How to Properly Display and Care for Your Flag

Flying the American flag isn’t just about patriotism — it’s about respect.

The Stars and Stripes represent sacrifice, unity, and freedom bought with blood.

When you raise it, you’re not just decorating your home. You’re participating in one of the oldest traditions in American life.

And like anything worth doing, it’s worth doing right.

At Patriot Flag and Pole, we make sure every flag we sell — and every pole we build — honors the values it stands for.

Here’s how to properly display and care for your flag the way it deserves.

1. Flying It the Right Way

The U.S. Flag Code gives clear guidance on how the flag should be displayed — and it’s worth following.

• Position of Honor: The American flag should always be at the highest point when flown with other flags. If multiple flags are on the same pole, Old Glory goes on top.

• Same Height Rule: When flown on separate poles, all flags should be of equal size and height, but the U.S. flag takes the position of honor — to the flag’s own right (the viewer’s left).

• No Night Flying Without Light: If you fly your flag at night, illuminate it. Our Titan Solar Light automatically keeps your flag visible from dusk till dawn.

• Weather Conditions: The flag should not be displayed in severe weather unless it’s an all-weather nylon flag — which every Patriot Flag and Pole flag is.

2. Respectful Handling

The flag should never touch the ground, be used as clothing, or be draped over vehicles or furniture.

When raising or lowering it, do so briskly and respectfully. If it becomes so worn that it’s no longer fit for display, it should be retired — not thrown away — ideally through a local American Legion or VFW flag retirement ceremony.

3. Proper Care and Maintenance

Even the best-made flag needs care to look its best.

• Keep It Clean: Nylon flags can be hand-washed with mild detergent and cold water. Lay flat to dry.

• Avoid Fraying: Replace your flag once it starts to show wear along the edges — don’t let it tatter.

• Rotate Flags: If you fly daily, keep a second flag on hand so one can rest while the other flies.

• Check Hardware: Inspect your clips, swivels, and rope for wear every few months. The hardware keeps your flag flying freely — don’t neglect it.

4. Seasonal Considerations

Wind, rain, and UV light are a flag’s toughest enemies.

During stormy or windy seasons, take your flag down during the worst days.

If you live in high-wind areas, use a Titan Telescoping Flagpole — it’s built for 95 mph winds and lets you lower or collapse your flag in seconds.

5. Flying at Half-Staff

Lowering your flag to half-staff is one of the most solemn honors you can perform.

It’s done to show mourning, respect, or national remembrance.

Raise the flag briskly to the top before lowering it halfway.

When taking it down, again raise it to the top before fully lowering it — a simple act of dignity that matters.

6. Storing It Right

When not in use, fold the flag into the traditional triangle — with the union (the blue field with stars) showing on top.

Store it in a clean, dry place. A wooden or glass display case is ideal for preservation and display indoors.

Final Thoughts

Your flag represents more than your home — it represents your heritage.

When you fly it right and care for it properly, you send a message to your family, your neighbors, and your country:

You still believe in what the flag stands for.

That’s why at Patriot Flag and Pole, every flag, pole, and light we sell is 100% American-made — built to last and built to honor.

So if you’re going to fly it, fly it right.

Fly it proud.

And let it fly high.