American Flag Etiquette

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

27 May 2008 11:01 AM

Now is a great time to get those flags displayed for your home if you don't already have one. But, do you know all of the rules, regulations and general etiquette when it comes to flying or displaying a flag? There are many, but here is what you really should know, according to the U.S. history website.

On Memorial Day, flags should be flown at half mast until noon. In the morning, the flag should be raised all of the way to the top and then slowly lowered to half mast. Technically, this may be difficult if your flag is mounted on a pole without a rope, but there is nothing in the rules telling you what to do about this.

Flags should never be worn as clothing or as a carpet or rug that can be stepped on. I know I have seen plenty of rugs that depict American flags, but they usually are part of a larger picture that displays the flag waving from a home. But, this is good to know.

If you display the American flag against the wall with another flag, the new flags should be crossed. The staff of the American flag should always be in front of the staff of the other flag, and the other flag should be to the right of the American flag. Never fly the American flag with the flag of another country on the same pole. They should be displayed side by side on separate staffs of the same height, according to International usage at a time of peace.

If you are displaying the flag flat, as on a wall or in a window, the union, that is the part with the stars, should always face to the left as observed by the viewer. It can be displayed either horizontal or vertical, but the union is always to the upper left. If you display it in the window, the union should be to the upper left as seen from the road.

Want more information on flag etiquette? Visit http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

Have A Frugal Fourth

Happy Memorial Day (from our home to yours)

Frugal Memorial Day Ideas

Memorial Day Yard Sales

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger