How to Display the Flag
1.
When the flag is displayed over the middle of the
street, it should be suspended vertically with the
union to the north in an east and west street or to
the east in a north and south street.
2.
The flag of the United States of America, when it is
displayed with another flag against a wall from
crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's
own right [that means the viewer's left
--Webmaster], and its staff should be in front
of the staff of the other flag.
3.
The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first
hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered
to the half-staff position. The flag should be again
raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
By "half-staff" is meant lowering the flag to
one-half the distance between the top and bottom of
the staff. Crepe streamers may be affixed to spear
heads or flagstaffs in a parade only by order of the
President of the United States.
4.
When flags of States, cities, or localities, or
pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard
with the flag of the United States, the latter
should always be at the peak. When the flags are
flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United
States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No
such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of
the United States or to the right of the flag of the
United States (the viewer's left). When the flag is
half-masted, both flags are half-masted, with the US
flag at the mid-point and the other flag below.
5.
When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a
rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of
the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union
first, from the building.
6.
When the flag of the United States is displayed from
a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from
the window sill, balcony, or front of a building,
the union of the flag should be placed at the peak
of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.
7.
When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should
be so placed that the union is at the head and over
the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered
into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
8.
When the flag is displayed in a manner other than by
being flown from a staff, it should be displayed
flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either
horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union
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 displayed in the same way, that
is with the union or blue field to the left of the
observer in the street. When festoons, rosettes or
drapings are desired, bunting of blue, white and red
should be used, but never the flag.
9.
That the flag, when carried in a procession with
another flag, or flags, should be either on the
marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or,
if there is a line of other flags, in front of the
center of that line.
10. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
11.
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 the flag of one nation above that of another
nation in time of peace. The order of precedence for
flags generally is National flags (US first, then
others in alphabetical order in English), State
(host state first, then others in the order of
admission) and territories (Washington DC, Puerto
Rico, etc.), Military (in order of establishment:
Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard),
then other.
12.
When displayed from a staff in a church or public
auditorium on or off a podium, the flag of the
United States of America should hold the position of
superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and
in the position of honor at the clergyman's or
speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other
flag so displayed should be placed on the left of
the clergyman or speaker (to the right of the
audience). Please note that the old guidelines
differed from this updated and simplified one.
13.
When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall
be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the
right fender.
14.
When hung in a window, place the blue union in the
upper left, as viewed from the street.
Flag Code Violations in the News Hide Section
Click pictures for enlargements
Reno, Nevada, October 2, 2007, the flagpole at a local bar displayed the Mexican flag above the US flag on the same flagpole. Section 7g reads, "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 the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace." Photo source: KRNV News 4
Albania, June 10, 2007, the woman's flag is union out; the man is wearing flag shorts; his flag is touching the ground. Section 7h reads, "the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff." Section 8d reads, "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel." Section 8b reads, "The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground." Of course, the Flag Code doesn't apply in Albania. Photo credit: Damir Sagolj/Reuters
September 11, 2006, President Bush and first lady Laura Bush stand on a carpet of the American flag at Ground Zero in Manhattan, the site of the September 11, 2001 attack. Section 8b of the Flag Code reads, " The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground..." Photo credit: Reuters/Jason Reed
April 2006, protesters hold a US flag union down to protest pending federal legislation, in Costa Mesa, California. Section 8a. "The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property." Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images/David McNew
Super Bowl 2004, Janet Jackson's "costume malfunction" made international news; that same half-time show featured the wearing of an American flag by performer Kid Rock. He later removed the flag poncho and hurled it over his head. Section 8d. reads, "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel." Photo credit: Reuters
In July 2003 President Bush autographed a small flag. This picture was circulated across the Internet noting its violation of the Flag Code: "The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature." Photo credit: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak
What Is a Flag? Hide Section
References: HR1974 | Flag Desecration Timeline (see 1897) | Flag Code (see below), section 3
 Jasper Johns flag |
 animation experiment |
 flag quilt |
 Bank of America logo |
 child's drawing |
 flag car |
 flag Christmas tree |
 flag stamp [discussion] |
 weathervane |
Flagpoles, Flag Sizes, Flag Proportions Hide Section
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Home Use |
Public display (not home-use) |
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| flagpole | flag | flagpole | flag | flagpole | flag |
| 15' | 3'x5' | 20' | 4'x6' | 50' | 8x12'-10x15' |
| 20' | 3'x5' | 25' | 5'x8' | 60'-65' | 10'x15'-10'x19' |
| 25' | 4'x6' | 30'-35' | 6'x10' | 70'-80' | 10'x19'-12'x18' |
| 40'-45' | 6'x10-8'x12' | 90'-100' | 20'x38'-30'x50 | ||
Flag Proportions
According to Executive Order 10834, official flags (not personal flags) must meet these standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions Hide Section
My flag touched the ground. Do I need to
destroy it?
