Public Law 94-344 - Displaying the flag

Decoration: The American flag should never be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, drawn back, folded back, or festooned, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. (The blue stripe of the bunting should always be on the top.)

Over a Stage: When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.

Over a Street: When hanging over a street the Union should face either the North or the East depending on the direction of the road.

From a Building: When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a windowsill, balcony or building front, the union of the flag should always be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is half-staff.

On a Wall: When displayed on a wall, either horizontally or vertically, the union should be positioned in the upper Left side if you are viewing it. If the flag is hung in a window the union should be on the upper right side, when viewed from outside. When displayed on the wall with another flag, the US Flag will be on its right (viewers's left) with its staff crossing over the staff of the other flag.

On a Staff: When the US flag is flown with flags or pennants of states, cities or societies, it should always be at the peak. When flown from adjacent staffs, the US flag should be placed in the center on a higher staff and hoisted first and lowered last.

With National Flags: When flags of two or more nations are displayed together, they should be flown from separate staffs of the same height, and the flags should be of approximately equal size.

In a Parade: When carried in a parade front with other flags, the US flag should awlways be to the marching right of the other flags, or to the front and center of the flag line.

On a Casket: When the flag is used on a casket, its union should be over the deceased's left shoulder. Carry the casket foot first. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

Memorial Day: The flag should be briskly raised in the morning to the top, then lowered slowly to half-staff. At noon, the flag should be raised to the top again.

Showing Respect: When the flag is raised, lowered or is passing in a parade, review or during the playing of the national anthem, everyone present, except military personnel, should face the flag and place his or her hand over their heart. Men remove their hats. Military personnel salute.