When displaying the flag, it is important to remember certain guidelines of proper flag etiquette.
They are:
******* When on display or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. Also, it should be placed to the right of a speaker or staging area, while other flags are placed to the left.
******* When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally from a window sill, balcony, or building, the stars of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.
******* The flag should be at the center and the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.
******* When the flag is displayed either vertically or horizontally against a wall, the stars should be placed at top of the flags right and the observers left.
******* When the flag is unfurled for display across a street, it should be hung vertically, with the stars to the north or east.
******** When the flag is flown with flags of other nations they are to be displayed from separate staffs of the same height, and each should be of equal size. International law forbids the display of the flag of one nation to be flown above that of another nation during time of peace.
******* During a time of national mourning, the flag can be flown at half mast by order of proclamation of the President of the United States. When flown at half-mast, the flag should be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak before it is lowered at the end of the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-mast until noon, then raised to the top of the staff and flown until sunset.
******* When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be placed with the stars at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or be allowed to touch the ground.
Published U.S. Legacies July 2003
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