A Young Adult’s Guide to Hanging an American Flag for the First Time

A young adult wishing to display their flag all the time or during special occasions might hang it outside the home and not give another thought to it. But what they might not know is that there are certain rules for displaying the American flag that are integral to hanging it correctly. Whether you’re attempting to hang one on your own or you want to teach your child how to hang one, take a look at this young adult’s guide to hanging an American flag for the first time.

The Flag Needs to be Properly Stored and Handled

Whether you’re working with mini flags or full-sized American flags, how you handle them means everything. Take care to store your flags in a safe place and ensure that they’re folded in such a way that they won’t be ruined while in storage. Once you take them out, carry them carefully to avoid letting them touch the floor or otherwise get dirty or damaged.

When Hung Outside, the Union Should Always be Upright

Many homeowners or renters will hang their American flag outside their homes. There’s likely a place where you can insert a flagpole or somewhere on the front of your property where you can install an anchor point. In any case, if you do hang it outside, make sure that the union (the part of the flag with the solid blue and the stars) is facing upright. The only time one hangs the American flag with the union facing down is when there is a time of crisis. Otherwise, the union faces upward.

If Hung Inside, Do So Vertically With the Union Facing Observers’ Left

If you don’t have a place outside where you can hang the American flag, don’t fret. One way you can work around this is by hanging it on a wall or in a window. If you’re hanging it on the wall, you’ll want the union to be facing left. Because it will be on a wall, it will always be on your left. However, if you plan on hanging it in a window, those viewing it from outside will see it on the right if you place it the wrong way. Instead, have the union on your right so that the union is on the observer’s left.

Make Sure the Flag Is at the Top of Your Home’s Flagpole

This won’t typically be a problem given that most home flags are on a short pole. Still, it’s worth mentioning that the flag should be raised to the very top of the flag pole when you’re displaying the flag outside your home. Another helpful tip is to take it in if it’s not visible. It shouldn’t be outside at night unless you have a light shining on the flag. You take it out first thing in the morning, then you bring it in at night.

American flag rules can be confusing, but after you do the research, it’s really quite simple. Use the guide above to brush up on some of the most important ones before you start hanging your own American flag.