Overview and Core Rules
Proper placement of the American flag follows a consistent set of rules that prioritize respect, visibility, and uniformity. When the flag is displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union (the blue field) should appear at the flag’s own upper left, which is the observer’s upper left. The staff should be straight and firm, never used as clothing or costume, and the flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the floor or ground. These principles apply whether the setting is a home, office, classroom, or civic building.
Key goals include ensuring the flag remains the focal point, avoiding unintentional disrespect, and making the display legible from a reasonable distance. Below are specific, evergreen guidelines for staff, wall, window, lapel, and vehicle displays, plus time-of-day and weather considerations.
Display on a Staff or Pole
When the flag is flown from a staff, place the union at the peak unless it is being displayed at half-staff. If multiple flags are on adjacent staffs, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first and lowered last, and it should be to the observer’s left of other flags. When displayed with state or local flags, the U.S. flag may be at the center and higher than the others, but state flags should not be larger.
- Use a clean, sturdy staff and avoid bending or crumpling the fabric.
- Raise the flag briskly and lower it ceremoniously.
- In inclement weather, the flag should not be displayed unless it is an all-weather flag.
Hanging Vertically on a Wall or Building
For vertical displays, the union must appear at the top and to the flag’s own left. From the viewer’s perspective, this means the union is in the upper left corner. The flag should be flat; if draped, the union should still appear at the upper left. When placed above a street running north to south, the union should face east.
Window Display
When shown in a window, the union should appear at the peak of the staff or, if the flag is flat, at the upper left from the observer’s viewpoint. The staff should extend above the window frame or be positioned so that the union is visible from the street. Ensure the display does not block light or create a hazard.
Lapel Pins and Attire
On lapels, the flag patch should be positioned on the left side, close to the heart. The union should appear forward or, if angled, toward the observer’s right. When worn as a costume or printed on clothing intended as a garment, the flag should not be used; patches and pins are appropriate, while printed dresses or tablecloths are not.
- Place the union toward the observer’s right when the lapel is angled.
- Use subdued colors for lapel pins to maintain dignity.
- Avoid using the flag imagery in a purely decorative or commercial context.
Vehicle and Parade Displays
When the flag is displayed from a vehicle, the staff should be securely affixed to the chassis or right fender. The union should face forward, toward the front of the vehicle, so it appears to an observer that the flag is streaming backward from its forward edge. In a parade, the flag may be carried flat or aloft; when flat, the union should be to the flag’s own right, which is the advance side.
On crossed staffs, the U.S. flag’s staff should be placed on the right of the observer or to the north and west of the other flags, following general order-of-honor conventions. In processions, the U.S. flag should be at the center and front of the line, or to the leftmost position when multiple flags are carried.
Lighting, Weather, and Time of Day
For continuous visibility, illuminate the flag after dark. Avoid displaying the flag in a manner that could subject it to wind, water, or tearing, and never let it touch the ground. During ceremonies at sunrise or sunset, raise or lower the flag promptly, and follow any established protocols for half-staff observances, typically at the direction of the president or a state governor.
Do’s and Don’ts at a Glance
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Keep the union at the upper left when displayed flat or vertically. | Display the flag upside down or reversed unless in a distress signal. |
| Use a proper staff and secure mounting. | Let the flag drag on the ground or touch anything beneath it. |
| Lower the flag promptly in bad weather unless it is all-weather. | Use the flag as clothing, bedding, or costume decoration. |
| Illuminate the flag for nighttime display. | Print the flag on items intended for temporary use or disposal. |
| Follow half-staff protocols and order of honors with other flags. | Alter the flag’s design, add markings, or use it for advertising. |
Respect, Visibility, and Protocol Summary
Proper placement of the American flag hinges on a few enduring principles: keep the union in the correct position, protect the flag from damage, and ensure it remains the clear focus of the display. Whether on a staff, at a window, on a lapel, or in a parade, consistent adherence to these rules conveys respect and maintains visual clarity. By following authoritative guidance and practical best practices, you can display the flag with confidence and dignity at any time of day or year.