Flag Day is a day celebrated to appreciate and respect the American flag. The flag is a symbol of America's freedom, unity, and history. In order to give due respect, it is important to follow traditions and etiquette according to the U.S. Flag Code and other official standards.
- Time of Display: Conventionally, the American flag is to be displayed just from sunrise to sunset. Yet it is allowed to be displayed continuously 24 hours a day as long as it is properly lighted during nighttime.
- Weather Considerations: The flag should not be shown during inclement weather like rain, snow, or gusty winds unless it is an all-weather flag made to withstand such weather.
- Placement: When flown with other flags, the flag of the U.S. should be at the top and center if in a group. If flown from a single staff with other flags, it must be on top of all others. When flown in a row, the flag of the U.S. must be at the left of the observer (the flag's own right).
- On Buildings and Streets: When suspended from a building, the union (blue with stars) must be at the top of the staff or flagpole. When flown above a street, the union must face north or east based on the direction of the street.
- Parades and Processions: The U.S. flag must be carried on the marching right or at the head and center of the flag line. When carried on a float, it must be hanging freely from a staff, not draped over the platform.
Handling the Flag
- Raising and Lowering: The flag must be raised quickly and lowered slowly. It symbolizes respect and respects the symbolism of the flag.
- Half-Staff: The flag is flown half-staff in honor of deceased government members or on Memorial Day (half-staff until noon, then raised).
- Folding: The flag is folded 13 times traditionally, each fold representing the nation's history and values. The blue field with stars must always be kept visible when folded as a sign of honor.
Proper Respect and Prohibitions
- No Dipping: The American flag must never be dipped to anyone or anything, in contrast to some other flags that can be dipped as a symbol of respect.
- No Ground Contact: The flag must never touch the ground, floor, water, or merchandise underneath it.
- No Improper Use: The flag must never be used as clothing, bedding, drapery, or advertising. It must not be marked or embroidered on disposable goods. No part of the flag should be used as part of a costume or sports equipment. Yet a flag patch can be worn by military, police, firemen, and patriotic groups.
- No Damage or Soiling: The flag must be kept clean and hoisted so that it will not tear or become soiled.
- Disposal: If a flag is worn or no longer appropriate for display, it must be disposed of in a respectful manner, ideally through burning.
Check Out: Top MBA Programs in the USA (2025)
Showing Respect While Displaying the Flag
- While Hoisting, Lowering, or Passing: Americans remain at attention in the direction of the flag.
- Their right hand is to be placed over the heart. Uniformed military people salute.
- Men in civilian attire are to remove their hats and place them on their left shoulder, with the hand on the heart. Non-citizens should be at attention too.
- Flag Day is an opportunity to demonstrate reverence for the American flag by adhering to appropriate display and handling etiquette. The flag is a symbol of the nation's values and freedoms, and to treat it with correct etiquette is to demonstrate our shared patriotism and solidarity.
By properly displaying the flag, treating it with respect, and demonstrating respectful traditions, Americans preserve the dignity of this powerful national emblem.
.jpg)
