1. Displaying the Flag

• The U.S. flag is flown from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs.

  • It may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated at night.

• The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

• When displayed with other flags:

  • The U.S. flag is always placed in the position of honor — usually to its own right (the viewer’s left).

  • No other flag should be placed above or to the right of it.

2. Indoor Display

• When displayed flat against a wall or on a stage, the union (blue field with stars) should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right (the observer’s left).

• When the flag is displayed behind a speaker or on a platform, it should be to the speaker’s right.

3. During the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance

• In uniform: Cadets stand at attention and salute at the first note of the anthem or the word “Pledge.”

• Not in uniform: Stand, face the flag, and place your right hand over your heart.

• Men wearing hats should remove them with the right hand and hold them at the left shoulder, hand over heart.

4. Respect and Care

• The flag should never touch the ground, floor, water, or anything beneath it.

• It should never be used as clothing, drapery, or decoration.

• When a flag becomes worn or unserviceable, it should be retired respectfully, usually by burning in a dignified ceremony. Many veterans’ groups and scout organizations conduct flag retirement ceremonies.

5. Half-Staff Protocol

• The flag is flown at half-staff to honor deceased officials, military members, or national tragedies.

• To properly lower to half-staff:

  • Raise it briskly to the top, then slowly lower to halfway.

  • When taking it down, raise it to the top again before lowering completely.