American Flag Vertical Display & Flag on Flagpole: Rules and Etiquette Guide

Properly displaying the American flag — whether hung vertically on a wall or flown from a flagpole — is governed by the U.S. Flag Code, a federal law first established by Congress on June 22, 1942. While adherence to the Flag Code is voluntary for private citizens rather than legally enforced, it serves as the authoritative reference for flag etiquette across homes, businesses, schools, and government buildings. Understanding its specific rules for vertical display and flagpole use ensures the Stars and Stripes is shown the respect it is due.

How to Hang the American Flag Vertically

When the American flag is displayed vertically — against a wall, in a window, or suspended over a street — the position of the union (the blue field of stars) is the defining rule. The union must always be at the top and to the flag's own right, which means to the observer's left. This applies consistently whether the flag is hung indoors or outdoors, against a flat surface or in a window facing a street.

This rule is codified in U.S. Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7, which states that 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. The same orientation applies when the flag is displayed in a window: the union or blue field should face left as viewed from the street.

A common error when hanging the flag vertically is reversing this orientation — placing the union to the observer's right. This is incorrect under the Flag Code and should be avoided in any formal or public display context. Additionally, the flag should be suspended so its folds fall freely, as though it were staffed, rather than being stretched flat or pinned tightly against a surface.

Vertical Display Over a Street

When the American flag is hung vertically over a street, a directional rule applies in addition to the union placement standard. Over an east-west street, the union should face north. Over a north-south street, the union should face east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a building to a pole at the street's edge, it should be hoisted union-first, outward from the building.

Displaying the Flag on a Flagpole

When flying the American flag on a flagpole, the Flag Code establishes clear standards for position, timing, and conduct. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously — the brisk raising reflects national pride, while the slow, deliberate lowering signals respect.

When to Fly the Flag

The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. It may be displayed around the clock if it is properly illuminated during hours of darkness. The flag should not be flown during inclement weather unless an all-weather flag — typically made of nylon or other non-absorbent material — is used.

Flagpole Size and Flag Proportions

The Flag Code is silent on the required size of a flag relative to its flagpole, but a widely followed rule of tradition holds that the fly of the flag — its horizontal length — should be approximately one-quarter the height of the pole. The most common American flag size for residential and commercial flagpoles is 3 x 5 feet, which works well with poles ranging from 15 to 20 feet in height. For taller commercial or institutional poles, a 4 x 6 or 5 x 8 foot flag provides better visual proportion.

Flagpole Toppers

The Flag Code places no restrictions on the makeup or ornamentation of a flagpole. Standard toppers in common use — drawn from military tradition — include the eagle, acorn, gilt lance, ball, gilt star, and spear. The eagle is by far the most widely recognized and commonly used topper for residential and institutional flagpoles in the United States.

Displaying the Flag at Half-Staff

Flying the flag at half-staff is a nationally recognized sign of mourning. The correct procedure is specific: the flag must first be hoisted briskly to the peak of the flagpole, then slowly and solemnly lowered to the half-staff position — exactly halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. At the end of the day, it should be raised to the peak again before being lowered for the final time.

On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. The distinction between "half-staff" and "half-mast" is often misunderstood: half-staff is the correct term for flags flown on land, while half-mast refers specifically to flags on ships or naval stations.

Who Authorizes Half-Staff Orders

Half-staff directives are issued by the President of the United States or, at the state level, by the Governor. Under U.S. law, the flag is flown at half-staff for specific periods depending on the office of the deceased:

• President or former President: 30 days from the date of death
• Vice President, Chief Justice, Speaker of the House: 10 days from the day of death
• Associate Justice, Secretary of a department, former Vice President, or Governor: From the day of death until interment
• Member of Congress: The day of death and the following day

Flags flown on poles affixed to a private home or building are not required to be flown at half-staff. In such cases, a black memorial streamer may be affixed to the top of the flagpole as an alternative gesture of mourning.

Rules for Flying Multiple Flags on the Same Pole or Adjacent Poles

When state, city, or organizational flags are flown on the same halyard as the American flag, the American flag must always be at the peak — the highest position. No other flag or pennant may be placed above it, or to its right when flags are displayed at the same level. The American flag is always hoisted first and lowered last when flown alongside other flags on adjacent staffs.

When displaying three flagpoles together at the same height, the American flag occupies the position of honor — to its own right, meaning the leftmost position as viewed by an observer facing the display. Other flags may be the same size or smaller than the American flag, but none may be larger.

Key Prohibitions Under the U.S. Flag Code

The Flag Code outlines a set of specific prohibitions that apply to all flag displays, public and private. These include:

• The flag should never be displayed with the union facing down, except as a signal of extreme distress or danger to life or property.
• The flag should never touch anything beneath it — including the ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
• The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free — with a narrow exception for respectful military or patriotic observances as amended by Congress in 2024.
• The flag should never be used as apparel, bedding, drapery, or a ceiling covering.
• No mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, or design of any kind should be placed upon the flag.
• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner.

When a flag has served its useful life and is no longer in a condition fit for display, the Flag Code recommends it be destroyed in a dignified manner — preferably by burning. Many American Legion posts conduct formal flag retirement ceremonies, particularly around Flag Day on June 14.