My flag is old and ready to be retired. What
should I do?A problem that has not been addressed yet involves nylon (all-weather) flags. In some states, it is illegal to burn nylon, so adhering to the Flag Code puts you in direct violation of the law. We will report on recommendations here in the future.
Are there recent changes to the Flag Code?Currently pending is a change that will permit veterans to continue to salute the flag, even when not in uniform.
Are there penalties for violating the Flag
Code?The Flag Code has no provision for enforcement whatsoever. No fines, no penalties. There is nothing law enforcement can do when the Flag Code is broken. The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that violations of the Flag Code are protected First Amendment Rights for political speech.
Are flags on T-shirts, ties, etc., really
flags?
Yes. According to the Flag Code, a flag is anything "by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag."
The words "flag, standard, colors, or ensign", as used herein, shall include any flag, standard, colors, ensign, or any picture or representation of either, or of any part or parts of either, made of any substance or represented on any substance, of any size evidently purporting to be either of said flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America or a picture or a representation of either, upon which shall be shown the colors, the stars and the stripes, in any number of either thereof, or of any part or parts of either, by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag, colors, standard, or ensign of the United States of America.
Source: Flag Code (see below), Section 3
Therefore, a flag includes any representation of it of any substance, with stars and stripes of any number. This would include T-shirts and ties.
The Flag Code states that the flag should never be worn. (Section 8d): "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel."
How should I dispose of T-shirts with
pictures of the flag on them?See My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?
Where do you wear a flag lapel pin?
The Flag Code is quite specific about where to wear it. Section 8j of the Flag Code (see below) reads:
No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
Should the American flag be taken down
during a rain storm?
Is it proper to wash a soiled flag? May I
mend a torn flag?Many dry cleaners will clean your flag at no cost. Ask your local cleaner their policy on cleaning flags.
I fly my flag at home 24 hours a day. What
does "properly illuminated" mean?The Flag Rules offer no additional guidance on this question. We interpret this to mean that there should be either a light directly upon the flag or that there be sufficient local lighting to make the flag easily visible at night.
If you cannot "properly illuminate" your flag, we recommend that you retire it at sunset, as the Flag Rules specify.
Have the "properly illuminated" rules been
relaxed a. since 9/11 or b. due to energy
conservation?
Is it appropriate to fly a flag that has
fewer than 50 stars?
Should I fly my flag today?- New Year's Day, January 1
- Inauguration Day, January 20
- Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, third Monday in January
- Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
- Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
- Easter Sunday (variable)
- Mother's Day, second Sunday in May
- Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
- Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May
- Flag Day, June 14
- Independence Day, July 4
- Labor Day, first Monday in September
- Constitution Day, September 17
- Columbus Day, second Monday in October
- Navy Day, October 27
- Veterans Day, November 11
- Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
- Christmas Day, December 25
- and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States
- the birthdays of States (date of admission)
- and on State holidays
What does the Flag Code say about displaying
the flag horizontally, as before a football
game?
Section 8c. reads, "The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free."
