A brief guide on how to properly display the American flag at your business or in your community.
We see Old Glory flying at many homes, businesses and community establishments, but sadly many people don’t know how to properly fly or display the American flag. Here is a guide on how to properly display the American flag for businesses and anyone wanting to fly the flag at their home.
1. When more than one flag is flown from the same halyard: If your business flies more than one flag from the same halyard, make sure the U.S. flag is always on top. This could mean flying Old Glory with your business flag, a state flag, a POW/MIA flag, etc. The U.S. flag should also be lowered last.
2. When the flag is displayed from a pole extending out from a building: If your business displays the American flag via a pole projecting straight from the building, the union of the flag should be at the peak of the staff, unless the flag is at half-staff.
3. When the flag is displayed from a pole at a church or public auditorium: If you are displaying a U.S. flag from a staff in a public venue such as a church, the U.S. flag must be in the superior position. This means on the speaker’s right as he faces his audience. All other flags should be places on the opposite side. If the flag is placed on a wall behind the speaker, it should be placed above the speaker with the union in the upper right hand corner.
4. When displaying the flag from something else beside a pole: If your business displays the American flag in a different method besides from a pole, it must lay flag or fall so it does not fold. The union must also face either north or east, depending on the direction of the street or building.
5. When the flag is passing during a parade: If you encounter a flag during a parade, the proper procedure is to stand, facing the flag, and salute. This also means removing all hats, like during a sporting event when they play the national anthem.
Let us know if you have any other flag etiquette questions. Everyone at CVS Flags is dedicated to honoring Old Glory and displaying her in the best possible way!
Credit: Allegheny County
I Don’t think #5 is correct..
Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 9 for the CRS Report for Congress states as follows:
§ 9. Conduct During Hoisting, Lowering or Passing of Flag.
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing
in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military
salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in
uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag
and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their
headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over
the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such
conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the
flag passes
Source: http://www.cvsflags.com/flagCodeExample.pdf