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**Guidelines for Display of the Flag**

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for
handling and displaying the U.S. flag. While the federal code contains
no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and
may impose penalties. The language of the federal code makes clear that
the flag is a living symbol.

In response to a Supreme Court decision which held that a state law
prohibiting flag burning was unconstitutional, Congress enacted the Flag
Protection Act in 1989. It provides that anyone who knowingly desecrates
the flag may be fined and/or imprisoned for up to one year. However,
this law was challenged by the Supreme Court in a 1990 decision that the
Flag Protection Act violates the First Amendment free speech
protections.

**Important Things to Remember**

Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from
sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if
it's illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject to
weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind
storms unless it is an all-weather flag.

It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state
holidays and special occasions.

The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public
institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election
days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

![](media/image2.wmf)When carried in procession with other flags, the
U.S. flag should be either on the marching right (the flag's right) or
to the front and center of the flag line. When displayed on a float in a
parade, the flag should be hung from a staff or suspended so it falls
free. It should not be draped over a vehicle.![](media/image3.wmf)When
displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, the U.S.
flag should be on its own right (left to a person facing the wall) and
its staff should be in front of the other flag's
staff.![](media/image4.wmf)In a group of flags displayed from staffs,
the U.S. flag should be at the center and the highest point.

![](media/image5.wmf)When the U.S. flag is displayed other than from a
staff, it should be displayed flat, or suspended so that its folds fall
free. When displayed over a street, place the union so it faces north or
east, depending upon the direction of the
street.![](media/image6.wmf)When the U.S. flag is displayed from a staff
projecting from a building, the union of the flag should be placed at
the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. When suspended
from a rope extending from the building on a pole, the flag should be
hoisted out, union first from the building.![](media/image7.wmf)When
flags of states, cities or organizations are flown on the same staff,
the U.S. flag must be at the top (except during church services
conducted at sea by Navy chaplains).![](media/image8.wmf)When other
flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the U.S. flag should be hoisted
first

and lowered last. It must be on the right of other flags and no other
flag should stand higher than it. Flags of other nations should be flown
from separate staffs. International custom dictates that flags of
different nations be displayed at the same height in peacetime and be
approximately the same size.![](media/image9.wmf)When displayed flat
against the wall on a speaker's platform, the flag should be above and
behind the speaker with the union on the left side as the audience looks
at it (again, the flag's right). ![](media/image10.wmf)When the flag
hangs from a staff in a church or public place, it should appear to the
audience on the left, the speaker's right. Any other flags displayed
should be placed on the opposite side of the
speaker.![](media/image11.wmf)The flag may cover a casket, but should
not cover a statue or monument for unveiling. On a casket, the union
(blue field) should be at the deceased person's head and heart, over the
left shoulder. But the flag should be removed before the casket is
lowered into the grave and should never touch the ground. Whenever the
flag is displayed at half-staff, it should be first raised to the top.
Lowering from half-staff is preceded by first raising it momentarily to
the top.

![](media/image12.wmf)During the hoisting or lowering of the flag or
when it passes in parade or review, Americans should stand at attention
facing the flag and place their right hand over the heart. Uniformed
military members render the military salute. Men not in uniform should
remove any headdress and hold it with their right hand at their left
shoulder, the hand resting over the heart. Those who are not U.S.
citizens should stand at attention.

The flag should never be draped or drawn back in folds. Draped red,
white and blue bunting should be used for decoration, with the blue at
the top and red at the bottom.

The flag may be flown at half-staff to honor a newly deceased federal or
state government official by order of the president or the governor,
respectively. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at
half-staff until noon.

**Other Things Not to Do with the Flag**

Out of respect for the U.S. flag, never:

dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental
colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.

display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress.

let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water,
merchandise.

carry it horizontally, but always aloft.

fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or
soiled.

place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of
any kind.

use it for holding anything.

use it as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be used on
a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be attached to
the uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police
officers and firefighters.

use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper
napkins, boxes or anything else intended for temporary use and discard.

During the hoisting or lowering of the flag or when it passes in parade
or review, Americans should stand at attention facing the flag and place
their right hand over the heart. Uniformed military members render the
military salute. Men not in uniform should remove any headdress and hold
it with their right hand at their left shoulder, the hand resting over
the heart. Those who are not U.S. citizens should stand at attention.

When the flag is worn out or otherwise no longer a fitting emblem for
display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by
burning.