The Ultimate Guide to Flag Etiquette

Welcome to the most comprehensive resource on flag etiquette available online.

With this page, you will learn:

• The principles behind the United States Flag Code
• Proper flag display guidance for special occasions
• How to properly fly your boat flag
• How to retire your flag

And much more.

As you explore, you can also browse our collection of high-quality American flags along with our catalog of American made flags to help you honor tradition in style.

United States Flag Code

The United States Flag Code was originally made in 1942 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It outlines the official guidelines for displaying, handling, and respecting the American flag.

We have a detailed breakdown of the United States Flag Code for you, but here are some of the highlights:

Pledge of Allegiance

The flag code specifies that the pledge is to be recited while standing at attention with the right hand over the heart.

Display and Use

Traditionally, the flag is displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and flagstaffs; it can be displayed 24 hours if properly illuminated. In the Flag Code there are many rules for positioning the American flag relative to other flags. For a detailed breakdown, use our Flag Code guide to get exactly what you need or call us.

Respect for the Flag

The flag should never touch the ground, be used as apparel, bedding, or drapery, nor be employed for advertising purposes. Also, when the flag becomes unfit for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.

Half-Staff Protocol

This section of the Flag Code outlines when and how the flag should be flown at half-staff (e.g., on Memorial Day or in honor of significant public figures), including specific instructions for raising and lowering procedures.

Read more about half-staffs and download our calendar here!

Note: It is important to know the Flag Code is a set of guidelines without penalties for non-compliance among civilians. It is intended to promote respect for the flag through voluntary adherence. If you have more questions and don’t feel like reading our detailed breakdown of the Flag Code, give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 or contact us today!

When to Fly the Flag at Half Staff

Flying the flag at half-staff is a practice that follows specific guidelines that designate when and for how long the flag should be lowered. The most common way a flag is brought to half-staff is when a state governor issues a statewide proclamation or the President of the United States issues a proclamation. They dictate the reason and length of time, but the flag is most often placed at half-staff for deaths of government officials, first responders, or national tragedies.

Ultimately, it is up to each and every flag holder to comply or not comply. Every American has the right to choose whether they participate or not.

For more detailed instructions and historical context, read our guide on when to fly the flag at half-staff.

American Flag Etiquette

American flag etiquette encompasses the written and unwritten rules and practices that guide respectful flag display in everyday life. In this section, we highlight the most common questions but for a more comprehensive look at these traditions, explore our dedicated article on American flag etiquette. And if you’re looking to invest in a flag that meets these standards, our curated selection is just a click away on our American flag page.

General Display Guidelines

There are specific ways to orient your flag when displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall. Make sure that the union (blue field with stars) is at the top and to the flag's own right, which is the observer's left.

Also, when you are placing the flag at half-staff, first raise it briskly to the top of the pole, then lower it ceremoniously to the half-staff position. Before lowering for the day, raise it again to the top before bringing it down.

Indoor Display

When displayed indoors, such as on a podium, the flag should be placed to the speaker's right (audience's left). Any other flags should be to the speaker's left.

Folding the Flag

The proper way to fold the flag is by folding it in half lengthwise twice, then folding it into a triangle starting from the striped end, continuing until only the blue field is visible. This is typically done for veteran flag cases or for casket burials. Learn all of the American flag guidelines on the flag etiquette page for American flags!

POW/MIA Flag Etiquette

The Prisoner of War - Missing in Action flag is a nationally recognized flag that must be flown on federal buildings on specific days throughout the year. It is used as a tribute to the service members who have been prisoners of war or remain missing in action. Civilians can fly the flag anytime, but federal law specifies the POW/MIA flag must be displayed on six national observances:

• Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday in May)
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
• Flag Day (June 14)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• National POW/MIA Recognition Day (Third Friday in September)
• Veterans Day (November 11)

Like we mentioned above, the flag is required to be flown at the following locations:

• U.S. Capitol & White House
• Korean War, Vietnam Veterans, and WWII Memorials
• All national cemeteries
• Buildings housing the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs
• Major military installations
• VA medical centers
• All U.S. post offices

Proper Display Etiquette for the POW/MIA Flag

• Flying on a Single Flagpole: The POW/MIA flag should be flown below the U.S. flag and be equal to or smaller in size.
• Flying on Multiple Flagpoles: It should be displayed on its own pole to the left of the U.S. flag (the viewer’s right). If only two poles are available, it may be flown beneath the American flag.
• Using a Crossed Staff Display: The U.S. flag’s staff should be on top of the POW/MIA flag’s staff.
• Using it while Marching or Podium Placement: The U.S. flag should always be positioned to the left of the speaker or leading a procession.

