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The Daily Insight

What is the correct way to hang a flag

Author

Sophia Edwards

Published Apr 15, 2026

1. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left. When displayed in a window, the American flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

How should a flag hung vertically?

Hang flag vertically with the canton farthest from the building. The union, or star field, should always be at the top and should be on the flag’s own right (the viewer’s left). When being hung over a street, the union should ideally point north or east.

What is the best way to hang a flag on a wall?

In the case of a wall displaying the American flag, it must be hung with the Union (stars) at the top or highest point. It can be hung either vertically or horizontally, but the stars can never be displayed on the bottom of the Stars and Stripes, no matter the case.

Is there a wrong way to hang a flag?

There’s a right and a wrong way to hang the flag vertically. Don’t hang your flag backwards, upside down, or in another inappropriate fashion. If you’re hanging your flag vertically (like from a window or against a wall), the Union portion with the stars should go on the observer’s left.

What side of the house do you hang an American flag?

It is traditionally flown either to the right or the left of the front door. It can be on either side. When there is a choice, find a position of prominence. Sometimes that is the left of the door, sometimes the right, sometimes away from the door, but centered on the house (when you have a porch, for example).

How do you hang a flag on a house?

When a flag is displayed vertically in a window or against a wall, the union field should be uppermost and to the flag’s right. (The flag’s right is the observer’s left.) When a flag is displayed from the front of a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff, unless the flag is at half-staff.

What side of the porch do you hang the American flag on?

The American flag can hang on either side of the porch unless there is a second flag (or multiple flags). If there are two or more flags hanging on the porch, the American flag should hang on the left side of the porch when viewed from the street.

How do you hang a flag on a wall?

Use 2 or 3 Command Hooks made by 3M and put them on the wall. Then sew some loops on the back of the flag to so put onto the hooks. Command hooks are designed to be removed without the wall being damaged. You can also glue a craft rod or similar to the top of the flag before hanging it on the hooks to avoid sagging.

Are you supposed to take the flag down when it rains?

The U.S. Flag Code addresses the rules for flying flags, rain or shine. It is specific on what to do in the case of rain. The United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, states: “The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.”

Can I hang a flag outside my house?

Traditionally, the flag is to be displayed outdoors only from sunrise to sunset, but it can stay there 24 hours a day if it’s properly illuminated.

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Can the American flag be flown at night without a light?

According to the US Flag Code, all American flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day. Lowering the flag at night is an ultimate sign of respect for Old Glory. But like many rules, there is an exception. You can keep your flag flying 24-hours if it is properly illuminated during all hours of darkness.

Where do you put a flag on front of house?

Ideally, an American flag on your house should hang from a staff that angles out from the front wall or a windowsill or balcony. It’s a good idea to screw a bracket made for holding the flagstaff to the trim. Fasten it securely and so the flag won’t become soiled or damaged.

How do you hang a flag without a pole outside?

  1. Hang the flag vertically over a street with the stars, or union, to the north or east, and toward the top.
  2. Hang the flag vertically over a sidewalk, with the stars farthest away from the nearest building.

Where do you hang a flag pole on a house?

House mounted flagpoles have traditionally been installed beside the front door. Either side of the door is appropriate and should be placed on the side that will give it a prominent position.

What is proper flag etiquette?

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

What are three things one should never do out of respect to the flag?

  • Don’t dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.
  • Don’t let the flag touch the ground.
  • Don’t fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
  • Don’t carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
  • Don’t use the flag as clothing.
  • Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.

What does gold fringe around a flag mean?

The constitutional United States flag signifies common law jurisdiction. The fringe denotes Admiralty law’s jurisdiction. … The gold-fringed United States flag is the War flag which denotes Admiralty or martial law.

Is it OK to leave a flag out overnight?

The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

How do you hang a fabric flag on a wall?

One of the most popular ways to display a banner is on a wall. The best way to hang a fabric banner on a smooth wall is by using Velcro adhesive strips, which allow your banner to look flush against the wall.

When should the American flag be taken down?

It’s customary to only display the flag from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag code says “when a patriotic effect is desired,” you can display the flag twenty-four hours a day if it’s properly illuminated at night by a light.

Is it OK to hang an American flag on a wall?

The U.S. Flag Code allows the American flag to be displayed on a wall — but only if it’s mounted in the appropriate position. According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should be mounted on walls, windows or doors with the stars on the left (from an observer’s perspective).

Can the American flag touch the floor?

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

Why do you put a light on the American flag?

Without illumination, no one will be able to see your American flag during the nighttime hours. When the sun goes down, your American flag will fade from visibility. As a result, it’s recommended that you illuminate the American flag when displaying it at night.

Can I hang a flag on a telephone pole?

While a utility pole may seem like a convenient place to post a sign, hang a flag or holiday lights, it simply isn’t safe.