The American Flag: Rules for Displaying It On Your Flagpole

Curious about the appropriate time and way to display the American flag on your flagpole? Here are a few tips for respectfully displaying the American flag, according to Jacobson Realty and Home Staging Owner and Broker, Belinda Jacobson-Loehle.

Are there rules for displaying the American flag?

Yes; the American Legion outlined the National Flag Code as a set of customary rules for displaying the American flag in 1923. These rules became law during World War II forming what is now called the United State Flag Code. These rules cover all kinds of situations but the main governing principle is that our flag is one of the most visible and important symbols of our country and should be treated with respect.

What time can the American flag be displayed?

The flag code states that it is the “universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset”. However, it also states that “when a patriotic effect is desired the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness”. So, yes you can leave your flag up, just make sure it’s properly lit at night.
If you decide to raise and lower the flag each day, the code states the American flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously.

When should the American flag be displayed?

The American flag should be displayed every day. However, the flag code emphasizes the following days specifically: New Year's Day, Inauguration Day, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, Easter Sunday, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Flag Day, Father's Day, Independence Day, National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, Labor Day, Constitution Day, Columbus Day, Navy Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.

Can I be prevented from displaying the American flag?

In 2006 the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 officially became law. This law basically says that no condo board, housing co-op, or residential real estate management group can restrict a person's right to display the American flag on their own residential property as long as the flag is displayed in accordance to the flag code.

How do I retire a worn out American flag?

The flag code states that “when a flag has served its useful purpose, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning”. I don’t suggest burning your flag unless you are 100% certain of the materials used to create it. Many flags today are made with different materials than in the past; materials that can release toxic chemicals during burning. My recommendation is that you reach out to your local American Legion post. Many American Legion posts conduct Disposal of Unserviceable Flag Ceremonies on June 14, Flag Day, each year. This ceremony creates a particularly dignified and solemn occasion for the disposal of unserviceable flags.

With great appreciation for the military services and for all your real estate needs, please contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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