The American flag, with its 13 bold stripes and 50 shining stars, tells the story of our nation’s beginnings. Those vibrant stripes stand for the 13 original colonies, while each star represents one of the 50 states. This powerful symbol has special rules folks should follow when handling it. Curious about the right way to carry the American flag?
Don’t Carry Flat or Horizontally
According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should never be carried flat or horizontally. Doing so is considered poor etiquette and, therefore, should be avoided. That doesn’t mean you have to leave your American flag in the same static position forever. Rather, you’ll need to use a different method rather than carrying the American flag flat or horizontally.
Carry on a Flagstaff
While you shouldn’t carry the American flag flat or horizontally, you can carry it on a flagstaff. In parades, ceremonies and other events, you’ll often see people carrying the American flag on a flagstaff. The American flag is mounted on a flagstaff, after which it’s carried. When mounted on a flagstaff, the American flag will fly freely in the wind.
The U.S. Flag Code states that when carrying the American flag on a flagstaff, it should be positioned to the right. In other words, you should carry the flagstaff-mounted American flag on your right and not on your left.
Fold and Carry
In addition to using a flagstaff, you can carry the American flag by folding it. How do you fold the American flag exactly? As you may have guessed, there’s a right way and a wrong way to fold it. The proper method involves folding the American flag into the shape of a triangle.
For step-by-step instructions on how to fold the American flag, check out this article. When properly folded, the American flag will feature the shape of a triangle. Not only does this make it easy to carry, but it’s the proper etiquette as described in the U.S. Flag Code.
Don’t Let It Touch the Ground
Whether you carry it on a flagstaff or fold it, you shouldn’t let the American flag touch the ground. Allowing the American flag to touch the ground is a sign of disrespect. Countless men and women have died while protecting our country and the values for which it stands. Therefore, they should be honor by treating the American with respect and not allowing it to touch the ground.
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
