Flag Etiquette

The United States flag is flown under the orders of the President of The United States of America. It may be your own personal flag, but by Federal Law, you must fly it according to the status given by the President of The United States of America or you are flying it disrespectfully.

The Governor's Press Release web page usually shows the status of the flag if it is being flown half-staff for a death of a soldier.

The United States of America Flag flies 24 hours a day at the following locations:

  • The White House
  • The U.S. Capitol
  • The Washington Monument
  • The Betsy Ross House
  • Battleground in Lexington
  • The Star-Spangled Banner House
  • Iwo Jima Memorial to U.S. Marines
  • Valley Forge, entrapment cabins
  • Ft. McHenry (the inspiration for The Star-Spangled Banner, War of 1812)
  • USS. Arizona, Pearl Harbor
  • Jenny Wade House in Gettysburg
  • All customs points and ports of entry into The United States

It is even more important to display the flag on national holidays and days of importance:

  • Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
  • Inauguration Day
  • Lincoln's Birthday
  • Memorial Day (1/2 staff until noon)
  • Washington's Birthday
  • Constitution Day
  • Easter Sunday
  • Columbus Day
  • Mother's Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veteran's Day
  • Armed Forces Day
  • Flag Day
  • Father's Day
  • Independence Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • Election Day(s)
  • State and Local Holidays
  • State Birthdays

How to Show Proper Respect the United States Flag

Pledge of Allegiance - Reveille - Taps - National Anthem - Retreat

  • Always stand and respectfully keep quiet
  • If you are holding anything in your hands, please set it down
  • Always face the flag
  • If you are in military uniform, render a salute
  • In other attire, place your right hand over your heart
  • Any persons wearing Disabled American Veterans head-gear are expected to salute
  • Men are expected to remove their head-gear, but women and military members should/can leave their head-gear on

In showing proper respect to our Nation's Flag, you are saying "Thank You" to the men, women and family members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to our great nation.

During parades, ceremonies or events, please stand and render the proper respect as the United States Flag passes by, or as The Colors are posted and removed.

See helpful images and descriptions of Flag Flying Etiquette (PDF).