A2Z of flag etiquette.

Guidelines and customs governing proper flag display, flag handling, and flag care.

Flag etiquette refers to the set of guidelines and customs governing the proper display, handling, and care of national flags.

By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can demonstrate respect for their national flag and its symbolism.

Listed below are the general principles of flag etiquette:

• Displaying the Flag:
  • A national flag should be displayed in a position of prominence and respect, never beneath any other flag or object.
  • A flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset, unless it is properly illuminated at night.
  • A flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
  • When displayed on a single flagpole with other flags, the national flag should be at the top of the display.
  • When displayed on a vehicle, the flag should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
  • When displayed vertically, the top left of the horizontal orientation should be on the observer's left.
  • When displayed with other flags, the national flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.


• Respectful Handling:
  • The flag should never touch the ground or be used as clothing, drapery, or bedding.
  • A flag should not be flown in inclement weather unless it's an all-weather flag.
  • The flag should never be directly carried flat, carried draped or carried horizontally.


• Folding:
  • It is customary to fold the flag into a triangle, with only the triangular top left of the hoist of the flag visible.
  • Folding the flag should be done in a manner that respects its symbolism, often in a triangle shape representing the tri-cornered hat style of the later part of the 18th century.


• Respect During Events:
  • During events such as the national anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance, civilians should stand at attention facing the flag with their hats removed and their right hand over their heart.
  • Military personnel and veterans should salute.


• Flag Disposal:
  • A flag should not be displayed if frayed, faded, tattered or torn.
  • A worn flag should be disposed of in a dignified manner, preferably by burning in a respectful ceremony.
  • A worn flag can also be disposed of by seperating it into to small pieces followed by a respectful cermonial burial.


• International Etiquette:
  • When displaying multiple national flags, each flag should be of the same size and flown at the same height.
  • When displaying multiple national flags, here possible, flags should be raised and lowered simultaneously.


• Half-Staff (Half-Mast) Position:
  • The half-staff position is a sign of respect or mourning.
  • The flag is hoisted to the top, then lowered to halfway down the flagpole.
  • The flag is raised again to full staff before being lowered for the day.

These are general guidelines to the principles of flag etiquette, and specific rules may vary from country to country.

It's important to follow the flag etiquette of your own country, or in the country you reside, to show proper respect for the flag and what it represents.

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