Flag Etiquette VFW Post 2728

U. S. Flag Etiquette

The federal flag code says the universal custom is to display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open; but when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Also, the U.S. flag should not be displayed when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.

When is it permitted to half-staff the U.S. flag? Only the President of the United States or the Governor of the State may order the flag to be at half-staff to honor the death of a national or state figure. Unfortunately, many city, businesses, and organizational leaders are half-staffing the flag upon the death of an employee or member. Instead, it is suggested to half-staff, if on a separate pole, the city, business or organizational flag. The federal flag code does not prohibit this type of half-staffing.

Displaying the Flag

On Same Staff: U.S. flag at peak, above any other flag except a flag of another nation

Grouped: U.S. flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at same height.

Marching: U.S. flag to marcher’s right (observer's left).

On Speaker's Platform: When displayed with a speaker's platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff, it is on the speaker's right.

Decoration: Never use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red.

Salute: Head bare (women and military leave hats on), right hand over heart, standing at attention

Over a Street: Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street.

Half Staff: On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised. If your flag is on an outrigger flagpole or mounted on a wall and cannot be flown at half-staff, it is appropriate to tie a black mourning ribbon above the flag.