Can the American flag be used as the
background for a bulletin board display with
notices tacked on it?
We recently received a notice from our home
owners association that no flags — including
the American flag — may be flown in any way
from our homes.A condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy, or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use. Read HR42.
- In the News:: Homeowner at odds with homeowners association [October 26, 2006]
- In the News:: National Flag Law Mirrors Community Associations Institute Public Policy [July 24, 2006]
Is it okay to use flag napkins or flag paper
plates?
No. Section 8i of the Flag Code reads: "It should not be ... printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."
This picture posted by Kraftfoods as a Fourth of July recommendation. They also provide a recipe for a flag cake.
Is a cake decorated with a flag drawn with
icing a violation of the Flag Code?
There is nothing specific in the Flag Code (see below) regarding the use of the US flag as food. It does say
- "No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America."
- "... It should not be ... printed or otherwise impressed on ... anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."
The icing on a cake would generally be eaten, digested, and "discarded" in a most disrespectful way. We suggest that it is an inappropriate display of the flag.
Is it okay for an advertisement to use the
flag?
 W.B. Mason logo |
 Ford TV ad |
 Krazy Eddie's TV ad |
Where should the flag be mounted as it
relates to the front of a house?
What does the gold fringe on the flag
represent?
We are flying the US flag, our state flag,
and our company flag on side-to-side poles.
What order should they be in?
Facing the display, from left to right: US flag, state flag, company flag. If you are flying them on two poles, place the US flag over the state flag on the leftmost pole, and the company flag on the right pole. You may not fly a company flag on the same pole as the US flag.
We are flying the US flag, our state flag,
and the POW/MIA flag on side-to-side poles.
What order should they be in?
Facing the display, from left to right: US flag, POW/MIA, state flag. If you are flying them on two poles, place the US flag over the POW/MIA flag on the leftmost pole, and the state flag on the right pole. [Source: Home of Heroes]
Doesn't the US flag fly on the tall center
pole?
Yes. When the three poles are the same height, the priority is left to right. When the center pole is taller, then the position of prominence is the center pole, then the left, then the right.
We have the US flag, a Canadian flag, and
our state flag.
The correct order is US, then other nationality (always flown at the same height as the US flag), and then state flag.
Can a foreign flag fly above the US flag?
A situation arose in Reno, where a Mexican Flag was flown above the US flag on a single pole. This was a violation of the Flag Code and was apparently done to make a political statement.
Let's start by looking at the Flag Code. You will find there is a contradiction. First it says that all foreign flags should fly at the same height as the US flag. But later, it says that no foreign flag should fly at the same height as the US flag.
7g. reads, "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 the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace."
7c. starts, "No other 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..."
7c. later on reads (emphasis ours), "No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof..."
Notwithstanding the confusion here, it is always recommended to fly foreign flags from separate poles, and that the flags should be flown at the same height and be of same or similar size.
The complete order of precedence of flags in
the US- The flag of the United States.
- Foreign national flags. (Normally, these are displayed in alphabetical order using the English alphabet.)
- Flag of the President of the United States of America.
- POW/MIA flag
- State and territorial flags. Normally, state flags are displayed in order of admittance of the State to the Union. However, they may also be displayed in alphabetical order using the English alphabet. Territorial flags are displayed after the State flags either in the order they were recognized by the United States or alphabetically.
- Military organizational flags of the
Services in order of precedence
- Cadets, United States Military Academy
- Midshipmen, United States Naval Academy
- Cadets, United States Air Force Academy
- Cadets, United States Coast Guard Academy
- Midshipmen, United States Merchant Marine Academy
- United States Army
- United States Marine Corps
- United States Navy
- United States Air Force
- United States Coast Guard
- Army National Guard of the United States
- Army Reserve
- Marine Corps Reserve
- Naval Reserve
- Air National Guard of the United States
- Air Force Reserve
- Coast Guard Reserve
- Other training organizations of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, in that order, respectively.
