Displaying the National Flag

The National Flag represents the living country and is considered to be a living thing emblematic of the respect and pride we have for our nation.  Our flag is a precious possession.  Display it proudly.

The National Emblem is a symbol of our great country, our heritage and our place in the world.  We owe reverence and respect to our flag.

It represents the highest ideals of individual liberty, justice and equal opportunity for all.

General Display:
It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.  However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. 

No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America.  When displayed horizontally or vertically, against a wall, the union (stars) should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is on the observer's left.  The union is never flown down, unless as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

Parades and Ceremonies:
The flag, when carried in a procession or with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.  The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff or against a wall.  When the flag passes by in a parade or is being hoisted in a ceremony, all persons present shall stand at attention and place their right hand over their heart (persons in uniform shall salute).

Corridors, Lobbies:
When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union (stars) to the observer's left upon entrance.  If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the North when entrances are to the East or West or to the East when entrances are to the North or South.  If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the East.

Auditoriums:
When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed about and behind the speaker.  When displayed from a staff the flag should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the speaker's right as he faces the audience.  Any other flag is displayed on the speakers left.

National Anthem:
During the rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present shall stand at attention facing the flag with their right hand over the heart.  Men not in uniform shall remove their hats and hold it at the left shoulder, with the hand over the heart.  When the flag is not displayed, those present should stand and face the music and act in the same manner as when the flag is present.

Pledge of Allegiance:
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.  Persons in uniform, remain silent, face the flag and render the military salute.

This is our pledge to our country. You hear it often. What does it mean?

"I pledge allegiance" (I promise to be true)
"to the flag" (to the symbol of our country)
"of the United States of America" (each state that has joined to make our country)
"and to the Republic" (a republic is a country where the people choose others to make laws for them -- the government is for the people)
 "for which it stands," (the flag means the country)
"one Nation" (a single country)
 "under God," (the people believe in a supreme being)
"indivisible," (the country cannot be split into parts)
"with liberty and justice" (with freedom and fairness)
"for all." (for each person in the country...you and me!)

The pledge says you are promising to be true to the United States of America!Ref: The American Legion - www.legion.org Americanism, Children & Youth

Dates the flag should be displayed:

All days, especially:

New Years Day
January 1st

Inauguration Day
January 20th

Lincoln's Birthday
February 12th

Washington's Birthday
3rd Monday in February

Easter Sunday

Mother's Day
2nd Sunday in May

Armed Forces Day
3rd Sat. in May

Memorial Day
(1/2 mast until Noon) the last Mon. in May

Father's Day
3rd Sunday in July

Flay Day
June 14th

Independence Day
July 4th

Labor Day
1st Monday in September

Constitution Day
Sept. 17th

Columbus Day, 2nd Monday in Oct.

Navy Day
Oct. 27th

Veteran's Day
Nov. 11th

Thanksgiving
4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Day
December 25th.

and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthday of states and on State Holidays