Flagpoles have been a part of the American scenery for generations. Next to official buildings (governments, banks etc.), residencies of different sorts and civilian homes, flag poles have decorated the land for many years. At first they were as simple as long pieces of wood with flags attached to the top. But as time went on people started  to desire a way to display their flags that is more respectable. That, alongside the development of technology, is why we have the flagpoles we see today. Made of solid metal, polished and with many different finials, flagpoles now have a much more pristine look. They are seen not only as a means to an end, but as something to be proud of. Many residents take great responsibility and enjoyment in caring for their flagpoles and flags, seeing as this is one of the most patriotic symbols a person can afford.

After flagpoles were made accessible so many people decided to buy them that the government decided that a law regarding them would be a good and thoughtful idea. It was time to make some sort of a written description of the regulations regarding flagpoles. That is why the ”Freedom to Display the American Flag Act“ was created in 2005. 

In it one of the very first things described is that flags should be flown from sunrise to sunset. This rule is viable both for flagpoles inside buildings and out in the open. The law further states that when a patriotic effect is desired, it is allowed to fly an American flag for the full 24 hours of the day and night, if the flag pole has a light that properly illuminates it. That is the reason why we offer exquisite solar lamps that can be attached to the flag pole itself - they charge from the sun and light the flag throughout the hours of darkness, thus following the law.

There are also regulations about flying a flag at half-staff. Every time such a way of displaying the flag is needed, it should first be hoisted to the top of the flag pole for a moment and then lowered ceremonially for the rest of the day. Although flags should be shown at all times there are some special holidays when flying a flag on a flag pole is a must. Those include but are not limited to:New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Mother's Day,Flag Day, Independence Day,Labor Day, Constitution Day, Veterans Day,Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day etc. There is however one holiday which has specific instructions about how to fly a flag and that is Memorial day. On it the flag should be displayed at half-staff (that is half the length of the flag pole) until noon and then rise to the top of the flag pole for the rest of the day. The only other occasion on which the American flag should be flown at half-staff is on the death of leading citizens, as a way to show tribute for their services. One of these people is Martin Luther King, Jr. It is deemed a great honor to be on the list of people, for whose death the flag of America is flown at half-staff on a flag pole.

Many Americans see owning a flagpole and flag as a pleasant way to show patriotism. Even though these regulations are precise, people believe that they are there only to make sure that the American flag receives all of the respect it deserves. That is why so many households and grounds have been embellished with different types of flag poles and flags thus making the scenery of their city even more beautiful. 

The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and

then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is

lowered for the day.The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Mother's Day,Flag Day, Independence Day,Labor Day, Constitution Day, Veterans Day,Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day etc. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. Presidents also have ordered the flag to be flown at half-staff on the death of leading citizens, not covered by law, as a mark of official tribute to their service to the United States. Martin Luther King, Jr. is among those who have been so honored. 

It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.