Flying the Colors

The U.S. Flag Code, adopted in 1923 and amended by Public Law 94-344 in 1976, states "It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset ... However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness."
When flags or pennants of states, cities, or societies are flown with the national flag on the same halyard, the U.S. flag should fly at the peak, above all others.
If other flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the U.S. flag should always be to the right of all others and should be hoisted first and lowered last.
Flags of other nations must be flown from separate flagpoles of equal height, and all flags should be approximately equal in size with the U.S. flag. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

Displaying the Flag

When the national flag is displayed flat, either horizontally or vertically, on a wall or in a window, the union (blue field) should be at the top and to the observer's left when facing the flag.
When displayed from a staff projecting from a windowsill, balcony, or the front of a building, the union (blue field) should be at the staff's peak (unless the flag is at half-staff).
The U.S. Flag Code, adopted in 1923 and amended by Public Law 94-344 in 1976, states "It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset ... However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the darkness hours.
When displayed on a stage or platform, the national flag should be to the speaker's right. Any other flag is on the speaker's left.
When suspended, the flag should be vertical with the union to the north over an east-west street and to the east over a north-south street. The flag should be hoisted out union (blue field) first.
Flag decals and stickers may be correctly displayed on the inside of motor vehicle side windows.

Flying the Flag at Half-Staff

When flown at half-staff, the flag is hoisted to the peak for an instant, then lowered to the half-staff position (half the distance from the top to the bottom of the staff).
Before the flag is lowered for the day, it is raised again to the top, then lowered.
If your flag is on an outrigger flagpole or mounted on a wall and cannot be flown at half-staff, it is appropriate to drape a purple and black mourning ribbon across the flag.

Wearing the Flag

A flag patch may be attached to such uniforms as those of athletes, fire fighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations. The national flag should not be used as a costume or athletic uniform.
Flag lapel pins should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
Reproductions of the national flag in any medium such as jewelry, pins, buttons, or printed materials must show the union (blue field) on the top and to the observer's left when facing the flag.

Flag Care

Be sure flags are dry before storing them.
Colors affixed to staffs should be carefully furled, placed in a flag case or boot, or wrapped in plastic, then stored upright-preferably in a cool, dry, dark place.
Iron-on patches make rips and holes easy to repair. They can be bought in fabric departments in colors and various materials to match the flag. Follow the directions on the fabric package.
Outdoor flags should be correctly folded and sealed in moisture- and bug proof plastic bags. Store in a safe, cool, dry place.

Proper Flag Folding

As a military custom, the flag is lowered daily at the last note of retreat. Special care should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground. The Flag is then carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night.

This custom is reserved for the United States Flag alone.

How to fold the Flag

Step 1

To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.

Step 2

Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.

Step 3

Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Step 4

Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.

Step 5

Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

Step 6

The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

Step 7

When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.