How to Display the Confederate Flag

Whether the Confederate flag is used as a symbol of pride, anger, loyalty or hatred, it is certainly the subject of heated debate across the southern United States. Originally, the flag of the Confederacy flew in the U.S. Civil War, and now it is often associated with pro-slavery, racist views. However, many who display the Confederate flag in this modern era do so with a southern loyalty rather than an anti-African American sentiment. The message of the Confederate flag is entirely dependent on the personal convictions of those displaying it, making it a very difficult symbol to read. Thus each display of the Confederate flag should be carefully thought out with the understanding of potential controversy in mind.

• 1

  Pair the Confederate flag with the American flag every time it is displayed. According to the United Daughters of the Confederacy, including the American flag to the direct right of the Confederate flag shows that the U.S. flag holds "superior prominence." These two flags should always appear on separate staffs with the U.S. flag in a higher position.

• 2

  Attach the Confederate flag to the front left of a parade vehicle or parade float with a U.S. flag attached to the front right side. The Confederate flag should never be placed in the back of a vehicle or draped over the hood or roof of a vehicle.

• 3

  Hoist the Confederate flag briskly at sunrise and lower it ceremoniously at sunset. On Memorial Day, the flag should rest at half staff from sunrise to noon and then at the top of the staff from noon until sunset.

• 4

  Illuminate the flag using some type of electric lighting if it is going to appear after sunset. If the flag is not lit, it must come down at sunset, as Step 3 advised.

• 5

  Display the Confederate flag all days except those of very brutal weather conditions. If the weather could potentially damage the flag, it should not be displayed.