American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding, and caring. To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. Whatever your flag question is, the united states flag store has the answer as well as interesting flag facts. Learn about the american flag and how to display it. Special rules do not let the flag touch the ground. Flag day, which commemorates the adoption of the united states flag in 1777. Flag etiquette and rules american flag and flagpole co.
Scheduled days when the american flag is half staff. The flag shall be flown at halfstaff thirty days from the death of the president or a former president. When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be placed with the stars at the head and over the left shoulder. According to the flag etiquette code, only the president or your state governor can order the u. The book includes details of the laws relating to the u. Half staff on special days, the flag may be flown at half staff. Most half staff days suggest that the american flag is at half staff from sunrise until sunset on the days of the order. On memorial day, the flag should be hung at halfstaff until noon, when it. Section 1 the following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of. The next time you see our countrys flag, think of the unique and wonderful freedoms we enjoy as americans. They set forth the existing rules, customs and etiquette pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the united states of america.
The us flag code, flag etiquette questions and answers, half. The flag should fly at halfstaff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the united states and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president. Following the death of the vice president, the chief justice, a retired chief justice of the united states or the speaker of the house of representatives, the flag should be flown at halfstaff for 10 days. Most englishspeaking countries use the term halfmast in all instances. Such days as may be proclaimed by the president of the united states. On memorial day it is flown at half staff until noon and then raised. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which americans pledge their allegiance. Flying the flag at halfstaff is an area of flag etiquette that most people want to make sure they get right. United states flag etiquette us flag etiquette veterans.
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. Code, which instructs that any time a flag is flown at halfstaff, it should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half. The american flag is displayed even above church flags except on rare occasions. Half staff on special days, the flag may be flown at halfstaff. Jul 04, 2015 the united nations flag should not be displayed above, in a position of superior prominence, to the united states flag except at united nations headquarters. Half mast is a term used in reference to nautical flag poles, or mast. This report presents, verbatim, the united states flag code as found in title 4 of the united states code and the section of title 36 which designates the star spangled banner as the national anthem and provides instructions on how to display the flag during its rendition. On memorial day it is flown at halfstaff until noon and then raised. Cars, flag precedence state flags, half staff for foreigners. The us flag code, flag etiquette questions and answers, half staff. In united states, this refers officially only to flags flown on ships, with halfstaff used on land. The flag shall be flown at halfstaff 30 days from the death of the president or a former president.
Flag etiquette the following flag laws and regulations are contained in the public law as amended july 7, 1976 by the 94th congress of the united states. The american flag, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flags own right, and its staff should be. The royal standard, the flag of the british monarch, is never flown at half mast, because there is always a living monarch. The flag of the united states of america, often referred to as the american flag or u. It consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red top and bottom alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton referred to specifically as the union bearing fifty small, white, fivepointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal. New jersey kia killed in action flag display rules. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or be allowed to touch the ground. On pearl harbor remembrance day, the flag can be displayed at half staff until sundown on memorial day, the flag is flown at half staff until noon, and then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day.
The united nations flag may not be displayed above or in a position of superior prominence to the united states flag except at united nations headquarters. In fact, the united states has an entire flag code to govern how american flags are handled and. The american flag should be displayed on all days and especially the holidays listed below. United states flag etiquette proper methods of display excerpts from the us flag code flying the flag outdoors. The flag shall be flown at half staff thirty days from the death of the president or a former president. Flying the flag at half staff is an area of flag etiquette that most people want to make sure they get right. Federally observed dates of the above holidays which may be different from the actual dates. When you consult the flag etiquette section at the united states flag store you will learn that flying the american flag at half staff or half mast for flags on ships is a symbol of grief and mourning. Fly at half staff on peace officers memorial day unless it is also armed forces day. The code applies only on american soil flying the flag at halfstaff the term halfstaff refers to the position of a flag halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. Displaying the flag with other flags on american soil. Us flag half staff dates scheduled days when the us flag is at half staff. The president, through a presidential proclamation, a state governor, or the mayor of the district of columbia can order flags to fly at half staff.
Flag if you like to display your american flag 24 hours a day, yearround, there are a few things you should know. Federal law relating to display and associated questions. When flown at half staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half staff position. In many countries this is seen as a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or, in some cases, a salute. The flag of the united states is the emblem of our identity as a sovereign nation, which the united. Jun 12, 2019 flag day, which commemorates the adoption of the united states flag in 1777, is officially celebrated on june 14. Half mast is a term used in reference to nautical flag. The flag of the united states is the emblem of our identity as a sovereign nation, which the united states of. Oratory church of st aloysius gonzaga, oxford, with the flag of the holy see flying at half mast the day after the death of pope john paul ii. For remembrance of post members, if there is a second flag pole, the post flag can be flown at half staff. Flag etiquette, the us flag code questions and answers. Flag code perhaps the most important guideline involves how citizens should behave around the stars and stripes. In knoxville, a flag day ceremony will be held at 11 a. I have also included some nonacceptable methods in dealing with our flag.
