Flag Care Basics

Did you know that Congress has written laws and guidelines for the proper care and display of the U.S. flag? Here’s what you need to know.

The flag should always be displayed near the main administration building of every public institution, near voting places on Election Day, and near schools on school days.

The flag must never be allowed to touch the ground, floor, water, or whatever is beneath it. When carried, it should always be held aloft and free (untangled or unbound).

The flag should not appear on anything temporary or disposable, such as on paper napkins, tissues, boxes, and paper plates. It should not be embroidered on items easily soiled, such as cushions or handkerchiefs. It should never be used as clothing, bedding, or curtains.

If displayed or carried with other flags at the same height, the U.S. flag should be placed on the observer’s left. In a fan-shaped group, it should be in the center. In peacetime, it should be displayed at the same height as flags from other countries. The canton, or blue field, should be at the top on the observer’s left when the flag is displayed inside a building or against a solid background such as a wall. Outdoors, the flag should be flown horizontally or hung vertically with the canton to the observer’s left, north, or east. On a speaker’s platform, it should either be horizontal, above and behind the speaker, or on a staff to the speaker’s right.

A flag is flown at half-staff to show a time of mourning for certain deceased persons, such as elected officials or military personnel, or for a national disaster. A flag is sometimes used to drape the casket of a notable American and military veterans. The blue canton should be placed on the casket over the body’s head and left shoulder. Before the casket is lowered into the grave, the flag should be removed, folded properly, and offered to the next of kin.

To fold the flag, stand facing a partner. Hold the flag horizontally and at waist height. Fold the lower, striped section lengthwise over the blue field. Fold again, lengthwise, bringing the folded edge to the open edge. A large flag may be folded lengthwise a third time. A triangular fold is started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open edge. Repeat the triangular folding until the length is folded and only the blue canton is visible.

When the flag is raised, lowered, or presented in a ceremony, anyone in uniform should stand at attention and salute. Others should stand facing the flag, with their right hand over their heart and holding any cap or hat.

Outdoor flags can be washed in mild detergents and cool water. Indoor and parade flags should be dry-cleaned. When a flag becomes too dirty or torn, it should be disposed of properly, preferably by burning. American Legion posts and local governments often offer to dispose of unserviceable flags.

Forever Free

In certain cases, the flag flies 24 hours a day. These include:

• The moon

• The South Pole

• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore, Maryland

• Flag House Square, Albemarle and Pratt Streets, Baltimore, Maryland

• U.S. Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima), Arlington, Virginia

• Town green of Lexington, Massachusetts

• The White House, Washington, D.C.

• Washington Monument, Washington, D.C.

• U.S. Customs Ports of Entry

• Valley Forge State Park, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania