Etiquette for Displaying the U.S. Flag

With Independence Day around the corner, we thought it would be appropriate, and helpful, to share etiquette tips for displaying Old Glory outside your restaurant, corporate office or at home.

1. Two or more flags displayed on one pole - The U.S. Flag should always be at the top of the pole, in position of honor. So if you are displaying a flag for a club, organization, or city flag from the same pole, they should be below the U.S. Flag.



2. Displaying the U.S. Flag against a window or wall - The blue field (also called union) of a flag, should always be to the viewer's left.



3. Multiple Flags on Multiple Poles - The U.S. flag should be placed to the extreme left as the flags are most frequently viewed. This is the position of honor.



4. U.S. Flag flying with flags from other nations - Each flag should be the same size and displayed at the same height.



5. Flying at Half-staff - Half the distance from the top to the bottom of the flag pole. If more than one flag is flying, measure the length from the top of the first flag to the bottom of the last. Align the center point of the flag group with the center point of the pole. If your flag is mounted on a wall and cannot be flown at half-mast, it is appropriate to tie a black mourning ribbon above the flag.

Below are flag flying holidays for the remainder of 2009:

Independence Day - July 4

Labor Day - first Monday in September

Patriot Day - (fly at half staff)- September 11

Columbus Day- Second Monday in October

Navy Day - October 27

Marine Corps Day - November 10

Veterans Day - November 11

Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November

Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Day (half staff) - December 7

Christmas Day - December 25