Flag Help > Saluting the American Flag

United States Flag etiquette

How and when to salute the American Flag

During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

This section does not specifically address the actions of people in uniform other than those in the military. Nonetheless, it may be inferred that members of patriotic, uniform-wearing organizations, such as veterans groups and Boy and Girl Scout troops, may follow the standard for members of the military, leaving their headdress on and rendering their organization's salute.

Saluting the American Flag when in civilian attire

• MEN remove hats and hold at left shoulder with hand over heart; without hat, place right hand, palm open, over heart.
• WOMEN should place right hand, palm open, over heart.
• WOMEN may continue to wear headwear, although it is appropriate to remove all caps.
• When in athletic clothing, face the flag or music, remove hat or cap and stand at attention; a hand salute is not given.
• All citizens salute when the Pledge of Allegiance is spoken.
• All citizens salute when the National Anthem is played and should stand at attention and salute the US flag until the anthem is finished.

Saluting the American Flag when in military uniform

• Military personnel in uniform should render the military salute during the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, parades and reviews.
• Salute the flag when it is six paces from the viewer and hold it until the flag has passed six paces beyond.
• Salute the flag at the first note of the National Anthem and hold the salute until the last note is played.
• Hold the formal salute until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard (or until the end of the American National Anthem, whichever is longest).
• Salute as the American flag is raised or lowered.