The United States flag, often called the “Stars and Stripes,” symbolizes the nation’s history, values, and pride. Proper etiquette surrounding the display and handling of the flag is essential to honor its significance and maintain the respect it commands. From its placement during parades and ceremonies to how it is folded and stored, observing flag etiquette reflects patriotism and reverence for the ideals the flag represents.

U.S. Flag Etiquette

Hey, your uncle didn’t fight the commies in the Big One only for you to be disrespectful of the American flag, regardless of what those Borscht-eating socialists in the Supreme Court would have you believe. Even though Betsie Ross more than likely didn’t sew the first one while Washington smiled on with his wooden teeth, the American flag is the fifth oldest national flag in the world and has a well-documented protocol for Old Glory’s treatment, display, storage, and retirement.  

Proper Treatment

On June 22, 1942, Congress passed a joint resolution, later amended on December 22, 1942, encompassing what has come to be known as the U.S. Flag Code. Besides standing when the flag passes at a parade or is being raised or lowered, you should also place your hand over your heart or salute if you are a veteran or serviceman. Overall, the flag should be treated with the utmost respect as it represents all that is great about this country. 

• The flag should never touch the ground. Specifically, it should never touch anything beneath it, like water, the floor, or even merchandise in a store display. 

• The flag should never be lowered or dipped to any person or thing, even the President.

• Despite what you see in parades or football games, the flag should never be carried flat or displayed horizontally. It should be free to wave in the wind. 

• It should never be used as a decoration or for advertising schemes. It shouldn’t be used as clothing or made into a costume. And it shouldn’t be emblazoned on your festive Fourth of July napkins. 

Display

Thankfully, the American flag is displayed everywhere, from schoolhouses and public buildings to front yards and car antennae. Still, there is always confusion about how it should be displayed. Here are a few guidelines. 

The American flag should be on display every day, with exceptions. It should be brought inside during inclement weather, such as rain, heavy wind, or snowstorms. 

Although the flag should be displayed only from sunrise to sunset, it can remain after dark if properly illuminated. 

When hung vertically or horizontally, the stars should always be to the left. If hung on a wall, the bottom should not be fastened but instead allowed to flow freely. 

At the beginning of a parade or procession, the flag should be on the right side of any other flag (far left for the observer), and if in line, it should always be first. The American flag should be in the center and positioned higher in a group of flags.

On a podium, it should be displayed behind, above, and to the left of the speaker

When the flag covers a casket, the stars should be at the head and over the left shoulder.

No other flag should be placed above the American flag. However, if they are displayed on poles of the same height, the American flag should be on the observer’s left side. The American flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.

Storage

If you have seen Boy Scouts in action or spent some time at a VFW or American Legion post, you might have seen how to fold a flag properly. Certainly, you’ve seen the triangle result at a military funeral or perhaps on TV. Proper U.S. Flag etiquette requires that you follow this method. It is a simple process that produces a beautiful way to store the American flag when not properly displayed. 

Step One: Start with the flag flat with the stars on the right side (as seen from the POV of the one holding the stripes end). 

Step Two: Fold the lower stripes up and over the stars so the flag is folded in half horizontally. Do this again so the stars are back on top and the flag is folded horizontally in fourths.

Step Three: While keeping the flag taut, a triangular fold is begun on the stripes by folding over the corner from the left to the right. 

Step Four: Next, the point created in Step Three is folded toward the stars and parallel to the flag’s edge. Continue folding triangles until you reach the end of the flag at the stars’ end. 

Step Five: If you’ve done it right, a small flap will be left over. Usually, the white border holds the display grommets. This gets tucked into the flag’s fold until no white shows. The flag should be carried against the chest, held with both hands. 

Flag Etiquette Even in Retirement

When the flag is in a deteriorated condition that it is no longer befitting as a symbol for what it represents, it should not be merely thrown away but instead destroyed in a dignified and ceremonious fashion by burning. Your local American Legion post likely conducts such a ceremony on June 14 yearly (Flag Day). As well, contact any Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts troops about flag retirement programs in your area.

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