Flag Help > Quick Guide: Proper display of United States flag

Displaying the American flag outdoors

On a vehicle Attach the American flag to the antenna or clamp the flagstaff to the right fender. Do not lay the flag over the vehicle. American Flags should be removed from vehicles at night due to lack of proper illumination. When patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed on an automobile 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.”

Decal on a vehicle in horizontal direction On the driver’s side place the American flag decal so that the “field of stars” is seen to the viewer’s left. On the passenger’s side place the flag decal so that the “field” of stars” is seen to the viewer’s right. The stripes should be toward the rear of the vehicle on both passenger and driver side.

On a building Hang the Americanflag on a staff or on a rope over the sidewalk with the stars away from the building.

Over the street Hang the Americanflag with the stars to the east on a north-south street or north on an east-west street.

Above other flags Hang the American flag above any other flag on the same pole.

Other flags, separate poles Hang all flags on equal poles. Hang the U.S. flag on its own right, hoist it first and lower it last.

In a window Hang the American flag vertically with the stars to the left of anyone looking at it from the street or hang the flag horizontally with the stars to the left of anyone looking at it from the street.

Half-mast This is a sign of mourning. Raise the United States flag to the top of the pole then lower it to the half way point. Before lowering the flag, raise it to the top again at the end of the day.

Upside down An upside-down USA flag is considered a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

Lapel pin Wear the flag pin on the left lapel, pocket or shirt clothing with the "field of stars" closest to the heart.

Patch Place the American flag patch on the right sleeve so that the "field of stars" is to the viewer's right. Place the American flag patch on the left sleeve so that the “field of stars” is to the viewer’s left.

Displaying the flag indoors

Multiple staffs Display the American flag on a staff with other flags around it. Place the American flag at the center and highest point. Crossed staffs - Keep the flagstaff displaying the American flag higher and on its own right.

Behind a speaker Whether hung with the stripes horizontal or vertical, the union (field of stars) should be to the observers left.

Next to a speaker Place the American flag in a stand on the speaker’s right (observers left). Use the same placement for a religious service.

In a hall or lobby Hang the American flag vertically or horizontally above the main entrance with the stars to the left of anyone coming through the door.

On a casket Drape the Americn flag with its canton at the head and over the left shoulder of the body.