Flag Etiquette

Always be in the know on proper etiquette for your flag. We have complete information on what you need to do for everyday set-up and special events.

When displayed horizontally or vertically, the star field should always be to the flag’s own right or to the observer’s upper left. If in a window, it is from the observer on the street.

When flying a state, municipality or logo flag, the United States flag should always be at peak. International usage forbids the display of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

No flag should be placed above the United States flag. Also, the United States flag should be to the flags own right or from the observer’s left side.

In churches or auditoriums, the United States flag should be displayed to the observers left hand side.

When flying a flag at half-staff, the flag should be raised to the top of the staff for an instant then lowered to the midway point of the pole. At the end of the day, it should be raised to the top of the staff before lowering. On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon before it is returned to full staff for the remainder of the day. In the event of the death of a principal figure, the President or Governor of a state may order the flag to be flown at half-staff for their memory.

You can determine the height of a flagpole on a sunny day doing the following. 1. Measure the flagpole’s shadow length and multiply that by a person’s actual height. 2. Divide that number by the person’s shadow length. 3. Know the height of that person. (Flagpole’s shadow x Person’s actual height)/Person’s shadow length = Flagpole Height. Remember that flagpoles are constructed in five foot intervals so round your final answer to the nearest five. (ie. 42’ = 40’ flagpole or 27’ = 25’ flagpole)

According to Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 6 of federal statutes, “It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.”

There are two thoughts on this. Originally, the length (fly) of the flag should be approximately 25% of the height of the pole. (i.e. 40’ Flagpole = 6’ x 10’ flag). Flagpole manufactures today now work on the guidelines that the width of the flag (hoist)should be approximately 20% of the flagpole. (i.e. 40’ Flagpole = 8’ x 12’ flag). IF YOU ARE UNSURE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FLAGPOLE MANUFACTURER/DEALER FOR PROPER SIZING.

The flag should never touch anything beneath it such as the ground, floor or water. Care should be exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or drying is required, the flag may continue to be displayed.

The correct way to dispose of a United States flag is by burning or burial. Many times the Boy Scouts or local V.F.W.’s offer this service. If burning is not feasible, it can be placed out for collection, but only after the field is first removed from the flag. If you wish to have your flag disposed properly, you may send it to The Flag Loft.

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ABOUT Flag Loft

Exeeding customer expectations, every time

The Flag Loft was established in 1990 with a goal to manufacture quality banners, flags, soft signage and give exceptional customer service; making our clients a priority. We began by specializing in appliqué flags and banners and expanded to include: digital print, wall and floor graphics, flag poles, street pole banners, hard signage and exhibit designs.

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