Flag Etiquette
Respecting Old Glory. Official rules and guidelines for properly displaying the United States flag at your home or business.
The Fundamentals of Display
Position of Honor
The U.S. flag should always be flown at the highest point and to its own right (the observer's left) when displayed alongside other flags like state or municipal.
Day and Night Flying
Traditionally, the flag is flown only from sunrise to sunset. However, it may be displayed 24 hours a day if it is properly illuminated during darkness.
Hoisting and Lowering
The flag should never be raised while it is furled (rolled up). Always unfurl the flag first, then hoist it briskly to the peak of the flagstaff. When lowering, lower it slowly and ceremoniously. Never allow the flag to touch the ground, floor, or anything beneath it.
Weather Conditions
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when using an all-weather nylon flag like those provided with the Phoenix Flagpole.
Half-Staff Guidelines
When displaying the flag at half-staff, it should first be hoisted briskly to the very peak for an instant, and then lowered slowly to the half-staff position (essentially halfway down the pole). It should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day.
National Holidays
- Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
- Memorial Day (Until noon, then full staff)
- Patriot Day (Sept 11)
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec 7)
By Presidential Proclamation
- Upon the death of principal figures of the US Government.
- Upon the death of the Governor of a State.
- In the event of a national tragedy.
Displaying Multiple Flags
When displaying the flags of two or more nations together, they should be flown from separate staffs of the same height, and the flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another in time of peace.
General Rules
- Use separate staffs of equal height for multiple flags
- Flags should be approximately equal in size
- Never fly one nation's flag above another in peacetime
United Nations Exception
- At UN Headquarters, the UN flag may be placed above all member nation flags
- In the UN enclave, all national flags fly with equal prominence
- No other flag may be flown above the U.S. flag except at UN facilities
Illumination
Flying at Night
The Flag Code strictly states that the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Our LED solar lights automatically accomplish this with dawn-to-dusk sensors.
Shop Illuminated Flagpole Kits