Flag Display Protocol

Days on which the U.S. flag should be displayed in mourning by Order of Congress:

• Peace Officer's Memorial Day on May 15th.
• Memorial Day on the last Monday in May but only until noon.
• Patriot Day on September 11th.
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7th.

Always:

• Display the flag with the blue union field up; never display the flag upside down, except as a distress signal.
• Hold the flag carefully; never let it touch anything beneath it: the ground, shrubs, floor, water, or merchandise.
• Because the U.S. flag is the symbol of our nation, it should be displayed in the most prominent, most honored position.

On a wall: When the flag is displayed on a wall, it should be displayed with the union uppermost and to the observer's left.

In multi-national flag displays: In the United States, the U.S. flag should be displayed first (to its own right) followed by the flags of all other countries - at equal height and in alphabetical order - to the left (observer's right) of the U.S. flag.

When flags from two or more nations are displayed, the flag code forbids the display of any nation's flag in a position superior to another in time of peace. Each flag should be of approximately equal size and flown at the same height. [The United Nations Headquarters Building in New York City, where the U.N. flag holds the most prominent position, is the only U.S. location exempt from this provision.]

Among subordinate flags: When the U.S. flag is among a group of subordinate flags, the U.S. flag should be at the center and the highest point - the position of prominence.

Displayed from a staff: When displayed from a staff, the flag should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and to the speaker's right (facing the audience). If other flags are also displayed, they should be displayed to the speaker's left.

On a pole: When several flags are flown from the same pole, the U.S. flag should always be at the top - except during church services by naval chaplains at sea when the church pennant may be flown above the U.S. flag on the ship's mast.

On a lapel: When the flag is displayed as a lapel pin, it should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

In processions: The flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are included, the U.S. flag should be centered in front of the others or carried to their right.

At memorials, burials, and funerals: During these services, the flag should lay over the casket with the blue field covering the head and left shoulder. The flag must not be lowered into the grave or be allowed to touch the ground at any time.