Once you’ve installed your flagpole, you want to ensure you display your flag correctly. There are specific rules and etiquette, along with the U.S. Flag Code, for safe handling and display. Here are the rules for displaying the U.S. Flag correctly.
U.S. Flag Etiquette, Rules, and Guidelines
The U.S. flag symbolizes the United States of America. It represents freedom and individuality. There are rules to follow to keep your U.S. flag looking beautiful for years to come and to show respect to the country.
The Federal Flag Code
The Federal Flag Code, known as Public Law 94-344, consists of rules for displaying and handling the U.S. flag. While there are no penalties for U.S. flag misuse, each state has specific flag rules and codes to follow. The federal code identifies the U.S. flag as a living symbol for the country.
Additionally, the Flag Protection Act of 1989 is a state law that prohibits burning a U.S. flag, calling it unconstitutional and asserting that the desecrator can be fined or imprisoned for up to a year. However, it’s crucial to mention that this law was challenged by the Supreme Court in 1990, as it violated the First Amendment right to free speech.
Crucial Tips To Remember
Special occasions, including state and national holidays, allow regular U.S. flag displays. Traditional guidelines suggest that displaying the flag should occur from sunrise to sunset but can remain displayed with illumination. Store your flag properly to avoid damage from rain, windstorms, and snow.
Public display locations include the main buildings of public institutions, polling places on election days, and schools during school hours. Never drape the flag or allow it to fold over while flying. Decorative bunting should have blue on the top and red on the bottom. Half-staff display honors newly deceased state government or federal officials and is also used for Memorial Day.
The US flag should also be flown at the same level or higher than any other flags that are being displayed. When flown with other flags, the US flag should be to the observer's left when viewed from the front. If the flags are being flown on the same staff, the US flag should be placed above the other flags, with the exception of the flag of another country, which should be flown at the same level.
The US flag should be flown daily, from sunrise to sunset, unless it is being displayed under a light at night. When displayed at night, the flag should be illuminated, either by a spotlight or by other means.
When the flag is displayed indoors, it should be displayed in a manner that shows respect and dignity. This typically means that the flag should be displayed in a prominent location, such as a lobby or main entrance, and that it should be displayed with the union (the blue field with stars) to the observer's left when viewed from the front.
In addition to these general rules, there are also specific guidelines for folding the US flag, displaying it at half-staff, and disposing of it when it is no longer suitable for display. These guidelines can be found in the United States Flag Code, which is a set of federal laws that govern the use and display of the flag.
What Not To Do
There are several things to avoid out of respect for the U.S. flag. You should never display it with the union down or let it touch the ground, floor, merchandise, or water. You should also never display it in a way that could cause damage or use it to hold anything. Never wear the flag as apparel or use it as drapery or bedding, and never print anything on it for advertisement.
As a veteran-family-owned company, we at Liberty Flagpoles believe in supporting everyone in their patriotic beliefs with our heavy-duty, reliable flagpoles. You can easily display our high-quality flagpoles for sale outside homes and businesses to show your country how proud you are. Contact our customer service today if you have questions about our residential and commercial flagpoles.
