The U.S. flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset when weather permits. It may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated. Display the flag especially on:

• New Year’s Day — January 1
• Inauguration Day — January 20
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Third Monday in January
• Lincoln’s Birthday — February 12
• Washington’s Birthday — February 22
• Easter Sunday
• Mother’s Day — Second Sunday in May
• Armed Forces Day — Third Saturday in May
• Memorial Day — Half-staff until noon, Last Monday in May
• Flag Day — June 14
• Independence Day — July 4
• Labor Day — First Monday in September
• Constitution Day — September 17
• Columbus Day — October 12
• Navy Day — October 27
• Veterans Day — November 11
• Thanksgiving Day — Fourth Thursday in November
• Christmas Day — December 25
• Election Days (various — check your local Board of Elections)
• Federally observed dates of the above holidays
• Days proclaimed by the President of the United States
• State and Local Holidays

Note: In inclement weather, use an all-weather flag or bring the flag indoors.

1. Bring the striped half up over the blue field to the center of the upper stripe.
2. Fold it in half again to the same point.
3. Bring the lower striped corner to the newly formed upper edge, creating a triangle.
4. Fold the upper point inward to form another triangle; continue along the length of the flag.
5. When only the blue field remains, tuck the last fold neatly to secure it.

At many military and ceremonial observances, the honor guard folds the U.S. flag exactly thirteen times. Each fold has a traditional meaning. Learn more at the National Flag Foundation .

1. The first fold is a symbol of life.
2. The second symbolizes belief in eternal life.
3. The third honors and remembers veterans who gave of themselves for our country and peace.
4. The fourth represents our reliance on divine guidance in peace and war.
5. The fifth is a tribute to our country: right or wrong, it is still our country.
6. The sixth is for where our hearts lie as we pledge allegiance to one Nation under God.
7. The seventh is a tribute to our Armed Forces who protect our Nation and flag.
8. The eighth honors the one who entered the valley of the shadow of death and, on Mother’s Day, honors mothers.
9. The ninth is a tribute to womanhood and its role in shaping our Nation’s character.
10. The tenth is a tribute to fathers who have given sons and daughters for our defense.
11. The eleventh, to a Hebrew citizen, recalls the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. The twelfth, to a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
13. When completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our motto “In God We Trust,” and the shape recalls a cocked hat worn by patriots of the Revolution.