Q&A for How to Hang an American Flag Vertically

No, the U.S. flag should be on the left, and the U.S. Marine flag should be on the right.

The US Flag would always take first position to the far left side, with its stars to the left, and placed higher than any other flag. All State Flags or organizational flags would be positioned lower than the US Flag.

When displaying the American flag alongside another national flag vertically, the American flag should be on the observer's left. This position shows respect and follows the U.S. Flag Code. Both flags should be at the same height to honor each country equally.

Yes. Keep the maple leaf upright, handle the flag respectfully, and avoid any fasteners that could damage the fabric.

No, putting a tack through an American flag is not respectful. The U.S. Flag Code advises against using any kind of fastener that could damage the fabric. Instead, use clips or a flag bracket designed to hold the flag without causing harm. This way, you honor the flag's dignity and preserve its condition.

For flag earrings, the union should be positioned to the wearer's left. This aligns with the guideline that the union is on the left side from the wearer's perspective, meaning it will appear on the right from the viewer's perspective.

A vertical flag with the union to the left can appear upside down when viewed horizontally because the reverse side is not printed. This changes the orientation of the flag's design.

Yes, typically the flagpole should be mounted at a 45-degree angle from the wall to make sure the flag is displayed prominently and can fly freely. Secure the bracket well, and be sure the flag is proportionate to the pole and wall height to display it correctly and respectfully.

The hem of the flag should face the back, so that it's not visible from the front when displayed. This ensures a clean and respectful presentation, maintaining the flag's dignity and appearance.

When a flag is displayed flat against a surface, the field of blue (or canton) should be in the top-left corner from the observer’s perspective. When flown on a flagpole, the field of blue should be on the side closest to the pole. (The observer's position and the wind direction determine whether that side is left or right.)

The pole should be 2½ to 3 times the height of the flag, so a 6½- to 8-foot pole is ideal. Be sure the pole fits the space without being too tall or too short.

It should swing freely because it represents freedom of our country, but make sure it is on the ladder secure so it doesn't fly away.

When hanging the US flag from a ceiling (at any position) or against a wall, the field of stars should always be at the left of an observer. In this case, your intended audience would be people out in front of the stage area (not behind the curtain), so it would be to their left side as observers.

The US Flag is always placed at the highest position and to the far left of any other display. The field of stars must be above the left shoulder of the intended observers. All other displays should be lower than the corner of the field of stars as the highest point of the US Flag.

Same as in real life situations, that is, with the field of stars to the left of the person(s) who will observe it. Further, nothing else should be higher than the US Flag. You should consult the recruiters at the US Army, US Navy, or US Marine Corps, or ask a Reserve Unit if using the US Flag in a tattoo is acceptable.

The field of stars should always be highest and on the observer's left, e.g. above their left shoulder. You have to remember the symbolism that goes with the US Flag.

The US Flag should always be to the observer's far left, with the union field to the far left. A US State's flag should be slightly less high than the US Flag. From a window, the observer on the street should see the union field to their left. If flown outside a building, such as on a horizontal bar, the field of stars should be furthest out away from the building.

Check with local merchants to see if any sell a US Flag with a small metal weight tucked into the hem of the lowermost corner (diagonal from the union corner). Or ask if a dry cleaners has a seamstress who can sew one into the hem of that corner. The weight should keep the flag flying smartly, without wrapping itself.

Congress approved the U.S. Flag Code in 1942, which established the official etiquette for the handling and display of the U.S. Flag. A flag can stay flying outside 24 hours a day but only if it is illuminated. If you cannot keep a flood light pointed toward your door, then take the flag down at sunset.

Observers will approach the flag from different directions, from one with the union on the left, from the reverse with the union on the right. Hence, the standard North/East directional instruction.

Look for the vertical flag pole that they have now. This will allow the flag to hang.