Display of the United States Flag
Sunrise to Sunset
Sunrise to Sunset Custom
The universal custom is to display the United States flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.
24-Hour Display Exception
24-Hour Patriotic Display
However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
Other Flag Illumination
All Flags Illuminated
All other flags should also be illuminated when displayed with the United States flag.
Locations on USAF Installations
Reveille to Retreat
USAF installations are authorized to fly one installation flag from reveille to retreat, normally on a flagstaff placed in front of the installation headquarters.
Dependent School Flagstaffs
Additional flagstaffs and flags are authorized adjacent to each dependent school on the installation.
Public Institution Display
Public Institution Display
The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution.
Schoolhouse Display
School Day Display
It should also be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.
Holidays
Holiday Display
The United States flag should be displayed on:
- All days as may be proclaimed by the U.S. President
- The birthdays of states (date of admission)
- State holidays
National Holidays for Display
National Holidays List
It should also be displayed on the following national holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Inauguration Day
- Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
- Lincoln's Birthday
- Washington's Birthday
- Easter Sunday (variable)
- Mother's Day
- Armed Forces Day
- Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)
- Flag Day
- Juneteenth
- Father's Day
- Independence Day
- Nat'l Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
- Labor Day
- Constitution Day
- Columbus Day
- Navy Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day