Where to Purchase POW/MIA Flags

Gettysburg Flag Works offers a variety of POW/MIA flags for indoor and outdoor display, as well as lapel pins, grave markers, motorcycle flags, and car window flags. To order, call at 1-888-697-3524 or buy it online! For an in-depth discussion, visit our POW/MIA flag etiquette page.

Special Days of Honor

There are numerous special days throughout the year when the American flag plays a central role by flying at half-staff. This overview discusses key days and the traditions associated with them. For further details on each observance, read more about our special days of honor. As you prepare for these events, consider browsing our selection of flags designed specifically for these significant occasions:

• Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday in May): Established in 1949 and declared a national holiday in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, this day honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May): Officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1971, with origins dating back to the Civil War. It is a day to honor and remember those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many participate by attending memorial events, decorating veterans' graves with stick flags, and flying American flags. A key difference to note is that the American flag is only flown at half-staff until noon.
• Veterans Day (November 11th): Originally Armistice Day (1919) to commemorate the end of World War I, it was expanded in 1954 to honor all U.S. veterans. Many people fly American flags, military flags, or POW/MIA flags to show their support.

Honoring Veterans Year-Round: While these observances highlight appreciation for service members, respect and gratitude should be shown every day. For flags and decorations to commemorate these military holidays, contact us online or call us at 1-888-697-3524 for assistance.

Boat Flag Etiquette

Flying the flag on a boat comes with its own set of traditions and guidelines. From maritime signal flags to the proper positioning on a vessel, check out the proper way to fly your flag below:

• National Ensign Flags: These flags are the most important flag identifying the boat’s nation. If you are American, the traditional American Flag is preferred, but the U.S. Yacht Ensign may be used in domestic waters. The flag should be flown from the stern on a long, angled staff between 8:00 am and sunset, and must be taken down in port if the boat isn’t returning by sunset. Most people fly the Premium 12x18" American flag off the back of their boat, or wherever they’ve placed their boat flag hardware. Make sure you take it down at sunset or have a light to display it properly at night.
• Burgee Flags: These are triangular or swallow-tailed flags representing a sailing organization or yacht club. They are typically flown from the bow staff or under the starboard spreader, and displayed day and night.
• Private Signal Flags: Custom-designed personal flags (also known as house flags) that identify the boat owner can be displayed day and night when the owner is in command, usually positioned on the mast or rigging.
• Courtesy Flags: These flags are displayed when entering foreign waters or when foreign nationals are aboard to show respect for the host nation. They are typically flown from the starboard spreader (or bow staff on mastless boats).
• Signal Flags: You can get full sets or individual flags that are a part of the international system for maritime communication using flags to represent letters and numbers. Although largely replaced by radio, they remain required on commercial vessels and in foreign ports.

Flag Size Guidelines

Flag sizes are generally based on boat length, with recommendations such as one inch of flag width per foot of boat length, adjusting for vessel size. Check out our detailed breakdown on our flag to boat sizing page.

Mourning Flag and Ribbon Protocol

During times of national sorrow or remembrance, mourning flags and ribbons are used to display on flags that cannot be lowered to half-staff. This mainly applies to house-mounted flags, but they can be used in any way the owner sees fit. Here are some guidelines for respectfully displaying mourning ribbons and buntings during periods of mourning:

• Color and Materials: Black is the traditional color for mourning; other colors are not standard. Also, plain black flags are discouraged due to associations with anarchism.
• Display Options: People that can fly their flag at half-staff will traditionally lower their flag to signal mourning. Mourning ribbons are attached to the top of the flag when half-staffing is impractical (e.g., due to flagpole constraints). The ribbon should be about twice the flag’s length, no wider than 10% of the flag's width, tied in a bow below the finial.
• Buntings and Banners: Black (and sometimes purple) buntings or banners that can be displayed on buildings, grounds, or in funeral processions, occasionally featuring additional artwork.
• When to Mourn: Flags are brought to half-staff or given their mourning ribbon on days when half-staff proclamations are issued, or an executive order is delivered.

Learn about half-staff notices here.

American Flag Retirement

When an American flag becomes worn or faded, retiring it in the correct way is important. This process ensures that the flag is handled with the dignity it deserves, often involving a ceremonial disposal. For a full explanation of the retirement process, visit our article on American flag retirement. And when it’s time to replace an old flag, explore our range of high-quality American flags.