Co-owner Grady McCoy raises the flag at FlagandBanner.com in Little Rock. Photo courtesy of FlagandBanner.com

 

It is no secret that Americans are flag crazy. Just take a drive through any suburb in the USA, and there are sure to be American flags flying from numerous porches. That enthusiasm ramps up during the summer, when Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day signal the season of flags.

 

According to the 2024 SSRS opinion panel omnibus poll The Public and Patriotism, about 4 in 10 U.S. adults believe it is extremely or very important for people who live in the U.S. to fly an American flag. While 27 percent of respondents said they display the U.S. flag at their homes daily or throughout most of the year, an additional 28 percent said that they fly the flag around patriotic holidays.

 

However, it is important that those who display an American flag know how to do so respectfully. The U.S. Flag Code, first published in 1923 and adopted by Congress in 1942, is a set of rules designed to keep Old Glory flying in good taste. According to the Smithsonian Institution, Union Civil War veterans helped champion flag etiquette, primarily seeking to limit the use of the flag for commercial and political purposes, and the movement gained even more traction during World War II.

 

FlagandBanner.com in Little Rock knows a thing or two about the U.S. Flag Code. As an expert source for all things flags — and the supplier of flags for the Arkansas250 Commission — the business provides information about flag etiquette and often fields calls from citizens concerned about the presentation of flags in their communities.

 

Although the U.S. Flag Code is a part of law, there is no penalty for displaying the flag incorrectly. That is why FlagandBanner.com created the tongue-in-cheek Flag Police to warn the public about potential infractions.

 

“Abiding the U.S. Flag Code not only shows respect to the most emblematic symbol of our great nation, but it is perhaps the oldest guide to proper flag care that we can offer Old Glory,” said salesperson Gray McCoy. “Bringing her in at night and keeping her out of the rain and snow ensures she’ll be flying well through our nation’s 250th anniversary and, hopefully, for years to come.”

 

FLAG ETIQUETTE TIPS

courtesy of FlagandBanner.com:

 

• The flag should never be displayed with the union (blue field of white stars) down except to signal dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

 

• The flag should never touch anything beneath it, including the ground, the floor, water or merchandise in a store.

 

• Although it is customary to display the flag only between sunrise and sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs, the flag may be displayed around the clock if it is properly illuminated. The flag should not be flown during inclement weather unless it is an all-weather flag.

 

• No other flag should be displayed above or, if at the same level, to the right of the U.S. flag except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea. When part of a group with state, city and locality flags on staffs, the U.S. flag should be at the center and highest point of the group.

 

• Flags of different countries, including the U.S. flag, should be flown at the same height on separate staffs.

 

• When displayed horizontally or vertically on a wall, the union should be at the top and to the flag’s own right.

 

• A flag displayed in the middle of the street should be suspended vertically with the union to the north on an east-west street or to the east on a north-south street.

 

• The flag should not be used as clothing, bedding or drapery. It should not be festooned or drawn back or up in folds but allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white and red (with the blue at the top) can be used for such decoration.

 

• The flag should not have placed upon it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture or drawing of any nature.

 

• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.

 

• No part of the flag should be used as a costume or athletic uniform. A flag patch may be affixed to uniforms of military personnel, firefighters, police officers and members of patriotic organizations.

 

• The flag represents a living country and is considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin should always be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

 

• When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

 

SEE THE FEATURE BELOW AND IN OUR JULY 2026 ISSUE OF AY MAGAZINE