How To Display The American Flag Appropriately?

Displaying the American flag with dignity and honor is a vital aspect for any individual seeking to display the flag.

You might wonder about the ways you can respectfully display the American flag on the Fourth of July or for any other purpose. 

In this article, we will be providing you with the guidelines for displaying the American flag. 

Guidelines for Display of the American Flag

The display of the American flag in a respectful manner is a crucial aspect, as it shows respect and integrity for the flag and the nation. 

The display of the American flag’s rules tends to be stated within Public Law 94-344, which is also categorized as the ‘Federal Flag Code.’

This law tends to include the guidelines associated with hosting and displaying the flag within various locations. 

One of the major things you can note is that there are no major consequences or penalties in federal law for misusing the American flag. 

But on the other hand, states in the United States have specific codes associated with the proper display of the flag and also have the power of imposing penalties. 

Additionally, the language that has been used within the Federal Code clearly states the American flag as a ‘living symbol.’

Another fact that you are should know is the decision that has been provided by the Supreme Court. The supreme court of the US stated that the state laws prohibiting burning of flags were unconstitutional. Due to this, the Congress was observed to enact the Flag Protection Act, 1989. 

This act stated that anyone who is intentionally burning the flag of America will be provided with jail time upto one year or penalized with fines. However, this law was challenged in the Supreme Court with the notion that it violates the First Amendment protecting free speech. 

Due to this, displaying the American flag is a crucial task that should be conducted with care and responsibility. 

So, it is advisable that you are displaying the American flag with appropriate respect and honor, as it is a living entity. 

How to Display the American Flag?

Displaying the American flag with integrity is vital for honoring its symbolism. 

There are a variety of etiquettes that you should keep in mind for the purpose of displaying the American flag within the public view. 

Here are few of the guidelines that you should keep in mind before displaying the American flag: 

Displaying Indoors: 

During Speaking Engagements

While displaying the American flag during speaking engagements it should always be hosted with respect and always on the right side of the flag. 

It should always be placed on the right side of the speaker and the other flags should be on its left. 

Displaying In Flagpoles

When you are displaying the flag of the United States then it should be at the center and highest point of the group. 

This means when displayed with other flags, the American flag will be within the center and at the highest point. 

Crossing The Staff 

When you are displaying the American flag that is crossed with another flag then it is required to be displayed on the right side (left for the viewer). 

On the other hand, the other flag will be placed on the left side of the American flag, which will be viewed on the viewer’s right. 

Displaying On Walls

If you are planning to display the American flag on the wall, then you must keep in mind the position of the flag’s union or stars. 

However, if you are willing to display the flag on the wall be it horizontal or vertical you will have to keep the flag’s union on the right side, which is the left for the viewer. 

Displaying Outdoors: 

Displaying on staff

If you are planning to display the American flag on a staff be it from a balcony, window, or a building then the union of the flag must be at the pinnacle of the staff. 

There is an exception to this, only when the flag is displayed at half staff. 

Displaying On Street 

If you are planning to display the American flag on the streets then it will be hung vertically. 

On the other hand, the union of the flag would be on the flags left and viewers right. 

Additionally, if the flag is displayed on a sidewalk then the flag should be far from the building. 

Displaying With Other Flags

If you are planning to display the American flag with other flags of state then you must keep the following things in mind. 

• If the flags are in separate headpoles then all of them should be of the same height and in a straight line. 
• The American flag will be hoisted in the flag’s right and observer’s left. 
• No flag should be larger than the American flag. 
• The American flag should be hoisted first and lowered last. 
• No flag should be kept above the American flag. 

Final Thoughts

Hoisting and displaying the American flag is a great deal as the flag is considered as a living entity by Federal law. 

This means you should respect the flag at all times while it is at display. Due to this it is vital that you follow the appropriate etiquette while displaying the American flag in both indoor and outdoor settings.

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