Flag Etiquette - Time and Occasions for Display of the U.S. Flag

How many of us know proper flag etiquette? I would venture to guess not many. We at Shining Star Flags & Bandanas believe that we should not only fly the United States flag as much as possible but fly it correctly. Over the next few months we will post excerpts the Federal Flag Code, which provides uniform guidelines for the display of and the respect shown for the flag.

1. It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

2. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

3. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.

4. The flag should be displayed on the following days: When to Fly the Flag

5. The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution.

6. The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days.

7. The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.


Portions reprinted from the CRS Report for Congress, The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions, Updated July 5, 2007