4 Rules of American Flag Etiquette

75 years ago, Congress passed a joint resolution to place the modern-day U.S. Flag Code into public law. With many residents of our private golf courses in Arizona paying homage to our nation’s servicemen and women by displaying the American Flag this Veterans Day, it is important to fly the red, white and blue properly. 

Follow along for a few highlights on proper flag etiquette, direct from the U.S. Flag Code:

1. The custom is to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on flagstaffs in the open, but it may be displayed at night with illumination for special occasions to produce a patriotic effect.
2. When the flag is hung vertically on a wall, window or door the stars should be to the observer’s left.
3. When displaying the flag, it should be hoisted briskly, yet lowered slowly and not displayed on days with inclement weather.
4. When flying the flag at half-staff, it should first be hoisted to the peak for a moment, and then lowered to the half-staff position. When being taken down, the flag should again be raised to the peak before being lowered for the day.

Whether your flag is made of nylon or cotton, the American Flag represents our nation’s freedom and the great sacrifices our brave soldiers made to protect that freedom. This Veterans Day, be sure to follow proper flag protocol to respectfully honor our great nation and celebrate the sacrifices made by our active military and veterans. For more information on the U.S. Flag Code, visit: www.USFlag.org/uscode36.html.