When to Fly the Flag? and How to Do?

On July 4th, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, Labor Day, and other federal holidays, you can demonstrate your patriotism by flying the American flag. It is the “universal custom” to display the American flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings, according to the U.S. Flag Code. However, American flags may be displayed 24 hours a day if they are “properly” illuminated at night.

 

When can you fly the American Flag?

The American flag may be flown on any given day of the year, but it is especially traditional to do so on certain occasions like New Year's Day, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and a number of other significant U.S. holidays.

 

Holidays To Fly The American Flag:

January 1	New Year’s Day
January 20	Inauguration Day
February 12	Lincoln’s Birthday
Third Monday In February	Washington’s Birthday
Varies	Easter Sunday
Second Sunday in May	Mother’s Day
Third Saturday in May	Armed Forces Day
Last Monday in May	Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)
June 14	Flag Day
July 4	Independence Day
First Monday in September	Labor Day
September 17	Constitution Day
Second Monday in October	Columbus Day
October 27	Navy Day
November 11	Veteran’s Day
Fourth Thursday in November	Thanksgiving
December 25	Christmas Day

Respecting the Flag

 

Whether you're displaying the flag on a wall, outside, or on a vehicle, there are rules for treating the American flag with respect.

- Any vehicle, including a railroad or boat, should not have the flag placed over its bonnet, top, sides, or rear.
- Neither the flag nor any part of the flag may be used as a costume or athletic uniform.
- The flag must never be used as clothing, bedding, or drapes.
- The flag should never be used to cover a ceiling.
- On the flag or any portion of the flag, no mark, insignia, letter, phrase, figure, design, picture, or drawing may be applied.
- Never should the flag be used to receive, hold, carry, or deliver anything.
- Never, under any circumstances, use the flag for promotion. Advertising banners shouldn't be affixed to the staff or halyard, which is the rope used to hoist the flag.
- No items that are intended for temporary use should be adorned with the flag. The flag should not be embroidered, printed, or embossed on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything that will be discarded.

Getting rid of an American flag

The Flag Code states that a flag "should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning," if it is no longer suitable for display, such as if it has gotten too worn out or damaged.

 

We've put up this guide for you because flag etiquette may be a difficult and occasionally perplexing matter. We made a point of providing you with all the essentials. I hope this will be helpful to you!