- Military organizational flags within a Service by echelon. The flag for the regimental corps will have precedence immediately before the regimental proponent’s command flag. The regimental corps flag will never have precedence above a MACOM flag.
- Individual flags in order of rank. For the purpose of order of precedence, the term “individual flags” includes the Department of the Army Senior Executive Service flag.
- Other
Source:Army Regulation 840-10 [PDF Acrobat format]
I have three flags and one pole. What order
should they be in?- US flag
- POW/MIA
- state flags (host state first, then others in the order of admission)
- US territories (Washington DC, Puerto Rico, etc.)
- Military (in order of establishment: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard)
- other
However, the "other" cannot be a national flag (the Canadian, for example) as they must be at the same height and the approximate same size. Nor can it be a company banner. Section 8i of the Flag Code (see below) reads:
"Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown."
The American flag is on top. But, can a
company flag fly beneath it on the same
pole?"Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown."
On my motorcycle, I have two flags, the US
flag and a POW/MIA flag. How should they be
positioned?
The US flag should always be on its right, as shown in this picture. The POW/MIA or other flag flies on its left, which is the viewer's right, facing the motorcycle.
I have a neighbor flying a Mexican flag and
no US flag. Is this a violation of the flag
code?- In the News:: US town bars foreign flags in swipe at immigrants [November 16, 2006]
Is it okay to display the flag upside down
to protest the war?
How can I get a flag that has flown over the
Capitol?
Can I have people sign my flag?
I am thinking of getting a flag tattoo. Is
it okay?
What is the meaning of the folds in a
flag-folding ceremony?There is a popular flag-folding ceremony that has caused some controversy because it appears to violate the Establishment Clause. But it can certainly be used in private ceremonies.
In response to the problems with that ceremony, a new recommended Air Force Folding Ceremony that is not in conflict with the Establishment Clause has been crafted.
- In the News:: Furor After Flag-Folding Ceremony Pulled From Cemeteries [October 30, 2007]
Is Texas's the only state flag allowed to
fly at the same height as the US flag?
Does the ball ornament atop a flagpole
contain a razor, lighter, and flare?
Where does the flag fly 24 hours a day?
South Pole and the moon
It flies 24 hours a day at thousands and thousands of locations. The flag code states:
Section 6a: "when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness."
Notably, it flies 24 hours a day on the moon and at the South Pole.
But, there is an elite group where, by executive order, it is to fly 24 hours a day:
- Fort McHenry National Monument and
Historic Shrine, Baltimore, Maryland
Presidential Proclamation No. 2795, July 2, 1948.
- Flag House Square, Albemarle and Pratt
Streets, Baltimore Maryland
Public Law 83-319, approved March 26, 1954.
- United States Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo
Jima), Arlington, Virginia
Presidential Proclamation No. 3418, June 12, 1961.
- On the Green of the Town of Lexington,
Massachusetts
Public Law 89-335, approved November 8, 1965.
- The White House, Washington, DC.
Presidential Proclamation No. 4000, September 4, 1970.
- Washington Monument, Washington, DC.
Presidential Proclamation No. 4064, July 6, 1971, effective July 4, 1971.
- Fifty flags of the United States are
displayed at the Washington Monument
continuously. United States Customs Ports of
Entry which are continually open
Presidential Proclamation No. 413 1, May 5, 1972.
- Grounds of the National Memorial Arch in
Valley Forge State Park, Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania
Public Law 94-53, approved July 4,1975.
When children paint the American flag, is
that against the Flag rules and regulations?
Isn't the American flag stamp in violation
of the flag rules?This question has been asked by dozens of visitors to this page. The answer appears to be yes. Section 8e. of the Flag Code (see below) reads, "The flag should never be ... used ... in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way." Section 8g. reads, "The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark ... of any nature." 8i. reads, "[The flag] should not be printed or otherwise impressed on ... anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."
At the begining of a scout meeting, when the
Flag is brought into the room isn't it
proper to salute as it is marched to the
front and placed in its stand?
