With the arrival of Independence Day on July 4th, and my recent experience displaying flags at a U.S. based, European Union event, I am reminded of the guidelines surrounding the proper display of flags on U.S. soil. While there are no enforceable laws surrounding the display of the U.S. flag (the U.S. Supreme Court struck down flag protection laws as violations of free speech in 1989) the Flag Code is still maintained as a code of etiquette, enforced not by law but by tradition.

 

On June 14, 1923, the first National Flag Conference was held in Washington, D.C., to establish a set of rules for civilian flag use. The U.S. Flag Code, first published in 1923 and adopted by Congress in 1942, is based on the belief that the American flag “represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.” It proscribes any use of the flag that could be construed as disrespectful, including using it for advertising and to decorate clothing and other goods.

 

If you find yourself managing an event that features the display of flags, here are some general guidelines to follow (courtesy of www.vfw.org):

If there is more than one flag on the same staff: 
The U.S. flag is flown at peak, above any other flag. 

If displayed in a group: 
The U.S. flag goes to its own right (observer’s left). Flags of other nations are flown at
the same height.  State and local flags are flown lower.

If displayed on a speaker's platform:
When displayed on a speaker's platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff it is on the speaker's right. 

Quick display tip: Use a flag spreader to show off the full beauty of your indoor flag. Many beautiful designs are hidden in indoor spaces since there is no wind to billow the flag into full view. The spreader helps to fully display your flag’s design.

Decoration
Never use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red. 

Special Rules
Do not let the flag touch the ground. 
Do not fly the flag upside down unless there is an emergency. 
Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it. 
Do not use the flag as clothing. 
Do not store the flag where it can get dirty. 
Do not use it as a cover. 
Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free. 

Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag. 

Illumination Guidelines
Per Federal Flag Code, Section 2, paragraph (a), it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

Fun Fact
The United Nations headquarters (located in New York City) can fly the flags of all 188 member nations in alphabetical order. Since the headquarters is owned by all U.N. members it is not considered American soil – hence the American flag does not take precedence.