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Displaying the American Flag vertically is a great option if you're hanging it on something different than a traditional flagpole. According to the U.S. Flag Code, displaying an American flag vertically is completely acceptable, as long as you do it respectfully and follow a few basic rules.
Steps
Hang the flag so the union is at the top. Regardless of where you’re hanging the flag vertically, the union (the stars of the flag) should always be at the top. Flying an American flag with the union at the bottom is actually a sign of distress.[1]
Hang the flag so the union is on your left if you’re hanging it on a wall. According to the flag code, the union should always be at the top of the flag and to the observer’s left when it’s being displayed on a wall.[2]Advertisement
Have the union point north or east if you’re hanging the flag over a street. If you’re hanging the flag parallel to a street, have the union point north if the street runs north to south, or east if the street runs east to west. If you’re hanging the flag over the street so the flag and street are perpendicular to each other, have the union point east if the street runs north to south, or north if it runs east to west.[3]
Hang the flag so the union is the farthest point from any building it’s on. If you’re hanging the flag vertically from a flagpole coming off a building, the union should be in the top corner that’s furthest from the building.[4]
Use tacks to hang the flag vertically on a wall. Hold the flag where you want it on the wall and push a tack through the grommets on the flag’s top corners. The grommets are the small metal rings used to fly the flag on a flagpole.- If you’re hanging a large, heavy flag, use nails instead so it’s more secure.
Hang the flag vertically from a rope if you’re hanging it over a street. Run the rope through the 2 grommets on the flag and then tie the ends of the rope to 2 neighboring street lights or tall objects. Make sure the rope is tied high enough that the flag isn’t touching the ground.[5]
Use a flagpole if you want to hang the flag vertically off a building. Mount the flagpole off the building so it makes a 90-degree angle with the side of the building. The flagpole needs to be parallel with the ground so the flag hangs vertically on it.[6]- Make sure the flagpole you use is long enough to keep the edge of the flag from brushing against the side of the building.
Community Q&A
- QuestionViewing from the street, should the the U.S. Flag be on the right and the U.S. Marine flag on the left of the garage?
Community AnswerNo, the U.S. flag should be on the left and the U.S. Marine flag should be on the right. - QuestionHow do you accommodate flying a vertical flag when protocol calls for half staff?
Community AnswerLook for the vertical flag pole that they have now. This will allow the flag to hang. - QuestionWhy is it important to note compass directions when hanging a flag over a street? What is the significance of the North/East directions?
Community AnswerObservers 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.
Tips
- If you’re hanging an American flag vertically outdoors, make sure it’s illuminated at all times. Otherwise, you should take it down before sunset so it’s not flying in the dark.[7]Thanks
- Make sure the bottom edge of your flag isn’t touching the ground when it’s hung up.[8]Thanks
- If your flag is worn or damaged, retire it respectfully by burning or burying it.[9]Thanks
Things You’ll Need
- Tacks
- Rope
- Flagpole
References
- ↑ https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/usflag/flag.etiquette.html
- ↑ https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/story/Article/1892936/dos-and-donts-for-displaying-old-glory/
- ↑ https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/flagdisplay.pdf
- ↑ https://nationalflagfoundation.org/etiquette/how-to-display-the-flag/
- ↑ https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/flagdisplay.pdf
- ↑ https://nationalflagfoundation.org/etiquette/how-to-display-the-flag/
- ↑ https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/usflag/flag.etiquette.html
- ↑ https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/usflag/flag.etiquette.html
- ↑ https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/usflag/flag.etiquette.html
About This Article
The best way to hang an American flag vertically is with the union at the top. If you're hanging the flag on a wall, hang it so the union is in the top left corner. If you're hanging the flag over a street, point the union north or east depending on the direction of the street. To hang an American flag vertically off a building, make sure the union is in the top corner that's furthest away from the building. For tips on what tools to use to hang an American flag vertically, scroll down!
Reader Success Stories
"We were hanging the American flag vertically, and knew the union was suppose to be at the top, but we didn't know if the union was to the left or right top. We have it to the top left after checking with this site. Thank you, and we thank all who served."..." more
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