American Flag Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts of Displaying the Star-Spangled Banner

Nothing symbolizes one’s patriotism and love for the U.S. like the American flag. Whether you’re preparing for a national holiday like Flag Day and Independence Day, or simply displaying your nationalism all year round, flying the stars and stripes is a respectful activity that needs to be observed by every citizen. 

As stipulated in the United States Flag Code, there are a couple of standards that one should follow when handling the national flag. From flag etiquette to banner taboos, this article will keep you well-informed on the proper practices in handling Old Glory that would make even Betsy Ross, one of the flag’s creators, proud. 

Dos:

1. Use official U.S. flags

Although it is legal for anyone to make a U.S. flag of their own, it must be understood that when creating a copy, it needs to follow standards and protocols. Proper colors must be selected, and even the size of the stars and stripes must be measured to a tee. 

Of course, it is more advisable to buy from a trusted flag store. These establishments are legally allowed to sell official U.S. flags, which means they know and follow the proper constraints of flag-making. 

As an additional tip, here is how you can determine if a flag is officially U.S. approved:

• The flag must contain 13 stripes and 50 stars 
• For home-use flags, the size must be 3×5 or 4×6 feet. Meanwhile, flags for public display must be no smaller than 5×8 feet and no bigger than 8×12 feet
• The stripes must be 1/13 of the flag’s dimension, and the stars must be 0.0616 in diameter

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2. Orient and place the flag correctly

Similar to the flags of most countries in the world, the star-spangled banner must be displayed in the correct direction. It does not matter if the flag is displayed horizontally or vertically, it must be oriented properly. 

Horizontally, or when displayed on a flagpole, the flag’s union should be on top. Vertically, or when the flag is hung over a door and other similar surfaces, the union must be on the viewer’s left. If the flag is vertically draped over a street, the union should face north over an east/west road, and east over a north/south road. 

It is also important to note that if the flag is displayed with other flags from poles, it must be placed in the centermost position. Similarly, if the flags are displayed on the same flagpole, the stars and stripes must be tied to the highest post of the rope.

3. Master the proper way to fold the flag

Along with the proper display etiquette, a citizen must also learn how to fold the American flag. At times when you need to store the flag during rainy or stormy seasons, there is a method that needs to be followed. 

First, fold the striped end over the blue field. The folded edge must then be doubled up to meet the open edge. Next, a triangular fold must begin from the striped corner, bringing the folded edge up to the open edge. The other point of the sharp end is then turned inward. This triangular folding is repeated until only the blue part of the flag is visible. 

Once done, you may stow the flag away in a dry and clean place. 

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4. Learn when to fly half-mast

Displaying the national flag is an honor and a responsibility. That said, flag owners must know when to fly the flag half-mast in respect for a certain event or person. Half-staff flags often symbolize when the entire country is in mourning. 

Important dates to remember are sometimes published by the governor of your state. Common holidays when flags need to be flown at half-mast are the following: 

• Memorial Day
• Patriot Day
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
• National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day
• Peace Officers Memorial Day
• Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

The flag is also lowered half-staff in the event of a death. Former members of government and the judiciary, as well as heads of departments and agencies are given this honor. 

5. Add mindful decors

The American flag must not be altered or marked by drawings or designs. However, in displaying Old Glory, you are allowed to add mindful decors around the borders or near the body of the actual flag. 

If the flag is pinned to the walls, it can be a good idea to add any of the following for extra pizzazz: 

• Wreaths 
• Ribbons
• Flowers
• Frames
• Gold/Yellow fringe around the borders
• Framed photos of your family and loved ones
• Patriotic ornaments

It’s best not to go overboard with the additional decors. The flag is a solemn symbol and must be kept so. However, a few accessories can also help it stand out.

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Don’ts:

1. Do not let the flag touch the ground

According to the Flag Code, the American flag must never touch the ground or any surface beneath it. This also includes the floor indoors. This rule ensures that the flag does not get soiled in the period that it is displayed. 

There is a common misconception that if a flag touches the ground, it must be destroyed or set aflame. This is an exaggeration. In the event that a U.S. flag accidentally touches anything beneath it, simply adjust it so that it is lifted off the ground. If it has been soiled, no need to destroy it. Just wash and clean it properly before displaying it again. You may continue using the flag for as long as it remains suitable for display. 

2. Do not wear the U.S. flag

No flag shall ever be repurposed into a piece of clothing unless by an official organization. In the same vein, the flag should never be worn as a costume, uniform, or apparel item. The flag represents the whole of America and must be treated with utmost respect. Wearing it is not only disrespectful, but it is also illegal. 

The flag must not be worn as a dress, suit, bikini, or any other garment. The only respectable way of incorporating the flag in your fashion style is by wearing it as a patch or lapel. These can be affixed on the uniforms of the following persons: 

• Military personnel
• Firefighters
• Police officers
• Government officials
• National athletes
• Members of patriotic organizations

Similarly, it is also prohibited to use the flag as a tablecloth, covering, pennant, staff, or whip. 

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3. Do not alter the flag in any way

Altering the American flag can be seen as an act of vandalism or desecration. Do not draw or change the design of the flag in any way, especially its colors, proportions, shapes, and labels. No one is allowed to write any markings on the flag, or draw anything on its surface. Official flags should not have stickers, patches, beads, or glitters affixed on them. 

If you feel the need to decorate your flag, do so in the ways mentioned above.

4. Do not let the flag get dirty or damaged

A flag must be cared for in the same way that you care for your body. You do not let your body get soiled or damaged; you look after it to ensure that it is in top shape. 

Regardless of whether a U.S. flag is displayed inside the house or outside in the sun, it can still get dirty. There is plenty of dirt, dust, pollutants, and stains that can cling to its fabric. If left uncleaned, this can lead to the deterioration of the banner. Here are a few tips in caring for the stars and stripes: 

• Regularly wash or dry clean your flag using hot or warm water and a good laundry solution
• Make sure that your displayed flag does not touch any objects, foliage, or structures
• Bring your flag inside during bad weather
• Let your flag dry before storing it to avoid mildew and molds

5. Do not throw the flag in the trash

Throwing the American flag in the trash bin can be taken as an act of desecration and disrespect. Even if a flag is old and unusable, it must not be thrown away like common garbage. Instead, here are respectful and proper ways to dispose of a worn-out flag: 

• Hand it over to flag disposal boxes. You can find these bins in veterans offices, as well as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and similar organizations. The flags will then be disposed of in retirement ceremonies
• Set it ablaze. You may also get rid of the banner yourself in a simple and solemn ceremony. Fold your flag properly and set it over a flame that is big enough to fully engulf your banner. Remember to recite the Pledge of Allegiance or hold a moment’s silence
• Donate it to Stars for Our Troops. This organization upcycles old and worn-out flags by cutting out the stars and creating keepsakes that honor veterans and active military personnel

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Conclusion

The American flag stands as a symbol of our country and our people. It must be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. 

Remember to care for your banners by regularly washing them, orienting them properly, and folding them in the prescribed way. Avoid bad practices such as wearing the flag, altering it, and throwing it away.