Proper Way To Fly A Flag

The Proper Way to Fly an American Flag

The American flag is a powerful symbol of our nation’s history, values, and aspirations. It is important to fly the flag correctly to show respect for our country and its ideals.

There are specific rules and regulations governing the display of the American flag. These rules are set forth in the United States Flag Code, which was enacted by Congress in 1942.

The Flag Code outlines the following general guidelines for flying the American flag:

The flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset on all days, except in inclement weather.
The flag should be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day and on other days as designated by the President or Congress.
The flag should be flown at full-staff on all other days.
The flag should never be flown upside down, except as a signal of distress.
The flag should never be used as a tablecloth, bedspread, or other article of clothing.
The flag should never be displayed in a way that it is likely to be damaged or soiled.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules for flying the flag on different types of flagpoles.

Flagpoles on Buildings

When the flag is flown on a building, it should be flown from a staff that is attached to the building. The staff should be at least 10 feet tall and should be made of a sturdy material, such as metal or wood.

The flag should be flown at the peak of the staff, and it should be hoisted and lowered slowly and carefully. When the flag is not being flown, it should be stored in a clean and dry place.

Flagpoles on Cars and Trucks

When the flag is flown on a car or truck, it should be flown from a staff that is attached to the vehicle. The staff should be at least 3 feet tall and should be made of a sturdy material, such as metal or wood.

The flag should be flown at the front of the vehicle, and it should be hoisted and lowered slowly and carefully. When the flag is not being flown, it should be stored in a clean and dry place.

Flagpoles on Boats

When the flag is flown on a boat, it should be flown from a staff that is attached to the stern of the boat. The staff should be at least 6 feet tall and should be made of a sturdy material, such as metal or wood.

The flag should be flown at the peak of the staff, and it should be hoisted and lowered slowly and carefully. When the flag is not being flown, it should be stored in a clean and dry place.

Folding the American Flag

The American flag should be folded in a specific way to show respect for the flag. The following steps outline how to fold the American flag:

Fold the flag in half lengthwise, bringing the blue field to the top.
Fold the flag in half again, bringing the blue field to the top.
Fold the flag in half again, bringing the blue field to the top.
Fold the flag in half again, bringing the blue field to the top.
Fold the flag in half again, bringing the blue field to the top.
Fold the flag in half again, bringing the blue field to the top.
Tuck the pointed end of the flag into the triangle formed by the last fold.

The folded flag should be stored in a clean and dry place.

FAQ

Q: What is the proper way to display the American flag on a vertical flagpole?

A: The flag should be flown from a staff that is at least 10 feet tall and should be made of a sturdy material, such as metal or wood. The flag should be flown at the peak of the staff, and it should be hoisted and lowered slowly and carefully.

Q: What is the proper way to display the American flag on a horizontal flagpole?

A: The flag should be flown from a staff that is at least 6 feet tall and should be made of a sturdy material, such as metal or wood. The flag should be flown at the peak of the staff, and it should be hoisted and lowered slowly and carefully.

Q: What is the proper way to display the American flag on a car or truck?

A: The flag should be flown from a staff that is at least 3 feet tall and should be made of a sturdy material, such as metal or wood. The flag should be flown at the front of the vehicle, and it should be hoisted and lowered slowly and carefully.

Q: What is the proper way to display the American flag on a boat?

A: The flag should be flown from a staff that is at least 6 feet tall and should be made of a sturdy material, such as metal or wood. The flag should be flown at the stern of the boat, and it should be hoisted and lowered slowly and carefully.

Q: What is the proper way to fold the American flag?

A: The American flag should be folded in a specific way to show respect for the flag. The following steps outline how to fold the American flag: