What does title 4 of the United States Code say?
The following is the text of the found in United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1. §1. Flag; stripes and stars on The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be fifty stars representing the fifty states, white in a blue field §2. Same; additional stars
What does the US Code say about showing disrespect to the flag?
U.S. Code § 8. Respect for flag. prev | next. No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.
Does the flag code prohibit behavior during the national anthem?
While the Flag Code itself does not directly address behavior during the playing of the National Anthem, the same public law codified elsewhere, 36 U.S.C. §301 (b) covers suggested respectful conduct.
What are the rules and regulations of displaying the flag?
1 It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. ... 2 The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. 3 The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed. More items...
How is the American flag treated?
Out of respect for the U.S. flag, never: dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor. display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress. let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise.
What is considered defacing the American flag?
Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
What is the correct flag protocol?
From your porch, place the union (blue section) at the peak of the staff. Against a wall or on a window, place the union (blue section) at the top left corner. On your vehicle, clamp the staff to the right front fender. With another flag, place the U.S. flag to your left when crossed.
Does a flag mask violate Flag Code?
Answer: Unless an article of clothing is made from an actual United States flag, there is NO breach of flag etiquette whatsoever.
Is U.S. Flag Code a law?
U.S. Flag Code is officially written in law and appears in Title 4 and Title 36 of U.S. Code. It was written and approved by Congress and is officially a law. But, unlike many other laws, there are no federal punishments or enforcement for citizens who don't follow the code.
Is desecration of the flag illegal?
The text of the law reads: (a)(1) Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
Does the Flag Code apply to civilians?
The “flag code” is the federal law that sets forth guidelines for the appearance and display of the U.S. flag (“flag”) by private citizens. These guidelines specify times and conditions for display of the flag, manners and methods of display, and buildings where such display should occur.
Is The Thin Blue Line American flag disrespectful?
In May 2021, the Edmonton Police Association drew criticism for flying a thin blue line flag atop their building. In response, a representative for the police association stated that they didn't "know where and how the symbolism of the blue line flag turned into being considered a racist or hateful type of thing".
Is The Thin red Line flag disrespectful?
The meaning of the red line flag was certainly not meant to be disrespectful. It's purpose is to honor fallen firefighters and the department, but there has been some controversy. Because it's an altercation of the American flag, some people do not agree with it.
Is Thin Blue Line flag desecration?
The current amended U.S. Flag Code has no penalty provision and is considered advisory flag etiquette. Supporters of the Blue Line flag are not insensitive to the Flag Code's standards. They argue that it's not a desecration of the American flag, because it's a completely different flag.
What does no gold fringe on American flag mean?
The difference is that a “fringed” flag displayed, is legal notice of the type of law that holds jurisdiction. The constitutional United States flag signifies common law jurisdiction. The fringe denotes Admiralty law's jurisdiction.
Is an all black American flag disrespectful?
0:242:19What does an all-black American flag mean, and where does it come from?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecame a recognized symbol of piracy. The black flag came to mean. Give no quarter no quarter ourMoreBecame a recognized symbol of piracy. The black flag came to mean. Give no quarter no quarter our experts explained means you won't be taking any prisoners you plan to kill the enemy on the spot.
When was the American flag adopted?
As Adopted by the National Flag Conference, Washington, D.C., June 14-15, 1923, and Revised and Endorsed by the Second National Flag Conference, Washington, D.C., May 15, 1924.
How long can the American flag be displayed?
However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
Why do flags dip?
Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor. (a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
Why is the flag at half mast?
By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory.
What is the pledge of allegiance to the flag?
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.
Where should the flag pin be worn?
Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
When was the 50 star flag established?
Eisenhower on August 24, 1959, amended the provisions of Title 4, U.S.C., Chapter 1 and established the 50 star Flag as the official Flag of the United States, effective on July 4, 1960.
What is the flag code?
On June 22, 1942, Congress passed a joint resolution, later amended on December 22, 1942, that encompassed what has come to be known as the U.S. Flag Code. Perhaps the most important guideline involves how citizens should behave around the Stars and Stripes: The flag of the United States is the emblem of our identity as a sovereign nation, ...
When flags of states, cities, etc., are flown on the same halyard, should the American
When flags of states, cities, etc., are flown on the same halyard, the American flag should be at the peak. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height, and the American flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.
When flying the flag at half staff, should it be first hoisted to the peak?
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. When flown at half-staff, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to half-staff position. It should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
How long does it take to fly the flag at half staff?
The flag must be flown at half-staff on all buildings on the death of any officer listed below, for the period indicated: For the President or a former President: 30 days from the date of death.
Where should the flag be displayed on a platform?
On a platform, the flag should be above and behind the speaker, with the union uppermost and to the observer’s left. When displayed from a staff in a church or auditorium, the flag should occupy the position of honor and be placed at the speaker’s right as he faces the audience.
Where should the American flag be displayed in a procession?
In a procession, the American flag should be to the right (the flag’s own right) of any other flag or, if in a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line. When displayed from a staff projecting from a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff.
