag as clothing or a cover and do not write on it.

When not displayed, fold the flag into a triangle, which symbolizes colonial soldiers’ tricorn hats.

An unusable flag that can no longer be displayed should be destroyed in a dignified way by burning.

Did you Know?

The colors red, white and blue were chosen to represent, respectively, valor, liberty, and purity.