Flying the flag is an easy way to show your patriotic side and let others know that you care about the nation's history. Congress established the U.S. Flag Code in 1942 to show Americans the etiquette regarding how to fly the flag, so whether you want to hang it from a flagpole in your front yard or on a pole attached to your home, there are proper rules and etiquette that you should follow to display it with respect!
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." – John F. Kennedy
How to Hang the American Flag
Before looking for a flagpole installation company, make sure that you know how to hang the flag. You can fly the flag horizontally or vertically, it depends on your preferences or available space.
- If you use a horizontal orientation, the stars on the flag should appear on the left with the stars and stripes pointing to the right.
- Using a vertical orientation is good if you want to display the flag on your home or hang it from a window. The stars should also face the left side of anyone looking at it.
Keep it in Good Condition
Some people think that they need to get rid of a flag once it touches the ground, but this is a common misconception. The flag might slip out of your hand when you hang it or drop to the ground when you try to lower it. As long as it is in good shape, you do not need to get rid of it.
You only need to dispose of American flags that are in poor condition, including those faded by the sun and flags with frayed edges.
Daily Flying
According to the U.S. Flag Code, you can fly the American flag any day of the week. The Code encourages Americans to display the flag on important days, including Veterans' Day and Memorial Day. You can also display and fly the flag at night, which saves you the hassle of bringing it in every day. For nighttime flying though, make sure that you use some type of light to illuminate the flag.
Tip: When you look for flagpole installation companies, check if they can already add new lights to the base of the flagpole.
When to Fly at Half-Staff
You've probably heard government officials say that buildings lowered their flags to half-staff on certain days. This is typically a sign of remembrance and is done when the country or state is in mourning.
Half-staff refers to the exact midpoint on the flagpole. To fly a flag at half-staff, raise it to the top of the flag pole for a brief moment before lowering it. You should also raise the flag to the top of the pole at the end of the day before taking it down.
Bring the Flag Inside
Unless you have some type of light shining on the flag, do not let it fly at night. If it is raining or snowing, you should also bring the flag inside. This keeps the colors from fading and prevents fraying and other damage.
One of the nice things about professional flagpole installation is that you get a flagpole that is easy to use. The gears move smoothly and make raising and lowering the flag a simple task in the morning and at the end of the day.
Use the Right Placement
Depending on your beliefs, you may want to display more than one flag such as a banner from a military branch or your state's flag. While you can fly the American flag with others, you should use the right placement.
The American flag must always sit on the far left with the other flags arranged to the right, and it should always be the highest one that you display. The Code states that you must always raise and lower it before all other flags as well.
Disposing of a Flag
Once the flag shows significant damage, dispose of it. The American Legion often hosts flag ceremonies on Flag Day and other days of the year where they respectfully burn damaged flags. You also have the option of burning it at home in a private ceremony.
Displaying a worn or torn flag is a sign of disrespect. Once you understand the etiquette and rules involved in flying the American flag, you can start looking for a stand flag pole installation company in your city.
Contact a local stand flagpole installation company so you can display your flag with the respect it deserves!
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