10 Good Ways to Display the American Flag Outdoors

This summer, American flags will fly high across the land. Three patriotic holidays occur in early summer alone. Today, we’ll look at 10 ways to display the American flag outdoors.

The flag is a treasured emblem of the United States, a symbol of freedom and justice. As such, we should treat it with respect – whether we fly it high on holidays, or retire it when it’s worn-out.

There are guidelines to help you display the American flag in a respectful way.

Let’s look at some of them.

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United States Flag Code Guidelines

The US Flag Code is a set of guidelines for the display and care of the American flag. The American Legion, with input from 68+ organizations, published the code in 1923. Congress adopted it as public law in 1942.

According the the Flag Code, the American flag “represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.” Following the Code will help you properly display Old Glory outdoors. For example:

Display the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings or flag poles.
Do not display the flag outdoors during high wind or bad weather.
Do not allow the flag to touch the ground or anything beneath it.

For more guidelines, click here – or buy a copy of The American Flag: A Handbook of History and Etiquette. Packaged as an elegant hardcover edition, it’s perfect for reference or gifting.

How to Display the American Flag Outdoors

There are SO many ways to display the flag outside your home. Most are such a part of life that we no longer notice them. Yet, removing them would leave a big hole in the fabric of our nation.

Show your patriotism this summer by flying the Stars and Stripes. Here are ten good ways to display the American flag outdoors:

1. Fly the Flag on a Stationary Flagpole

If you have a residential in-ground flagpole in your yard, you can display the flag above your home. But if you fly other flags as well, make sure the American flag is at the top and no other flag is larger.

It’s traditional to display the flag between sunrise and sunset. Don’t display it at night unless it’s illuminated during darkness.

Your American flag should consist of durable material that can withstand high wind, rain, snow, and sun exposure. Star Spangled Flags sells quality outdoor flags that are made in the USA.

2. Fly the Flag on a Removable Flagpole

The most common way to display Old Glory is a wall mounted flagpole attached to your house. This type of pole is removable, so you can bring the flag inside at night.

When you hang the flag on your house, make sure it does not touch the ground or anything beneath it. Keep it clear of branches, foliage, and other obstacles. and make sure your flag is made with durable material.

We found our Valley Forge flag at Lowe’s, but it’s also available online. Valley Forge flags are quality flags made in the USA. We’ve flown ours every day for a few months now, and it’s still sturdy and vibrant.

3. Hang the Flag Against an Exterior Wall

According to the US Flag Code, you can display the American flag against a wall. Whether you display it horizontally or vertically, the union (blue field) should be on top and to the viewer’s left.

Are you worried about destroying your flag with nails or pushpins? Use mounting tape or putty to secure the flag without poking holes in the fabric. If your flag has grommets, try using adhesive hooks and binder clips.

4. Stake a Grave Marker at the Cemetery

veteran grave marker with US Navy medallion

There is no better way to honor the memory of veterans that to display the flag they served under. A cemetery flag is the perfect way to commemorate a fallen hero.

This veteran grave marker is a durable American stick flag, perfect for Memorial Day. It features a gold-plated medallion with raised insignia that glistens in the sun.

This US Navy marker is part of the Heroes Series from Allied Materials. These markers salute those who have served in the military as well as the nation’s first responders. The medallions feature officially licensed seals.

5. Place a Garden Flag in Your Landscape

A garden flag is another way to display the American flag outdoors. This American garden flag is a quality product that can withstand sunny or rainy weather.

I love the details on this flag. With embroidered stars and sewn stripes, it’s ideal for the garden, landscape, patio, or lawn. Mitch and I display our garden flag beneath our post-mounted mailbox.

Please note: This American garden flag does not come with a stand. It’s the flag only. We bought our stand at Lowe’s but Amazon has a good collection of garden flag stands of various heights and styles.

6. Fly the American Flag on Your Car

Flying the American flag on your car is another way to show your patriotism. According to the US Flag Code, it’s an acceptable way to display the flag. Clamp the flag to your car’s antenna or attach a flagstaff to the right fender. And make sure the flag displays in the right direction.

7. Line Your Driveway With Stick Flags

These super tough stick flags are a festive way to build excitement for an outdoor barbecue or get-together. Line your driveway with little flags to welcome your guests to the party.

Or use them for a walkway, garden, deck, or gravesite. They look great on lawns, and are suitable for parades and giveaways.

AmericanFlags.com even has stick flags with solar lights on top. What a good way to shine some patriotic light! For a limited time, you can use coupon code: SUMMERPATRIOT to save 18% off everything on the site.

8. Hang Flag Bunting on Your Front Porch

Patriotic flag bunting is a good way to display the colors without discrediting the flag. While bunting is not an actual flag, it’s festive way to adorn your home in red, white, and blue.

Typical bunting consists of triangular flags and lengths of fabric pleated into fan shapes or draped in swags. As per the Flag Code, arrange your bunting with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below.

American flag bunting looks best on a porch rail, but you can also hang it along a roofline, under windows, or on handrails. Use zip ties where you don’t want to hammer in nails.

9. Prop a Wooden Flag on a Party Table

This wooden American flag from Flags of Valor is ready to hang on a wall or prop on a party table. Hand-crafted by a combat veteran, it represents something every American values – liberty.

Flags of Valor is dedicated to remembering, employing, and empowering American heroes. Each flag is handmade using American lumber, signed by the veteran craftsman, and ready to hang with hardware included.

Perfect as patriotic farmhouse décor, it also makes a great gift for service members, veterans, and Father’s Day, too.

Wooden American Flag from Flags of Valor

10. Wave the Flag With Your Hands

Nothing says national pride like the United States flag. Waving the flag shows you are proud to be an American.

Every hand should hold a flag during patriotic parades, parties, festivals, and events. Waving the flag is a good way to teach your kids about patriotism.

Make sure you have enough flags for everyone in the family. These mini American stick flags are made in the USA and come 48 to a package. Share them at home, school, church, or with your neighborhood.

When to Display the American Flag Outdoors

Many people fly Old Glory every day, but it’s especially important to display the flag on national holidays. It’s appropriate to fly the flag on special occasions, too. So grab your calendar and mark down these dates:

New Year’s Day – January 1
Inauguration Day – January 20
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – the third Monday in January
Lincoln’s Birthday – February 12
Washington’s Birthday – the third Monday in February
Easter Sunday – (variable)
Mother’s Day – the second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day – the third Saturday in May
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) – the last Monday in May
Flag Day – June 14
Independence Day – July 4
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day – July 27
Labor Day – the first Monday in September
Constitution Day – September 17
Columbus Day – the second Monday in October
Navy Day – October 27
Veterans Day – November 11
Thanksgiving Day – the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day – December 25

The President of the United States may proclaim other days when it’s appropriate to display the flag. You can also fly Old Glory on state birthdays and holidays.

Wrapping Up

There you have it – 10 good ways to display the American flag outdoors. Not only does it show your patriotism, but it also says “thank you” to those who have served our country with honor and sacrifice.

God bless you this summer, and God bless America. ◻️

Now It’s Your Turn

Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. How do you display the American flag outdoors? Do you fly it on patriotic holidays or year round?

Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.

Blessings, Annette

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