You have no doubt been wondering, ever since 1923, exactly how the American flag ought to be displayed. That, of course, being the year that the government ratified the United States Flag Code, although at that time it was more or less merely a codification of the procedures and regulations that the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army had already been following. The next year, as you recall, the National Flag Conference made some slight changes to the Code and called it good, leaving it to Congress to eventually draft a resolution recognizing the Code as Law. Which, you certainly recollect, they got around to doing in 1942. You are probably nodding your head in mild consternation at this point since this is all old news to you and is not addressing your query regarding everyday treatment of the flag as a civilian. The Code is available for download or for purchase from the Government Publishing Office but it turns out that it is largely in legalese. Publishing Office with Library of Encyclopedias This is exactly why we’ve written up this entry—so that you have a reference for the stuff you actually need to know about the flag. If only you’d waited! Let’s get to it. The most important thing to know about the U.S. Flag Code is that, technically as a civilian, you can’t violate it. Adhering to its edicts and pronouncements is entirely voluntary. Even if it weren’t, the Code has no enforcement provisos and no penalties, either. It leaves that sort of detail up to the individual states. “But wait!” you say, “What about the Flag Protection Act, passed on October 28, 1989, which made it a criminal offense to desecrate, deface, mutilate, or step on the flag, carrying penalties of up to one year in prison and/or severe fines?” To which we raise an incredulous eyebrow and reply that that amendment to the statute in Title 18 was struck down by the Supreme Court in The United States vs. Eichman on June 11, 1990. So, again, no penalties and no enforcement for not following the Flag Code. That said, it is a total jerk move to not follow the Flag Code to your best ability. The basic thing to keep in mind is respect. The flag is a symbol of the nation and a source of pride to its people.
  • When the flag is being either raised, or lowered, or passing in a parade, a citizen should stand at attention and salute.
  • Whether the flag is being displayed vertically or horizontally, the blue field should be at the top left for the observer.
  • The flag should not be displayed during inclement weather, nor at night unless illuminated.
It should otherwise be displayed on all days, especially:
  • New Year’s Day, January 1
  • Inauguration Day, January 20
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, third Monday in January
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12
  • Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February
  • Easter Sunday (variable)
  • Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May
  • Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
  • Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May
  • Flag Day, June 14
  • Father’s Day, third Sunday in June
  • Independence Day, July 4
  • Labor Day, first Monday in September
  • Constitution Day, September 17
  • Columbus Day, second Monday in October
  • Navy Day, October 27
  • Veterans Day, November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
  • Christmas Day, December 25
  • Any other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States
  • The birthdays of states (date of admission)
  • State holidays
Some more guidelines:
  • The flag ought not to touch the ground, water, or any such thing beneath it. It should never have anything placed on it.
  • The flag shouldn’t be carried flat but always aloft and free to fly.
  • The flag should not be used as apparel, decoration, or bedding; should not be printed on paper or other disposable items; should not be displayed on a ceiling.
  • The flag should never be dipped to any symbol or thing. When displayed with other flags, it should always be the highest and centermost, if possible.
  • When displayed at half-staff, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak, then immediately lowered to half-staff, then again when lowering it.
  • When used to drape a casket, the blue union field should be over the left shoulder.
Ultimately, the display of the flag comes down to some basic rules and common sense. Treat it with respect, and a few basic rules will see you the rest of the way. American Flag in Sky