United States Flag Information

The flag of the United States is the symbol of America. It represents our people, our land and our way of life. You should respect the flag and the ideals it represents by handling and displaying it correctly.

The American flag may be flown every day and, if it is made of weather-resistant material, in any conditions. The flag is usually flown from sunrise to sunset. The flag may also be flown after sunset, if it has proper lighting. The flag should be flown on all national or state holidays and on other days proclaimed by the President.

Show pride in your country by flying the American flag at full-staff. You should hoist it briskly and lower it slowly. Fly the flag at half-staff to show sorrow following a national tragedy, the death of a national or state figure, or to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.

Use the following basic rules to ensure that the flag will always be displayed in an orderly and respectful manner:

1. When flags are displayed at different heights, the US flag flies higher than all the others do. It is hoisted first and lowered last.
2. When flags are displayed at equal heights, the US flag is either out in front or farthest to its own right.
3. To display the American flag flat against a wall, horizontally or vertically, the blue field should be at the top and to the right, which is the observer's left.
4. In a Church, Synagogue, Temple, or auditorium, the US flag on a staff may be placed at the clergy's or speaker's right.
5. When hung over the center of a street, the US flag should have the blue field to the north on an east-west street and to the east on a north-south street.

Throughout the history of the Boy Scouts of America, Scouts have taken part in ceremonies paying respect to the American flag. They have served as honor guards at troop meetings, public gatherings, parades and patriotic events.

Respect the United States flag and the ideals it represents. When you display or participate in ceremonies with the American flag, it gives you an opportunity to think about our nation's history, to reflect on what it means to be an American and to pledge to do your share to make our country the best it can be.