For those who display flags on holidays...

[wurm]

...like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Patriots Day, 9/11, etc., what days do you actually put them out? Now that I've found a way to attach them to my new vinyl fence, I want to be sure I'm doing it the right time as well as the right way. Or is there a right time? I know it's supposed to be only sunrise to sunset unless illuminated. And I know it's not supposed to be out in crappy weather, but otherwise, how do you decide? I usually think of it mid afternoon of the day I wanted to do it.

[RAMd®d]

When one displays a flag is an individual choice, fly it whenever, as often as one likes.

There is etiquette involved in the proper displaying of a flag, but it's the thought that counts.

Two things off the top:

The US flag should be flown in good weather only, unless it's an all weather flag.

The flag should not be flown at night, unless illuminated.

Most individuals don't get that right, but it's not like they're on a military base, with a color detail.

A quick DuckDuck will get you a whole bunch of info on flag etiquette, if you're interested.

[RAMd®d]

An interesting bunny trail (to me, anyway)...

Federal buildings and post offices (quasi-federal) were supposed to fly the POW-MIA flag on six specific days, and at specific locations.

One of those is US post offices.

In 2019, the National POW/MIA Flag Act required the POW/MIA flag be flown when the US flag is flown.

Again, this is basically on Federal property.

Private citizens may fly it, and may chose to observe POW/MIA flag etiquette.

[wurm]

Thanks. Yes, it was easy enough to find the etiquette info as noted: I know it's supposed to be only sunrise to sunset unless illuminated. And I know it's not supposed to be out in crappy weather.

Your first line is the thing I was most curious about. When one displays a flag is an individual choice, fly it whenever, as often as one likes.

[steve...]

I hang it vertically with the stars on the left since I don't have a flag pole. Holiday only.

[Racer X]

Flying a ratty one on your pick-up is downright disrespectful as far as I am concerned. If you must, either keep it clean and in good repair, or replace it promptly, and dispose of it properly, with honor for what it means.

[SDGuy]

"When is it proper to display American flag?"

4 U.S.C.
§6. Time and occasions for display
(d) The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, third Monday in January; Lincoln's Birthday, February 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29; Easter Sunday (variable); Mother's Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Father's Day, third Sunday in June; Independence Day, July 4; National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.

[wurm]

Thanks, SDGuy. That pretty much spells it out.

[jonny]

My in-laws live in Central California – very conservative country. I have noticed several upside down American flags. I can’t imagine a more disrespectful display... Except, maybe as a doormat.

[Harbourmaster]

Mine is flying every day and night (it has up lights). The only time I take it down is when we get a severe weather alert since it was actually torn from its mounting on the side of the garage door earlier this year.