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.

Yes, the flagpole should be as vertical as possible when displaying the American flag. The proper way to display a flag on a pole is to ensure the pole is upright, not leaning at an angle. A vertical flagpole ensures the flag is flown with the dignity and respect it deserves. If your neighbor’s flagpole is planted at a 30-degree angle, it would be better to adjust it to a more vertical position to show proper respect for the flag and adhere to display guidelines.

When hanging a flag from your balcony, the union (the blue field with stars) should be to your left to see it properly as you walk onto the balcony. This aligns with proper flag display etiquette and ensures it's shown correctly from your perspective and from the outside. Displaying the flag with respect honors its symbolism, regardless of the viewing angle.

Yes, according to flag etiquette, you can flank a vertically displayed US flag with another flag, as long as the US flag is displayed correctly and the other flag is of equal or lesser prominence. Ensure that the US flag is positioned with the union (the blue field with stars) in the top left corner.

When hanging American flags horizontally, make sure the union (blue field with stars) is on the observer's left. Non-patriotic organizational flags can follow their own guidelines, usually with their emblem or logo facing outward.

When hanging a US flag vertically, the canton, or the blue field with stars, should be on the left of the observer from both directions.

When hanging the American flag vertically in a store, the union (blue field with stars) should always be on the observer's left to ensure respectful and proper display.

When hanging a flag over a street that runs northeast to southwest, you can position the union either pointing north-northeast or east-northeast. Choose the direction that aligns best with the general guidelines: north-northeast aligns with an east-west street, and east-northeast aligns with a north-south street. Ensure the union is positioned to maintain the flag's dignity and respect, typically in the upper left corner from the most common direction of travel.

The flag should be displayed in a specific way as a sign of respect. There are many guidelines for the proper display of the flag, and adhering to them demonstrates care for the flag.

When displaying the US flag and a state flag vertically on a flat wall, the US flag should always be on the observer's left, with the union (blue field with stars) at the top left. The state flag should be on the observer's right and placed at the same height as the US flag to show equal respect to both.

To hang the American flag on a horizontal bar attached to a tree trunk, ensure the blue field with stars (the union) is at the top and to the left when viewed. Secure the flag using grommets or clips on the reinforced side, avoiding nails, tacks, or staples to prevent damage. Ensure space between the flag and the tree trunk to allow for movement and avoid tangling. Lower the flag during bad weather and handle it with care, ensuring it doesn't touch the ground.

When flags are hung from the ceiling and viewed from both directions, the primary observer is generally considered to be the person entering the store. The union (blue field with stars) should be positioned to the observer’s left as they enter, ensuring correct and respectful display.

When hanging the American flag, ensure the union (blue field with stars) is always to the observer's left. If viewed from the street, the union should be on the left. You might need an additional flag inside to maintain the correct orientation from both perspectives.

When you hang the flag vertically, imagine the flag on a pole and then tilt the pole horizontal. For a USA flag, the stars should be in the upper-right corner.

When you hang the flag vertically from a rope over a street, the union should be at the top and to the observer's left. If you are positioning the union to point north or east, for a north-south street, the union points east, and for an east-west street, it points north. This ensures the flag is displayed correctly based on the street's orientation.

Since your balcony faces east, the union (the blue field with stars) should be positioned to the north to follow flag etiquette. This means when viewed from the street, the union will be to the observer's left, ensuring the flag is displayed with proper respect.

When displaying an American flag on a garden stake flag pole, ensure the union (blue field with stars) is positioned at the top left corner as viewed by someone facing the flagpole.

Yes, you can hang the American flag on a wall horizontally. Just ensure the union (the blue field with stars) is at the top left when you're facing the flag to follow proper flag etiquette.

Yes, sandwiching the flag's edge between two white pieces of trim is a practical way to keep it from sagging. Just ensure the flag is displayed correctly, with the union positioned properly whether it's hung horizontally or vertically, to maintain its dignity and respect.

No, according to the U.S. Flag Code, you should always fly the American flag in the highest position when displayed with other flags. The Christian flag or any other flag should be placed below or to the side of the American flag to respect the symbolic importance and precedence of the national flag.

The stars (the union) are always to the left to show respect and follow a consistent rule of flag etiquette. This positioning ensures the flag is displayed correctly and honors its symbolism. Keeping the union to the left maintains uniformity and proper display, which are important aspects of showing respect to the flag.

When hanging a flag vertically, the union should be positioned to the observer's left, which aligns with the general guideline for displaying the flag correctly.

Hanging an American flag vertically with the union on the right is considered unacceptable because it signals distress or extreme danger according to flag etiquette. This orientation is reserved for distress signals, not for standard display.

An American flag with 14 stars is a historical flag. The 14-star flag was used from 1795 to 1818, after Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union, bringing the total number of states to 14. Displaying this flag today reflects early American history and the nation's growth.

When displaying the US flag near the front door, it should be in a position of honor. If it's displayed to the right of the door (from the viewer’s perspective looking at the house), it should be on the observer's left side. If hung on a pole or above the door, the union should be at the peak of the staff or to the flag’s right to maintain its dignity.

For a U.S. flag, the stars should be positioned at the top and away from the door or wall, similar to how it would look on a tilted flagpole.

To attach a flag to a vertical pole, first ensure both are clean and dry. Decide on the desired height and location, and then insert the flag onto the pole's flag clips or hooks. Most flags have a sleeve that slides over the pole. Secure the flag to prevent it from slipping or flying off in the wind.

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.)

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

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.