What state has never been under a foreign
flag?
I am a printer. What PMS colors are proper
for the flag?
Saluting the flag by citizens, those in
uniform, and non-citizens?
When was the Flag Code established?
What do the colors red, white, and blue of
the American flag symbolize?
Is it appropriate to use mints wrapped in a
flag print wrapper at a banquet?
What does it mean if the flag is not flying
at the White House?
While inside a building, on a staff that
sits on the floor, is there a particular
side of the building the flag needs to be
on? east, south, north, west?
When inside a building, suspended from the
ceiling, is the direction important?
Why is the flag sometimes called the
"colors"?
Has the Congress always said the Pledge of
Allegiance at the beginning of each day?
When the flag is folded, how many stars
should be showing and what do they
represent? I was told that 13 stars should
be shown on a field of blue representing the
thirteen original colonies and that the
three sides of the flag represent the three
branches of our goverment.
Why is the flag sometimes backwards on the
side of airplanes, buses, and other
vehicles?
Air Force 1 showing the regular flag on the left side and the reverse flag on the right side.
The flag decals show the union (the blue area) on the side closer to the front of the plane. On the plane's left, the decal shows the flag with the union at the left, as usual. On the plane's right side, is a "right flag" or "reversed field flag" or "reverse flag," with the union on the right. This is done so that the flag looks as if it is blowing in the wind created by the forward movement. You can see this on cars and trucks as well.
What is the proper way to wear a flag patch
on one's shoulder sleeve?
 Left Flag |
 Right or "reversed field" flag |
General David Petraeus
To wear our country's flag properly, the field of stars is worn closest to your heart. Further, when worn on the sleeve of a military uniform, the flag should appear to be advancing and not retreating. Thus, if your patch is to be worn on your LEFT sleeve, use a left flag (normal). For patches worn on your RIGHT sleeve, use a "right" or "reversed field" flag.
Since the Flag Rules do not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. Some elect to use the "left" flag on both sleeves. [Note: many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag; you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney's office regarding this matter.] If you are planning to wear only one patch, it is recommended that you wear a "left" flag on your left sleeve.
Military guidelines specify that in support of joint or multi-national operations (as in Iraq), the "right" flag is worn on the right sleeve (see picture), 1/4" below the shoulder seam or 1/8" below any required unit patches. (Class A uniform excepted.)
In a recent Knights of Columbus ceremony,
before the colors were retired, a "cap" was
placed on the Eagle at the top of the flag.
Where does this originate?
Detail of US Army Seal. Click for enlargement of full seal.
It is a Phrygian cap or Liberty cap. In ancient Rome, it was given to a slave upon manumission as a sign of his freedom. In the Revolutionary era, the red Phrygian cap evolved into a symbol of freedom, in America, France, and elsewhere. The picture of Liberty on early silver dollars shows her wearing a Phrygian cap and today it is seen on the seal of the US Army (see picture). Also, those fans of cartoons will recognize it as the headgear worn by Smurfs.
I am interested in having a US flag patch
sewn on the right arm of my baseball jersey.
Section 8j. of the Flag Code (see below) states, "No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform."
Why do we stand and put our right hand on
our hearts when we say the pledge of
allegiance? And where did this tradition
origionate?At a signal from the Principal the pupils, in ordered ranks, hands to the side, face the Flag. Another signal is given; every pupil gives the flag the military salute — right hand lifted, palm downward, to a line with the forehead and close to it. Standing thus, all repeat together, slowly, "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands; one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all." At the words, "to my Flag," the right hand is extended gracefully, palm upward, toward the Flag, and remains in this gesture till the end of the affirmation; whereupon all hands immediately drop to the side.The Youth's Companion, 1892
Shortly thereafter, the pledge was begun with the right hand over the heart, and after reciting "to the Flag," the arm was extended toward the Flag, palm-down.
In World War II, the salute too much resembled the Nazi salute, so it was changed to keep the right hand over the heart throughout.
