U.S. Flag Etiquette & Traditions

Honoring the American Flag through proper display, handling, and tradition

When to Display the Flag

The United States flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on all days when weather permits. When properly illuminated, it may also be displayed at night.

It is especially appropriate to display the flag on:

• New Year’s Day – January 1
• Inauguration Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Third Monday in January
• Lincoln’s Birthday
• Washington’s Birthday – February 22
• Easter Sunday
• Mother’s Day – Second Sunday in May
• Armed Forces Day – Third Saturday in May
• Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) – Last Monday in May
• Flag Day – June 14
• Independence Day – July 4
• Labor Day – First Monday in September
• Constitution Day – September 17
• Columbus Day – October 12
• Navy Day
• Veterans Day – November 11
• Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November
• Christmas Day – December 25
• Election Days
• Federally observed holiday dates
• Days proclaimed by the President of the United States
• State and local holidays

Proper Handling & Respect

• The flag should never touch the ground.
• The union (blue field with stars) should always be positioned at the top left when displayed flat or hung vertically.
• The flag should not be used as clothing, bedding, or drapery.
• It should never be marked upon, defaced, or used for advertising purposes.
• When displayed at night, the flag should be properly illuminated.

These guidelines reflect respect for the symbol of our nation and those who have defended it.

How to Properly Fold the American Flag

• Hold the flag waist-high and parallel to the ground.
• Fold the lower striped half lengthwise over the blue field.
• Fold lengthwise again, keeping the blue field on the outside.
• Starting at the striped end, fold a triangle by bringing the lower corner to the upper edge.
• Continue folding triangular sections until only the blue field remains visible.
• Tuck the remaining portion neatly into the folds to secure.

When properly folded, only the blue field with stars should be visible.

The Tradition of the 13 Folds

he ceremonial folding of the American flag into 13 triangular folds is a long-standing military tradition.

While the United States Flag Code does not assign official meaning to each fold, many honor guards observe symbolic interpretations during ceremonial presentations.

These traditional meanings include:

• The first fold symbolizes life.
• The second fold symbolizes belief in eternal life.
• The third fold honors veterans who gave their lives for peace.
• The fourth fold represents our reliance upon God.
• The fifth fold is a tribute to our country.
• The sixth fold reflects the pledge of allegiance.
• The seventh fold honors the Armed Forces.
• The eighth fold honors mothers.
• The ninth fold honors womanhood.
• The tenth fold honors fathers.
• The eleventh and twelfth folds reflect faith traditions.

When completely folded, the flag resembles a tri-corner hat, honoring those who served in the Revolutionary War.

Proper Retirement

When a United States flag becomes worn, faded, torn, or otherwise unserviceable, it should be retired in a dignified and respectful manner in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.

The traditional method of retirement is by burning during a respectful ceremony.

American Legion Post 171 conducts formal Flag Retirement Ceremonies to ensure every flag is retired with honor.