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Hanging an American flag on a wall properly involves some attention to detail. Whether you display the flag horizontally or vertically, make sure the union, or the field of blue with stars, is on top and to your left. If you are displaying other flags, always put them to the American flag's right (from the perspective of facing the flag). Illuminate the flag at all times, and avoid spots where it might get dirty. Use its grommets, or the metal loops that allow it to fly it from a pole, to hang it vertically. To hang it horizontally, use pins that can carry its weight without damaging its fabric.
Steps
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Hang the flag with the union at the top to the observer's left. Whether you hang the flag vertically or horizontally, the union, or field of blue with white stars, should be at the top left side. The flag’s own right, or the observer’s left, is considered the position of prominence. [1] X Research source
- A flag displayed with the union on the bottom is a sign of distress.
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Keep the flag snug and outstretched. The American flag shouldn’t be hung loosely or draped as bunting. When displaying it on a wall, hang it so it’s completely flat against the surface. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Position state or city flags to the American flag's right. Hang the American flag so it is to the left (as the observer, facing the flag) of any other flag. Since the flag’s own right (or the observer’s left) is the position of prominence, any state, city, or other organization’s flag should be displayed to the observer’s right. [3] X Research source
- It’s acceptable to hang other flags at the same height as the American flag as long as they’re on the correct side.
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Make sure state and city flags aren't larger than the American flag. Except for the flags of other nations, any flags displayed with the American flag should be of equal size or smaller than the American flag. [4] X Research source
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Hang the flag at the same level as another nation’s flag. Do not hang another flag above the United States flag. Further, when displaying the flags of two nations, make sure they’re the same size. [5] X Research source
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Illuminate the flag at all times. Display the flag in an indoor room with a light on at all times. If you’re hanging it on an outdoor wall, take it down at sunrise or use an outdoor light to keep it illuminated overnight. [6] X Research source
- If you don't want to keep a room's overhead light on, you can set up a spotlight to illuminate the flag.
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Make sure the flag won’t fall. Hang the flag securely so it won’t fall to the ground. If an American flag touches the ground, it should be retired, preferably by burning. [7] X Research source
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Hang the flag vertically by its grommets. Check the side of the flag with the union for grommets, or the metal loops at the corners used to fly the flag from a pole. Use push pins or nails to hang the flag vertically from the grommets.
- Don’t pierce the flag itself with nails. They would damage and disrespect the flag.
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Use several pushpins per side to distribute weight evenly. When hanging the flag vertically, insert pushpins at regular intervals so the grommets don’t get ripped out and to keep the flag from sagging.
- Make sure you avoid placing push pins into the stitching at the flag's edges.
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Hang the flag horizontally with push pins. Using the grommets isn't an option when hanging the flag horizontally. Instead, you'll have to use enough push pins on all sides to distribute the flag’s weight evenly. That way, it won't fall, get torn, or sag.
- Insert push pins carefully to avoid piercing the flag’s stitching.
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Choose a spot where the flag won't get dirty. Whether you’re hanging the flag indoors or outdoors, avoid spots where it might easily get dirty. For instance, don’t hang it next to your stove where food might splatter onto it. If you're hanging it outdoors, avoid spots where the hose might splatter water and dirt onto the flag. [8] X Research source
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Retire a damaged or soiled flag. You should retire your flag with dignity if it falls to the ground, gets torn, becomes soiled, or is otherwise unfit to be displayed. Burning a flag in a large, intense fire while standing at attention is the preferred way to retire a flag. [9] X Research source
- American Legion Posts, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, and Cub Scout Packs routinely conduct flag retirement ceremonies. Contact your local organization for more information.
- In America, the rules are vague on how to properly and respectfully retire a flag. The only rule specifically stated is to not cut the blue area with the 50 stars as it would symbolize the splitting of the union.
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Protect the flag from inclement weather. When hanging the American flag on an outdoor wall, try to pay attention to the weather forecast. Take it down during rain or other inclement weather. Put it away when it's windy so it doesn't blow to the ground or down your street. [10] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I display a flag indoors if it was previously used on a flag staff?Community AnswerYes, you can.
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QuestionThe article says, "Further, when displaying the flags of two nations, make sure they're the same size." In some circumstances, is it appropriate to display a larger foreign flag, such as the Russian Federation flag?Community AnswerNo. A foreign flag should not be larger than the flag of the home country. It doesn't matter which country is involved.
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QuestionWhat flag is shown next to the American flag in step 3?Community AnswerThat's the flag of Indianapolis.
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References
- ↑ https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/4/7
- ↑ http://www.usflag.org/flag.etiquette.html
- ↑ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title4/html/USCODE-2011-title4-chap1.htm
- ↑ https://www.military.com/flag-day/us-flag-code.html
- ↑ https://www.military.com/flag-day/us-flag-code.html
- ↑ http://www.usflag.org/flag.etiquette.html
- ↑ http://www.usflag.org/flag.etiquette.html
- ↑ http://www.usflag.org/flag.etiquette.html
- ↑ http://www.usflag.org/flag.etiquette.html
About This Article
Article Summary
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To hang an American flag on a wall, hang it so the union, the part of the flag with blue and white stars, is at the top left. Also, make sure the flag is completely outstretched so it's lying flat against the wall. If you're hanging the flag vertically, insert push pins or nails into the metal grommets at the end to secure it to the wall. If you're hanging the flag horizontally, insert a push pin into each corner of the flag so it doesn't fall or sag. To learn how to keep your flag clean and damage free, scroll down!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I'm not really new when it comes to displaying and flying the American flag, I learned all of that when I joined the Legion. However, I was unsure of the correct way of how to pin the flag to a wall horizontally and did not know if it would look acceptable to have the pins right at the corners or in just a bit to preserve the stitching. So this was a nice refresher to make sure I am displaying the flag correctly." ..." more
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"I'm not really new when it comes to displaying and flying the American flag, I learned all of that when I joined the Legion. However, I was unsure of the correct way of how to pin the flag to a wall horizontally and did not know if it would look acceptable to have the pins right at the corners or in just a bit to preserve the stitching. So this was a nice refresher to make sure I am displaying the flag correctly."
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"My dad was a vet, so I have a flag from his funeral. I've been wanting to hang it on a wall, but wasn't sure if that was proper protocol. This article answered all my questions. Thanks."
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"I have my first apartment at 64 years young! And wanted to display our flag. Now, I know how. I'm also going to buy a book about flags! Thank you!"
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"Excellent and accurate article. Follow the instructions here, and you will be spot on."
"Thank you. The help was much appreciated. My flag is now hung with pride."
