What are the guidelines for properly handling the American flag?
The United States Flag Code sets forth key guidelines for properly handling the American flag. The purpose of this article is to summarize the guidelines in the U.S. Code that relate to the display, use and care of the American flag. According to the recommendations in the U.S. Code, the American flag should be displayed with respect and care.
What does the US Code say about dipping the flag?
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.
What are the laws about flying the American flag?
In fact, so important is the flag to the people of America that there are several laws in place to make sure that it is flown, stored, and cared for properly. They range from the simple rules of respect (don’t put any marks or drawings on the flag) to the slightly more specific (how a flag should be raised to half-mast).
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.
How is the American flag supposed to be treated?
The flag and its likeness should be treated with respect. Its image should not be cheapened or tarnished by improper use. The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing, including government officials—even the President.
What violates the U.S. Flag Code?
People commonly violate the Flag Code when displaying the Stars and Stripes on apparel, athletic uniforms or bedding. The only exception is made for military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations who are allowed to wear a flag patch that is customized for their uniform.
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.
Is the U.S. Flag Code enforceable?
Although it remains part of codified federal law, it is not enforceable due to the Supreme Court of the United States finding it unconstitutional in United States v. Eichman. Additionally, the public law which includes the Flag Code (Pub.
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.
What is the Flag Protection Act of 1989?
Flag Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal criminal code to eliminate knowingly casting contempt on the U.S. flag as an element of desecration of the flag. Makes it unlawful to maintain a U.S. flag on the floor or ground or to physically defile such flag.
When did it become legal to deface the American flag?
1968In 1968, Congress approved the Federal Flag Desecration Law after a Vietnam War protest. The law made it illegal to “knowingly” cast “contempt” upon “any flag of the United States by publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning or trampling upon it.”
Is an all black American flag disrespectful?
0:142:19What 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.
Is defacing the American flag a crime?
Text. 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.
Is it illegal to not follow the Flag Code?
“The Flag Code does not prescribe any penalties for non-compliance nor does it include enforcement provisions; rather the Code functions simply as a guide to be voluntarily followed by civilians and civilian groups,” The Congressional Report reads.
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.
Displaying The Flag Outdoors
1. When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless th...
Displaying The Flag Indoors
The canton is always in the upper left corner. 1. When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Pla...
Parading and Saluting The Flag
1. When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. 2. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States ma...
Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
1. The Pledge of Allegiance all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart; 2. Wh...
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 the flag is displayed otherwise than by being flown from a staff, should it be displayed?
When the flag is displayed otherwise than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out; or so suspended that its folds fall as freely as though the flag were staffed.
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.
What is the most important guideline for citizens?
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, which the United States of America has been for more than 200 years.
Where should the flag be displayed on a street?
When displayed over a street, the flag should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street, or to the east in a north and south street .
When do you salute the flag?
Therefore, members of the armed services and veterans are asked to stand at attention and salute when their flag is passing in a parade or being hoisted or lowered; civilians should place their right hand over their heart.
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.
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.
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 flag touch anything?
The flag should never touch anything beneath it , such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
Is the 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. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
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 is the flag on the sleeve of the uniform?
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."
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 reverse field flag?
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. The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
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.
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, should?
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag, the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.
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 be displayed in a church?
Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.
When displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, should the union be uppermost?
i) When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right , that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Which side of the flag should the flag be displayed?
The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
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 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.
What does it mean to respect the American flag?
Finally, having respect for the flag means keeping it in a good condition. One should make sure their flag is clean, dry and protected from harsh conditions. The flag should never be stored or used in a way that it could be easily torn or damaged. The American flag is more than the cloth and colors that we see.
Should the American flag be displayed with respect and care?
According to the recommendations in the U.S. Code, the American flag should be displayed with respect and care.
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.
Can a flag have words?
The flag should never have words, designs or any other mark drawn or attached to it. It is not respectful to “get creative” and make new art from a US flag.
Can the flag touch the ground?
The flag should not touch the ground, floor, water, merchandise or anything beneath it.
Is the American flag patriotic?
American flag coffee cups, sweatshirts and curtains are not patriotic; on the contrary, U.S. Code considers these to be disrespectful toward the flag. The flag should never be worn as apparel or used as bedding, curtains or covering for a ceiling. The flag should not be used for advertising purposes. For example, the flag should not be embroidered ...
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
- 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 ...
§ 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
Standard Proportions of The Flag
Title 36, Subtitle I, Part A Section 301 United States Code – National Anthem