After purchasing the American flag, you’ll need to choose a location in which to display it. Most homeowners prefer to display the American flag on a pole in front of their homes. You can mount a flag pole directly in the ground, or you can place a flag pole inside of a bracket or holder. Rather than using a flag pole, though, you may want to display the American flag outdoors by hanging it.
Yes, You Can Hang It
There’s no law or provision prohibiting homeowners in the United States from displaying the American flag by hanging it. The U.S. Flag Code lays out several essential rules for displaying the American. Nonetheless, it doesn’t prohibit homeowners from hanging the American flag. You can display the American flag by hanging it from the side of your home while complying with the U.S. Flag Code.
Hang Vertically or Horizontally
If you’re going to display the American flag by hanging it from the side of your home, you should choose an appropriate orientation for it. According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should be displayed so that the union is in the upper-left corner (to the observer).
You can hang the American flag either vertically or horizontally as long as the union is in the upper-left corner. The union, of course, is the blue-colored section that contains the stars. It should always be in the upper-left corner, regardless of the American flag’s orientation.
Give It Clearance
You should also give the American flag clearance when displaying it by hanging it from the side of your home. In other words, don’t let it touch anything.
The U.S. Flag Code specifically says that the American flag shouldn’t touch anything beneath it. If you hang it from the side of your home, you should give the American flag at least a few feet of clearance all around it.
Consider a Flag Pole
While you can display the American flag by hanging it outdoors, using a flag pole is the recommended display method. A flag pole will allow the American flag to blow gracefully in the wind. More importantly perhaps, it will protect the American flag from premature wear and tear.
Hanging the American flag directly from the side of your home may result in damage to it. It will be directly exposed to rainwater. As rain falls on your home, it will drip down onto the American flag. Using a flagpole won’t necessarily prevent your American flag from getting wet in rainy weather, but it will protect the American flag from premature wear and tear.
Consider Sharing
If this post has helped you, please take a moment to share it with someone you know in your social accounts or email. The more people who know this information, the better America will be.
About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
