How should I display American flag on Fourth of July? Know these rules
Happy Fourth of July!
2026 marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed, officially severing the American colonies’ political ties with Great Britain.
As Americans celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, many are displaying U.S. flags, donning American flag clothing and hanging up red, white and blue bunting.
The U.S. Flag Code governs how the flag can be used and displayed.
Here’s what to know:
How long have we used the current American flag?
The Continental Congress authorized the current version of the American flag, albeit with fewer stars, on June 14, 1777.
We now celebrate that date as Flag Day, McClatchy Media previously reported.
The 50-star flag was raised for the first time on July 4, 1960, following the addition of Hawaii to the union.
How should I display the American flag?
If you’re planning on flying Old Glory this Fourth of July, it’s important to know the rules behind displaying the flag.
According to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, it’s customary to display the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs.
“When a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness,” the VFW said.
If displayed on a staff with other flags, the the Stars and Stripes should go on top. It should also hang at the same height as flags of other nations on display.
If you need to move your flag, try to keep it flying.
“The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free,” the flag code says.
Never display the American flag upside, except as a “signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property,” the flag code says.
You should also avoid letting it touch the ground or “anything beneath it,” such as the floor, water or merchandise, according to the flag code.
What’s the best way to decorate for Fourth of July?
According to the VFW, you should use red, white and blue bunting as decoration instead of flags.
The flag should “should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free,” the U.S. Flag Code says, and you shouldn’t use it to cover a ceiling.
If you’re displaying patriotic bunting, aways hang it with “the white in the middle, and the red below,” the flag code says.
Can I wear the American flag?
From T-shirts and tank tops to bikinis and beach towels, there’s plenty of American flag apparel available.
Wearing clothing printed with a flag pattern is generally fine, experts say.
Just don’t decide to don the actual American flag as a cape.
“The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery,” the flag code says, noting that doing so could be considered a sign of disrespect.
In addition, no part of the flag should “ever be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform.”
However, police officers, firefighters, military service members and members of patriotic organizations are allowed to wear flag patches.
Can I use American flag napkins? Gift bags?
According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should “never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.”
Examples covered in the code include embroidering the flag on cushions and printing it on paper napkins or boxes.
In general, you should avoid placing the flag on anything that’s “designed for temporary use and discard,” the flag code says.
What do I do with a worn-out American flag?
“The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged in any way,” the U.S. Flag Code says.
However, even sturdily stitched flags wear down eventually.
The flag code says the “flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
According to the VFW, you should properly fold the flag before it’s placed on the fire.
At the ceremony, people should come to attention, salute, recite the Pledge of Allegiance or pause for a moment of silent reflection.
When the flag is consumed, the ashes should be buried.
Where can I drop off US flags for disposal?
If you’re not able to properly dispose of a worn-out U.S. flag yourself, many VFW and American Legion posts have drop-off boxes for worn flags.
Catholic cemeteries accept worn-out flags for proper disposal.
The Boy and Girl Scouts also hold flag retirement ceremonies, according to flag manufacturer Liberty Poles.
Are there any penalties for violating flag rules?
Although the U.S. Flag Code is a federal law, it’s not legally enforceable for private citizens, according to Congress.
In other words, there’s no penalty for violating the flag code or any of its provisions, NBC News previously reported.
It’s simply a voluntary guide for proper etiquette.