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American Flag Etiquette and Customs

American Flag Etiquette and Customs

Written by: Peter Morrell

The U.S. flag is more than just a piece of fabric: It's a powerful symbol that resonates with Americans and others worldwide. Millions of students stand tall, hands over their hearts heart, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to honor it every school day. The flag also inspired the national anthem: During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was so moved by the sight of the flag still waving over Fort McHenry after a fierce battle that he penned the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner." The design of the flag carries a lot of history and meaning. The 50 white stars on a blue field represent the 50 states, while the 13 alternating red and white stripes pay tribute to the original 13 colonies that bravely fought for independence. This design has remained unchanged since 1960.

The story of the flag began on June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress officially adopted the Stars and Stripes as the nation's flag. While many of us grew up hearing the tale of Betsy Ross sewing the first flag, the truth is that its exact origins are a bit of a mystery. What we do know is that the earliest version featured 13 stars and 13 stripes, with the stars arranged in a circle. As the United States grew, so did its flag. At first, a new star and stripe were added for each state that joined the Union. But in 1818, Congress decided to keep things simpler, declaring that the flag would always have 13 stripes to honor the original colonies while the number of stars would grow to reflect the expanding nation.

Even during the Civil War, the flag's symbolism remained central to the nation's identity. The Confederacy introduced its own flag, the "Stars and Bars," but the Union's Stars and Stripes endured as a unifying emblem of resilience and hope.

Folding the Flag

To fold the flag properly, start by folding it in half along the width twice. If there are two people folding it, ensure that the blue field, called the union, faces downward on the first fold. Next, fold the striped end into a triangle shape, repeating until only the union is visible. Finally, tuck any remaining fabric neatly into the folds to create a tight, triangular bundle.

Displaying the Flag

  • On a Wall: When the flag is displayed flat on a wall (indoors or outdoors), the union should be in the upper left corner from your perspective.
  • With Other Flags on a Wall: When displaying the U.S. flag alongside another flag on crossed staffs, place the U.S. flag on the viewer's left and position its staff in front of the other flag's staff.
  • In a Window: When hanging the flag in a window, place the union in the upper left corner as seen from the street.
  • At Half-Staff: To fly the flag at half-staff, first, raise it all the way to the top of the pole, and then, lower it to the halfway point. Before you take it down, raise it back to the top. If you're flying a flag that isn't on a pole during a time when it should be at half-staff, you can attach a black ribbon to the top of the flag instead.
  • On the Same Staff With State or Local Flags: If you're flying the U.S. flag with other state or local flags on the same pole, the U.S. flag should always be at the top.
  • In a Group of Flags: If you're displaying the U.S. flag with state or local flags, place it at the center and higher than the other flags. If you do not have poles of different heights, place the U.S. flag at the flag's right (the viewer's left).
  • With International Flags: When the U.S. flag is flown with flags of other nations, each flag should be on its own staff, and all should be of equal height and size. The only exception is at the United Nations headquarters, where the U.N. flag is always flown higher than the rest.
  • Flown From a Building: If you're displaying the flag on a staff that projects from the wall of a building, position the union at the top of the staff.
  • In a Procession: When marching with other flags, carry the U.S. flag on the marching right or at the front of the line.
  • On a Casket: To drape a casket with the flag, the union is placed at the head and over the left shoulder. Make sure the flag doesn't touch the ground.
  • Over Streets: If you're hanging the flag above a street, make sure it's displayed vertically. The union should be placed to the north on east-west streets or the east on north-south streets.
  • In a Church or Auditorium: During any ceremony or event, position the U.S. flag in the place of honor, to the right of the speaker or clergy member as they face the audience.
  • On a Lapel: American flag lapel pins should be worn on the left lapel, closest to your heart. Someone wearing a tie but no jacket may also wear a flag pin as a tie tack.
  • On a Vehicle: If you're displaying the flag on a vehicle, make sure the staff is securely clamped to the right fender or the chassis.

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