American Flag Etiquette

According to popular usage, the length of the flag should be between one-quarter and one-third the height of the flagpole.

When the flag is displayed on a short staff or where it cannot be lowered to proper half staff position, the proper way to indicate mourning is by tying a black bow made of ribbon above the full staffed flag.

Flags may be flown 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during dark hours. Otherwise, it should be flown from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open.

When displayed against a wall, the union (blue field) should be uppermost and to the flag's own right (that is to the observer's left). When displayed in a window, it should be hung the same way, with the union to the left of the observer in the street.

No flag or pennant should be placed above, or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America. (Not applicable during certain ceremonies for the US Navy.) When multiple flags are flown on the same halyard, the American flag should always be at the peak.

When flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the US flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.

When displayed against a wall from crossed staffs, the American flag should be on its own right (the observer's left) and its staff should be in front of the other flag's staff.

When displayed in a group with a number of other flags, the American flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group.

When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of one nation's flag above another nation's flag in peacetime.

Flags should be displayed above and behind a speaker's platform, if displayed flat. When displayed from a staff, the US flag should hold the position of superior prominence, and in the position of honor at the speaker's right as he or she faces the audience. Any other flags being displayed should be placed on the left of the speaker (the right of the audience).

When flown at half-staff, the flag should first be hoisted to the peak, then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before being lowered for the day. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon, then raised to the top. By order of the President, the flag should be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures in the US government, as a mark of respect to their memory. In other situations, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions, or in accordance with recognized practices not inconsistent with law.