How to Hang an American Flag

Have you ever been in a predicament where you were trying to hang your US Flag without a flagpole? It might be a silly topic to cover, but there are multiple ways to hang your flag. So, next time you are wondering how to hang an American Flag, this should come in handy. 

Flag Code

First, let’s go over flag code. And it’s important to remember there is no flag police out there. So, even if you see someone flying the flag incorrectly, the best thing to do is approach them and educate them. Do not call the police and do not call a flag company. There is nothing we can do about it!

1. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

2. The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag’s own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

3. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.

4. When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.

5. 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 flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

6. When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

7. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman’s or speaker’s right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.

8. When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer’s left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east.

Dumb it Down

1. Do not fly your flag upside down unless there is extreme danger to life or property. 
2. The American Flag should be on the viewers left, and the staff from the American flag should be in front or on top of the other staff. 
3. If there is more than one flagpole, the American Flag should be on the taller flagpole. If they are all the same height the American flag will be stage right. The building would be the stage. 
4. When a flag is flying at an angle from the side of the house or building the American Flag should be attached on the peak of the flagpole.
5. If the American Flag is displayed on a wall either vertically or horizontally, the blue starfield should be to the observers left. If it is displayed in a window, the street is the observer. 
6. When the American Flag is flying over the street vertically the starfield should face North on an East & West street or face East on a North & South street. 
7. If displayed on a stage the American Flag should be to the speakers right when facing the audience. Or the left from the audience viewpoint.
8. When the American Flag is suspended in a lobby with one entrance the should be hanging vertically with the blue starfield on the observers left. If there is more than one main entrance the starfield should face North if the entrances are East to West. If the entrances are North to South, the starfield should face East. 

If there are any other situations you need help with how to display your American Flag, give us a call and we can give the best advice. Need an American Made US flag? Shop our Made in America US flags today!