How to Display the [United States] Flag

Startribune ^ | September 18, 2001 | Mandy Yost

[CoolH2OH]

How to display the flag

Mandy Yost

Scripps Howard News Service

Published Sep 18 2001

The terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center have sparked a wave of patriotism that has seen more and more Americans displaying flags of all sizes in windows, outside homes, on automobile antennas and flying at half-staff from flagpoles.

However, many people are unfamiliar with the U.S. code for proper U.S. flag display. Here are some pointers to remember from the U.S. code.

- Old Glory is normally flown from sunrise to sunset, but may be flown after dark if it is properly illuminated. It should never touch the ground and no flag should be placed above or to the right of the U.S. flag at the same height. When surrounded by flags of states or localities, the American flag should be at the center and highest point of the group.

- When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the blue field should be uppermost and to the flag's right - the observer's left. The same applies when hanging the flag in a window: the blue should be to the left of the observer in the street.

- The American flag should be flown at half-staff when the entire nation is in mourning. The president or other government officials may order flags to be flown at half-staff.

When the U.S. flag flies at half-staff, it should be first raised to the top of the flagpole for a moment and then lowered to the half-staff position. It is raised again before being lowered for the day. Other flags flying adjacent to Old Glory also must be flown at half-staff or taken down.

A black streamer should be attached to the top of the pole if the American flag cannot be displayed at half-staff, such as those flying on short poles jutting from houses or porches. A black bow should be affixed to the fastening points of U.S. flags hung on walls or windows.

[WIladyconservative]

Thank you for the info - I knew most of it (which is why I have a spotlight on my flag at night), but I didn't know about the black streamer/bows on short poles. I'll get right on that.

[TheOtherOne]

bump

[Greeblie]

Thanks for the info, I gotta get a black streamer...

[joyce11111]

I didn't know about the black streamer, either. Will have to get some wide black ribbon.

[Gig]

Thanks.

[Jason, from Columbus Ohio]

I have a good-sized flag hanging outside our house, and I bought an outdoor light to shoine on it at night. The light kit only cost me $4, and the bulb about $6. 45watts will do the job nicely.... I think it does good for anyone driving by at night, or even the LEO's that patrol our streets. We do appreciate them too.

[glock rocks]

as i understand it, the black "streamer" should be the width of the stripes on the flag and hooked
at the top of the flag. it should be attached by the middle
of the streamer, which should be twice the length of the flag.

if i'm wrong, please post correct info. going from memory (what's left of it).

[CWOJackson]

My wife and I have been making a ritual of driving through many of the local neighborhoods watching more and more flags appear over night.

I've seen just about every inappropriate way imagineable in displaying the flag. At first I started getting a little hot under the collar about it until my dear wife reminded me that up until a few days before, there were very few flags on display, and that I should be happy that so many people were trying.

Now we drive through, and sometimes I have to surpress a groan, but to me just about everyone of this inproperly displayed flags is beautiful.

[Positive]

Thanks for the info.

Question: with regard to other flags not being placed to the right - is that the flag's right or the observers right?

[bazbo]

BTTT

[Artist]

Thanks very much for this information.

[ChowChowFace]

Thanks!!

[calmseas]

Deserves another bump!