Here is a list of rules and guidelines for displaying the American flag and treating it with proper respect.
Honoring the Flag Code
On June 22, 1942, Congress passed a joint resolution, later amended on Dec. 22, 1942, that encompassed what has come to be known as the U.S. Flag Code.
Perhaps the most important guideline involves how citizens should behave around the Stars and Stripes: The flag of the United States is the emblem of our identity as a sovereign nation, which the United States of America has been for more than 200 years.
Therefore, members of the armed services and veterans are asked to stand at attention and salute when their flag is passing in a parade or being hoisted or lowered; civilians should place their right hand over their heart.
When to display the American flag
The flag is a symbol of respect, honor, and patriotism. It may be displayed on any day of the year, according to the following guidelines:
- The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement.
- The custom is to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on flagstaffs in the open, but it may be displayed at night — if illuminated — to produce a patriotic effect.
- The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on:
New Year’s Day, Jan. 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, third Monday in January
Lincoln’s Birthday, Feb. 12
Presidents’ Day, third Monday in February; formerly Washington’s Birthday, Feb. 22
Easter Sunday (variable)
Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May
Flag Day, June 14
Juneteenth, June 19
Father’s Day, third Sunday in June
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, first Monday in September
Constitution Day, Sept. 17
Columbus Day, second Monday in October
Navy Day, Oct. 27
Veterans Day, Nov. 11
Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, Dec. 25,
any other days as may be proclaimed by the president of the United States
the birthdays of states (date of admission)
on state holidays
The flag should be displayed at every public institution, and in or near every polling place on election days, and at schoolhouses during school days.