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. In 1989, Congress enacted the Flag Protection Act,
which states that anyone who knowingly desecrates the flag may be fined and/or imprisoned for up to one year.
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 is illuminated during darkness. The
flag should not be displayed during inclement weather unless it is an all-weather flag. It
should especially be displayed on national and state holidays, and special occasions.
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. 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.
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). 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.
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.
You can display the flag from sunrise to sunset every day, if you choose. If not, you
should always try to display the flag on the following days:
New Year's Day-January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day-third Monday in January
Inauguration Day-January 20
Lincoln's Birthday-February 12
Washington's Birthday-February 22
President's Day-third Monday in February
Easter Sunday-varies by year
Mother's Day-second Sunday in May
Peace Officer's Memorial Day-May 15 (flag at half staff)
Armed Forces Day-third Sunday in May
Memorial Day-last Monday in May (flag at half-staff noon)
Flag Day/Army Day-June 14
Independence-July 4
Korean War Veteran's Day-July 27 (flag at half staff)
Labor Day-first Monday in September
Constitution Day/Air Force Day-September 17
Columbus Day-October 12
Navy Day-October 12
Election Day-first Tuesday in November
Marine Corps Birthday-November 10
Veteran's Day-November 11
Thanksgiving Day-fourth Thursday in November
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day-December 7 (flag at half staff)
Christmas Day - December 25
State and local holidays and days proclaimed by president of the United States