Is there a timeline of flag desecration
issues?
Do I have to fold my flag in the triangular
fold for storage between use?
No, for storage purposes, you may use the ordinary rectangular fold and, perhaps, place your flag in a plastic bag. If the flag is affixed to a staff, you may roll the flag around the staff for storage. The triangular fold is not required, but is traditional for display of the flag, often placed in a rectangular wooden display box. Instructions for the triangular fold as provided at the top of this page. Before folding the flag, either way, be sure it is dry and clean.
Are flags taxed?Wisconsin is one example of a state with an exemption, but it does get a little tricky. Here is how it reads:
An exemption from Wisconsin sales and use tax is created for the sale of, and the storage, use, or other consumption of, the U.S. flag and the Wisconsin state flag.
A flag, for purposes of this exemption, is considered to include the staff to which the flag is permanently mounted when sold by the retailer. However, if a flag is sold together with other tangible personal property, such as a pole to which the flag may be attached and unattached, and mounting brackets, only that portion of the selling price attributable to the flag is exempt from Wisconsin sales and use tax.
Should I fly my flag at half-staff today?- Memorial Day (last Monday of May) the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon
- May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day, half-staff from sunrise to sunset
- September 11, Patriot Day, half-staff from sunrise to sunset
- December 7, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, half-staff from sunrise to sunset
- Upon reliable information that a past or present President, Vice-President, Chief Justice, or Speaker of the House has died
- Upon proclamation from the President (see next) or your state's governor (see after)
Presidential proclamation
Click to see if the President has issued a
proclamation to half-staff the flag.
By statute, the President is requested each year to issue a proclamation requiring government buildings to half-staff the flag and inviting all the people of the US to do so as well, on Peace Officers Memorial Day, Patriot Day, and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (see above).
Section 7m of the Flag Code (see below) reads:
The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff, and the same authority is provided to the Mayor of the District of Columbia with respect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members of the Armed Forces from the District of Columbia. The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection —
- the term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
- the term "executive or military department" means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and
- the term "Member of Congress" means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
Can my company fly the US flag at half-mast
for a former employee?Also see Is the governor allowed to order the flag half-staffed for anyone he chooses?
A former student of our school was killed in
Iraq. Can we lower the flag?
Is the governor allowed to order the US flag
half-staffed for anyone he or she chooses?Section 7m of the Flag Code now reads (in part), emphasis ours on added text:
By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff, and the same authority is provided to the Mayor of the District of Columbia with respect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members of the Armed Forces from the District of Columbia.
The change was the result of governor proclamations, like this one from Governor Granholm of Michigan.
Some object to this extension of a governor's authority because they feel half-staffing the flag for every fallen soldier can be seen as anti-war. Some feel that overuse cheapens the symbolic power of half-staffing the flag, traditionally reserved for political leaders.
Upon the death of a sitting or former
President how long does the flag fly at
half-mast? For a Vice-President?
How can I show mourning if my flag is on a
fixed pole or staff and can't be
half-masted?
Can the US flag be flown at half staff and
the state flag be flown underneath of it on
the same pole?
When the US flag is at half-staff, do other
foreign flags fly at full-staff?
When the US flag is at half mast, should
other flags (state, city, company) be flown
at half mast?When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right.
Therefore, when the US flag is flown at half-mast, other non-national flags should also fly at half-mast.
I was told there are 5 places the flag is
never lowered to half staff.- The Betsy Ross House (false, it is half-staffed)
- The Alamo (false, it is half-staffed*)
- USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor (false, it is half-staffed)
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Arlington (false, it is half-staffed when others are, and, in addition, it is lowered to half-staff 30 minutes before each funeral)
- The Moon (true)
A flag, however, is never half-staffed on the battlefield. There are locations so remote that it is not lowered to half-staff. And, half-staffing the flag is done on a voluntary basis by citizens, so there are certainly many flags that are never half-staffed. However, there are no locations where the flag is not half-staffed by Congressional or Presidential authority.
