The United States Flag Code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the national flag of the United States of America. It is Chapter 5 of Title 4 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. § 5 et seq). This is a U.S. federal law, but only suggests voluntary customs for handling of the American flag and was never intended to be enforceable.
What does the US Code say about dipping the flag?
4 U.S. Code § 8 - Respect for flag. 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. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
What do you need to know about the US flag code?
Nov 11, 2021 · 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 …
What are the guidelines for properly handling the American flag?
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. In other …
What was added to the flag code in 1998?
According to the recommendations in the U.S. Code, the American flag should be displayed with respect and care. The flag should not be flown with the union down (except for in rare emergencies as a sign of distress). The flag should not touch the ground, floor, water, merchandise or anything beneath it. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally but …
Does a flag mask violate Flag Code?
How is the American flag supposed to be treated?
What violates the US Flag Code?
What is the US Flag Code and how is it enforced?
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.Jul 26, 2019
Is the US Flag Code enforceable?
Is the US flag code a federal law?
Is The Thin Blue Line flag disrespectful?
Is it illegal to fly a ripped flag?
What constitutes a U.S. flag desecration?
What are three parts of the Federal Flag Code?
3. Use of flag for advertising purposes; mutilation of flag. 4. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery.
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.
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 be when carried in a procession?
The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
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.
Is it disrespectful to dip the flag?
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. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
Who should render the military salute?
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, those present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.
Can the flag be used as drapery?
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. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker’s desk, ...
Is it disrespectful to dip the flag?
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. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
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.
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 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.
Can a flag touch the ground?
The flag should never touch anything beneath it. Contrary to an urban legend, the flag code does not state that a flag that touches the ground should be burned. Instead, the flag should be moved so it is not touching the ground.
When should the flag be displayed?
Similarly, the flag should be displayed only when the weather is fair, except when an all weather flag is displayed.
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.
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.
What is the American flag?
The American flag is a representation of our country, our people, and our devotion to our nation. Respecting the American flag and the principles that it symbolizes requires us to treat it with a high level of care at all times. The United States Flag Code sets forth key guidelines for properly handling the American flag.
Can you use a flag for advertising?
The flag should not be used for advertising purposes. For example, the flag should not be embroidered or printed on cushions, napkins, boxes or anything else that is discarded after temporary use. Advertisement posters should not be attached to a flagpole. The flag should never have words, designs or any other mark drawn or attached to it.
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 be when carried in a procession?
The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
Can a pennant be placed above the flag?
No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy.
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.
Is it disrespectful to dip the flag?
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. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
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.
What does "half staff" mean?
the term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff; the term "executive or military department" means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and.
How to salute the flag?
When saluting the flag DO the following: 1 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. 2 All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
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.
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.
Who should render the military salute?
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.
What does "half staff" mean?
By "half-staff" is meant lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union (blue field of stars) to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
Is it disrespectful to dip the flag?
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. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
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 be when carried in a procession?
The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.
Who should render the salute?
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.
Overview
The United States Flag Code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the national flag of the United States of America. It is Chapter 5 of Title 4 of the United States Code (4 U.S.C. § 5et seq). This is a U.S. federal law, but only suggests voluntary customs for handling of the American flag and was never intended to be enforceable. The code uses non-binding language like "should" …
Definition of a United States Flag
The US Flag is defined by 4 U.S.C. § 5 , executive order and official government standards:
The flag of the United States for the purpose of this chapter shall be defined according to sections 1 and 2 of this title and Executive Order 10834 issued pursuant thereto.
Summary of the advisory code
• 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 is sometimes misreported as a tradition that comes from the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, where countries were asked to dip their flag to King Edward VII; American team flag bearer Ralph Rosedid not follow this protocol, and teamma…
Federal Law Regarding Flag Etiquette and 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.
The relevant part of law for the general public states:
• (b) Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—
History
Prior to Flag Day, June 14, 1923, neither the federal government nor the states had official guidelines governing the display of the United States' flag. On that date, the National Flag Code was constructed by representatives of over 68 organizations, under the auspices of the National Americanism Commission of the American Legion. The code drafted by that conference was printed by the national organization of the American Legion and given nationwide distribution.
External links
• Full text of United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, available at Cornell University Law School.
• "Tattered: Investigation of an American Icon" is a documentary photo essay, investigating the principle identity, misuse, commodification and desecration of the American flag in the context of the U.S. Flag Code.
Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1
§ 4. Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag; Manner of Delivery
- 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 ...
§ 6. Time and Occasions For Display
- (a) It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. 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. (b) The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. (c) The flag should not be displayed on da…
§ 7. Position and Manner of Display
- The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line. (a) The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (i) of this section. (b) The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or b…
§ 8. Respect For Flag
- 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. 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. (b) T…
§ 9. Conduct During Hoisting, Lowering Or Passing of Flag
- During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, those present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if appli…
§ 10. Modification of Rules and Customs by President
- Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the United States of America, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, whenever he deems it to be appropriate or desirable; and any such alteration or additional rule shall be set for…
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 attachment to this order, which is hereby made a part …
Standard Proportions of The Flag
- hoist(width) of flag - 1.0 fly (length) of flag - 1.9 hoist of union- 7/13 fly of union- .76 diameter of star - .0616 width of stripe - 1/13
Title 36, Subtitle I, Part A Section 301 United States Code – National Anthem
- (a) Designation.— The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem. (b) Conduct During Playing.— During a rendition of the national anthem— 1. (1) when the flag is displayed— (A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; (B) m…