Hanging a Flag: 10 Rules to Fly the Red, White, and Blue

Flying the American flag celebrates our heritage and spreads patriotism, yet it also comes with the responsibility of displaying the flag correctly and following some basic rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code. Rest assured, there are no federal penalties for not adhering to all these regulations of hanging a flag, but it does show respect if you follow them. Whether you’re a veteran or just want to show that you’re proud to be an American, follow these simple rules when flying Old Glory at your home.

If you are flying your flag outdoors, we recommend buying an all-weather flag for outdoor use. Also, make sure your flag pole is sturdy and well-positioned. Wherever you hang your flag, indoors or outdoors, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

1. The flag should not touch the ground.
2. The flag can be flown all day and night.
3. Illuminate the flag if it's displayed at night.
4. Do not fly the flag during poor weather conditions, such as rain or snow.
5. The union (stars on blue) should be placed to display on the top left from the perspective of the viewer.
6. If your flag is on a pole, raise it quickly and lower it in a ceremonial way.
7. If you are flying your flag at half-staff, raise the flag to the top of the pole first, and then lower it to half-staff position. When lowering it, also raise it to the top and then lower it.
8. If your flag is on a pole with other flags, the American flag should be on top.
9. Do not use the flag as clothing or any sort of home decor such as curtains.
10. If you hang your flag on a wall, it should be smooth and wrinkle-free, with the union on the top left.

You can fly your flag year-round, yet some especially relevant holidays include:

• New Year’s Day (January 1st)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January)
• President’s Day (3rd Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May), fly flag at half-staff until noon
• Flag Day (June 14th)
• Independence Day (July 4th)
• Veterans Day (November 11th)

You can mount a flag on the front of your home on a wall or a porch pillar, if you have one. You can also install a free-standing flagpole in your yard for a more dramatic display. We have plenty of flag mounting kits for you to choose from.

You will need the following:

1. Flag bracket - to mount to the wall where you will hang your flag.
2. Flag pole - to hang your flag from.
3. Flag - Select from the many nylon flag sizes.

Have the following tools on hand:

1. Electric screwdriver
2. Screws for the surface in which you will mount your flag

Installation steps:

1. Securely position and install a bracket to hold the flag staff. Simply screw the bracket directly into your wall with the appropriate type of screws.
2. Mount your flag to a flag pole.
3. Place the pole in the bracket. The staff should hang at an angle.
4. Remember, the flagpole should be high enough to allow the flag to fly without touching the ground and without any obstructions.

Keeping your flag in excellent condition shows respect for all that it represents. Here are a few suggestions for proper flag maintenance:

1. If your flag is on display outside for any length of time, it will need routine washing. Simply wash your flag in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Allow your flag to hang dry.
2. Guard against excessive exposure of the sun and wind, by taking your flag down periodically.
3. Inspect your flag monthly for wear and tear.
4. Replace your flag if there is permanent fading, tears or fraying of the fabric.

When it is time to retire a damaged flag, dispose of it in a dignified way according to American flag etiquette. You can dispose of a flag in a few ways.

Burning the flag is considered the most respectful method. If you decide to burn your flag, make sure you do so in a safe way such as in a fire pit outside. Flag etiquette dictates that you first light the union (blue section with stars).You can recycle your worn flag by taking it to a veteran's organization or the Boy Scouts if you feel uncomfortable burning it.

The first American flag was designed by Frances Hopkinson in 1777. It had thirteen stripes and thirteen stars which represented the original British colonies. Betsy Ross then created the famous American flag with the stars in a circle on the union blue. It's this flag which is flown on our nation's birthday.

Come visit us at McCoy’s. We have everything you need to spruce up your porch from flying an American flag to more in-depth projects like installing pavers.