*This is from the reference librarian in San Antonio, Texas: "I have had this question before, and I'm not sure which website makes that statement. The flags at the Alamo are indeed flown at half-staff whenever the federal, state, or city governments make the request. The Alamo Rangers are in charge of raising and lowering the flags and follow proper flag etiquette."
Is there a difference between "half-mast"
and "half-staff"?Half-mast: a point some distance but not necessarily halfway down below the top of a mast or staff or the peak of a gaff.
Half-staff: HALF-MAST — used of a flag or a flagpole
Checking other dictionaries, they all seem to agree that the principal term is "half-mast."
The Flag Code (section 7-m) reads:
The term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
Using Google, you find the term "half-mast" 838,000 times and the term "half-staff" 649,000 times. Searching White House press releases "half-staff" appears 80 times to "half-mast" only 4 times.
Naval flag protocol uses the term "half-staff" 10 times, and the term "half-mast" 61 times.
Our conclusion is that both terms can be used. The term "half-mast" seems more appropriate at sea (as ships have masts), but is the term preferred by the dictionaries. "Half-staff" seems more appropriate on land, and is the primary term used in the Flag Code and in Presidential proclamations.
We call it a draw. The two terms may be used interchangeably for general use.
Is it okay to fly a flag that was used to
drape a coffin?
How do you drape the flag on an open casket?
On a closed casket, the blue field of the flag is placed at the head of the casket, over the left shoulder of the deceased. The position of the blue field is reversed to indicate mourning with the blue field on the right as the flag faces the coffin. It may be said that the flag is embracing the deceased who in life has served the flag. Today, the American Flag that covered the casket symbolizes the deceased service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
On an open casket, the flag is placed in the same position as when it is used to cover a closed casket (union at the head over the left shoulder, with the union in full view). The stripes should be folded under so the flag will not hang excessively at the foot. There is no precise measurement for the excess that is folded under.
Last October our granddaughter's paternal
grandfather died. After the flag was folded,
the soldier tucked three spent cartridges in
with the flag. What is the meaning of the
three cartridges?
My father has requested that he be buried
with a flag.Further, it is also appropriate for any patriotic person to make and be granted the same honor of having a flag drape the coffin and to be buried with the body wrapped in the flag.
For more information about veterans' funerals, click here.
What are the funeral protocols for a veteran
who has died?U.S. Air Force: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of (Service Member's rank and name)."
U.S. Army: "This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."
U.S. Coast Guard: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and the Coast Guard."
U.S. Marine Corps: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and Corps."
U.S. Navy: "On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to this Country and a grateful Navy."
If the next of kin wishes (ask first), add: "God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America."
At the end of the ceremony, the flag is presented to the next of kin (see next), usually by the military chaplain.
Primary Next of Kin (PNOK)
- Spouse
- Sons or daughters in the order of age, oldest first
- Oldest parent, unless legal custody was granted to another person
- Blood or adoptive relative granted legal custody
- Brothers or sisters in the order of age, oldest first
- Oldest grandparent
- Other relative in accordance with laws of deceased's domicile
- Close friends and associates
Note: If the deceased was serving on Active Duty, he/she would have appointed a PNOK in writing, for notification.
Flags for Veterans
Flags are provided for burial services of Servicemembers and Veterans. The flag for one who dies on active duty is provided by one's branch of service. Flags for other Veterans are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
See Laws Relating to Funeral Honors for more information.
I have a question about the Flag Code that is not answered here
Flag Code
The laws relating to the flag of the United States of America are found in detail in the United States Code. Title 4, Chapter 1 pertains to the flag; Title 18, Chapter 33, Section 700 regards criminal penalties for flag desecration; Title 36, Chapter 3 pertains to patriotic customs and observances. These laws were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations.
United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag
The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be forty-eight stars [Note that sec. 2 which follows provides for additional stars. Today the flag has fifty stars representing the fifty states — Webmaster], white in a blue field
On the