Can a flag be carried horizontally?
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
What is the flag code?
The rules for handling and displaying the U .S. Flag are defined by a law known as the U.S. Flag Code. We have excerpted the federal regulations here without any changes so you can find the facts here. The following is the text of the found in United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1. §1.
What is the text of the United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1?
The following is the text of the found in United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1. §1. Flag; stripes and stars on. The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be fifty stars representing the fifty states, white in a blue field. §2. Same; additional stars.
Why do flags dip?
Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
Why is the flag at half mast?
By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory.
What is the flag used for in a statue ceremony?
The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument, but it should never be used as the covering for the statue or monument. 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.
How to say "Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag"?
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.
Where should the union of the flag be placed?
When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.
What to do after flag is consumed?
After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried. Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.
Who should salute the flag?
When saluting the flag DO the following: All persons present in uniform (military, police, fire, etc.) should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.
How to dispose of a flag?
When stowing or disposing of the flag, DO the following: 1 Fold in the traditional triangle for stowage, never wadded up. 2 The flag should be folded in its customary manner. 3 It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag. 4 Place the flag on the fire. 5 The individual (s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection. 6 After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried. 7 Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.
What are some flag etiquette don'ts?
Quick list of Flag Etiquette Don’ts: Don’t dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel. Don’t let the flag touch the ground. Don’t fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency. Don’t carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
Where do the flags go when placed on a staff?
When placed on a single staff or lanyard, place the U.S. Flag above all other flags. When flags are displayed in a row, the U.S. flag goes to the observer’s left. Flags of other nations are flown at same height. State and local flags are traditionally flown lower.
When is the flag at half staff?
When used during a marching ceremony or parade with other flags, the U.S. Flag will be to the observer’s left. On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised.
How to Properly Treat and Display the American Flag
The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
What Is a Flag Code Violation?
There are multiple Flag Code violations that are generally meant to maintain the emblem's reputation. They range based on the concept of which the time that the flag is displayed, where and how.
Is Violating the Flag Code Illegal?
No. While the U.S. Flag Code is a federal law, guidelines are only stated within the voluntary and non-binding language such as, "should" and "custom," meaning there is no penalty for violating any of its provisions. This is because of the Supreme Court's act in declaring the law unconstitutional in United States v. Eichman.
What is the US flag code?
US Flag Code. The United States Flag Code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the flag of the United States. It is Section 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq ). This etiquette is as applied within U.S. jurisdiction.
How is the flag saluted?
The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.
Why should the flag never be dipped?
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing, unless it is the ensign responding to a salute from a ship of a foreign nation. This tradition comes from the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, where countries were asked to dip their flag to King Edward VII: the American team flag bearer, Ralph Rose, refused, teammate Martin Sheridan famously proclaiming that "this flag dips to no earthly king." This tradition was codified as early as the 1911 U.S. Army drill regulations.
Why is the flag at half staff?
The flag is to be flown at half-staff in mourning for the death of designated, principal government leaders.
Why do we wear reverse field flags?
This is done to give the impression of the flag flowing in the wind while being carried forward across the battlefield. This is known as the "Reverse Field Flag.". Flag lapel pins may also be worn (they are considered replicas) and are worn near the heart.
How to store a flag?
To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. If the flag is being used at a public or private estate, it should not be hung (unless at half mast or when an all weather flag is displayed) during rain or violent weather.
Where should the flag be when carrying the flag?
When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.
How to Properly Treat and Display the American Flag
The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
What Is a Flag Code Violation?
There are multiple Flag Code violations that are generally meant to maintain the emblem's reputation. They range based on the concept of which the time that the flag is displayed, where and how.
Is Violating the Flag Code Illegal?
No. While the U.S. Flag Code is a federal law, guidelines are only stated within the voluntary and non-binding language such as, "should" and "custom," meaning there is no penalty for violating any of its provisions. This is because of the Supreme Court's act in declaring the law unconstitutional in United States v. Eichman.
Where should the flag pin be worn?
Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. (k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
Why do flags dip?
Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
Can a flag be placed on a flag?
The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
Is the American flag a costume?
No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.
Can a flag be fastened?
The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
Can the US flag be carried horizontally?
The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.
Can you use the US flag for advertising?
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.
Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1
§ 4. Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag; Manner of Delivery
§ 6. Time and Occasions For Display
§ 7. Position and Manner of Display
§ 8. Respect For Flag
§ 9. Conduct During Hoisting, Lowering Or Passing of Flag
§ 10. Modification of Rules and Customs by President
The Flag Code - Modification of Rules and Customs by President
- Executive Order No. 10834 August 24, 1959 Part I - Design of the flag Section 1. The flag of the United States shall have thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white, and a union consisting of white stars on a field of blue. Section 2. The position of the stars in the union of the flag and in the union jack shall be as indicated on the att...
Standard Proportions of The Flag
Title 36, Subtitle I, Part A Section 301 United States Code – National Anthem