There are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. The flag shall be flown at half staff 30 days from the death of the president or a former president. Fly the american flag at half staff the united states flag flies at half staff or half mast when the nation or a state is in mourning. Standards of respect parading and saluting the flag the salute. The flag is only displayed at half staff by presidential decree or act of congress, except on two days. December 27, 2006 this is to advise you that the united states flag and maryland state flag will now be flown at half staff for a period of 30 days until sunset on january 24, 2007, in honor of president gerald r. Flag day, which commemorates the adoption of the united states flag in 1777, is officially celebrated on june 14. Ford, the 38th president of the united states, who passed away december 26, 2006.
Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency. The united nations flag should not be displayed above, in a position of superior prominence, to the united states flag except at united nations headquarters. When we respect the flag, we respect the men and women who sacrificed to build this country and protect its freedom. To request flag etiquette brochures for your organization, contact the office at 65120124 or by email at secretary.
Only the president of the united states or congress can authorize the flag to be flown at half staff. The flag is only displayed at halfstaff by presidential decree or act of congress, except on two days. When to fly your american flag, national halfstaff days. On memorial day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset. On june 22, 1942, congress passed a joint resolution, later amended on december 22, 1942, that encompassed what has come to be known as the u. United states code the flag american flag and flagpole co. The code applies only on american soil flying the flag at halfstaff the term halfstaff refers to the. Just like the dinner table, flag etiquette is put into place to be polite and to show respect for the flag.
Scheduled days when the american flag is halfstaff. When this happens, american flags are flown at half staff for 30 days. Halfmast and halfstaff refer to a flag flying below the summit of a ship mast, a pole on land, or a pole on a building. There was some controversy in the united kingdom in 1997 following the death. It is found in many areas of our lives, including when we are near the united states flag.
On pearl harbor remembrance day, the flag can be displayed at halfstaff until sundown on memorial day, the flag is flown at halfstaff until noon, and then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day. Flag code defines the legal etiquette for the care, use and display of the american flag. This article remains the ed material of the national flag foundation and is presented here by permission. The office of the minnesota secretary of state provides information and resources for citizens interested in flag etiquettethe protocol for handling and displaying the flag of the united states and other flags. When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag of a state, community, society or scout unit the flag of the united states must always be at the top except that. The flag displayed with another against a wall, from crossed staffs, should be on the right the flags own right, with its staff in front of the other staff. Below are highlights of the proper etiquette and respect to be given to our flag. American legion offers medical and other benefits through the national legion. When we honor the flag, we honor our country, our people, and ourselves. A specific etiquette applies both as to the designated days of the year when doing so is planned and encouraged and when unexpected circumstances call for it. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending. Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite. The american flag must always be displayed in a position of prominence. The american flag, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flags own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
The united states flag code stipulates that as the symbol of a living country, the. The american flag, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag s own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag. The flag of the united states for the purpose of this chapter shall be defined. It is to fly 10 days at halfstaff after the death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the. The flag book of the united states smith, whitney on. The flag shall be flown at halfstaff 30 days from the death of the president or a. The united states and other countries commonly lower a flag to halfmast or halfstaff during a time of grief, mourning or remembrance. The president can order that the flag be flown at half staff at any time for any duration of time mourning. Us flag half staff dates scheduled days when the us flag is at halfstaff.
Click here to view our flag frequently asked questions. On memorial day the flag displayed at half staff until noon and at full from to sunset. The dates marked in red color indicate when you should fly your flag at half staff. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the united states or to the right of the united states flag. The us flag code, flag etiquette questions and answers. United states flag code formulated shortly after the attack. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered.
The dates marked in red color indicate when you should fly your flag at halfstaff did you know that half mast is a popular term used for flying a flag at half staff, but is not the correct term. Code, which instructs that any time a flag is flown at half staff, it should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half. When raising the american flag to half staff on a vertical pole, always raise it briskly to the top of the flagpole for a moment. Following the death of the president or a former president, the flag should be flown at halfstaff for 30 days. The flag must be flown at halfstaff on all buildings on the death of any officer listed below, for the period indicated. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible. The united states and other countries commonly lower a flag to half mast or half staff during a time of grief, mourning or remembrance. After the death of a president or a former president, flags should be flown at halfstaff for thirty days. Did you know that half mast is a popular term used for flying a flag at half staff, but is not the correct term. Memorial day is the exception where the american flag is at half staff from sunrise until noon. United states department of defense directive 1005 united states department of defense directive 48 united states department of defense instruction 48. Peace officers memorial day, may 15th sunrise until sunset memorial day, last monday in may sunrise until noon patriot day, september 11 sunrise until sunset. The flag, when displayed with another against a wallboth from crossed staffsshould be on the right the flags own right, and its staff should be in front of the other staff. When flown at halfstaff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the halfstaff position.
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