US Flag Code
- § 1 Stars and Stripes
- § 2 Additional Stars
- § 3 Use of the Flag for advertising; mutilation
- § 4 Pledge of Allegiance
- § 5 Display and use of Flag by civilians; codifications of rules and customs
- § 6 Time and occasions for display
- § 7 Position and manner of display
- § 8 Respect for flag
- § 9 Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag
- § 10 Modification of rules and customs by President
The United States Flag Code
Time and Occasions For Display
Title 4- US Code § 6
Old Glory or The Stars and Stripes — is known throughout the world as the symbol of freedom.
U.S. Flag Code: Section 6 - Time and Occasions for Display
Time for Display
- Customary Display: The flag is traditionally displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagpoles in the open, ensuring visibility during daylight hours.
- All-Weather Display: The flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during hours of darkness, such as with a spotlight, to maintain respectful visibility at night.
- Weather Considerations: The flag should not be displayed during inclement weather (e.g., rain, snow, or storms) unless it is an all-weather flag designed to withstand such conditions.
Occasions for Display
The flag may be displayed every day, particularly on federal and state holidays, but there are no mandatory requirements for private citizens or organizations.
The Flag Code recommends displaying the flag on the following days:
- Federal Holidays:
- New Year's Day (Jan. 1)
- Inauguration Day (Jan. 20, every 4 years)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in Jan.)
- Lincoln's Birthday (Feb. 12)
- Washington's Birthday (third Monday in Feb.)
- Easter Sunday (variable)
- Mother's Day (second Sunday in May)
- Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May, half-staff until noon)
- Flag Day (June 14)
- Father's Day (third Sunday in June)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (first Monday in Sept.)
- Constitution Day (Sept. 17)
- Columbus Day (second Monday in Oct.)
- Navy Day (Oct. 27)
- Veterans Day (Nov. 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in Nov.)
- Christmas Day (Dec. 25)
- Other days proclaimed by the President
- State-Specific Days: Election days, state holidays, or days designated by state governors or legislatures.
The flag should be displayed at public buildings, schools, and polling places during sessions, elections, or official events. It's also encouraged during school days in or near school buildings.
On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff. For other occasions (e.g., the death of a government official or as ordered by the President or a governor), the flag may be flown at half-staff for a specified period.
Key Notes
- Voluntary Compliance: The Flag Code is advisory for private citizens and organizations, not legally enforceable. Federal, state, and local governments often follow it strictly.
- Half-Staff Protocol: When flown at half-staff, the flag is first hoisted to the peak momentarily, then lowered to the half-staff position. At the end of the day, it is raised to the peak before being lowered.
- International Usage: In foreign countries, the flag is displayed according to international agreements or host country protocols, typically at U.S. embassies or military installations.