Where can I dispose of my American flag?
May 14, 2021 · The American Flag and Its Flying Rules. The Flag of the United States of America is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which Americans pledge their allegiance. Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation …
What do you do with a worn out American 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. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a ...
Where can I find the United States flag code?
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. The code uses non-binding language like …
How do I order a replacement American flag for the Capitol?
The national flag of the United States of America, often referred to as the American flag or the U.S. flag, consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the "union") bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows, where rows of six stars …
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.
Where does the US Flag Code apply?
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.Aug 30, 2021
Is the Flag Code part of the Constitution?
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
Where can American flags be found?
It should be displayed vertically, whether indoors or out, and suspended so that its folds fall free as though the flag were staffed. The stripes may be displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, and the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right (that is, to the observer's left).
What side of the porch do you hang the American flag on?
The American flag can hang on either side of the porch unless there is a second flag (or multiple flags). If there are two or more flags hanging on the porch, the American flag should hang on the left side of the porch when viewed from the street.Dec 11, 2020
Does the Flag Code apply to civilians?
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.Oct 7, 2019
Can you legally burn the American flag?
The act is considered offensive by many, but flag burning is legal in the U.S. under Supreme Court rulings that it is constitutionally protected speech under the First Amendment.Nov 30, 2016
Is selling the American flag illegal?
There's No Law Against U.S. Flag Merchandise (or Is There?) Did you know that there is a code of etiquette when it comes to displaying the U.S. flag? Here are a few rules for donning the stars and stripes: The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery.Jul 5, 2016
Can you sell an American flag?
The federal flag code says that “The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.” In the District of Columbia, a flag being “printed, painted, attached, or otherwise placed a representation” on any “article of merchandise” for the purposes of advertising is a misdemeanor, can lead to a ...Jul 3, 2019
What do you do if an American flag touches the ground?
Instead, the code stipulates, "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." Unless hitting the ground once renders the flag unfit for display, there's no need to burn it.May 30, 2011
Can you fly the American flag at night without a light?
In the case of the American flag, yes, it is illegal. The US Flag Code states that it is illegal to fly the US flag at night without adequate light. The American flag code is part of federal law.
Is it OK to leave a flag out overnight?
According to the US Flag Code, all American flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day. Lowering the flag at night is an ultimate sign of respect for Old Glory. But like many rules, there is an exception. You can keep your flag flying 24-hours if it is properly illuminated during all hours of darkness.
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.
Which hand should be held over the heart?
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 should stand at attention.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
What colors should be used for a speaker desk?
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, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Which hand should be held over the heart?
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.
Why was the Bellamy salute removed?
The most notable change was the removal of the Bellamy salute due to its similarities to the Hitler salute. The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 prohibits real estate management organizations from restricting homeowners from displaying the Flag of the United States on their own property.
What is the flag code?
The United States Flag Code establish es advisory rules for display and care of the national flag of the United States of America. It is Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code ( 4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq ).
When was the flag code created?
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.
When was the American Legion code 77-623 drafted?
The code drafted by that conference was printed by the national organization of the American Legion and given nationwide distribution. On June 22, 1942, the code became Public Law 77-623; chapter 435. Little had changed in the code since the Flag Day 1923 Conference.
Is the flag protection act enforceable?
Separately, Congress passed the Flag Protection Act of 1968 (amended in 1989) ( 18 U.S.C. § 700 ), a since struck-down criminal statute, which prohibits mutilating, defacing, defiling or burning the flag. Although it remains part of codified federal law, it is not enforceable due to the Supreme Court of the United States finding it unconstitutional ...
Can a flag be carried horizontally?
The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally. The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. 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.
How many stars are on the Francis Hopkinson flag?
Francis Hopkinson's flag for the United States, an interpretation, with 13 six-pointed stars arranged in five rows. Francis Hopkinson's flag for the U.S. Navy, an interpretation, with 13 six-pointed stars arranged in five rows.
What are the holidays in October?
October: Second Monday ( Columbus Day) and 27 ( Navy Day) November: 11 ( Veterans Day) and fourth Thursday ( Thanksgiving Day) December: 25 ( Christmas Day) and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of states (date of admission); and on state holidays.
How many stars are in a 51 star flag?
Above is one possible design for a 51-star flag. It has 6 rows of alternating 9 and 8 stars.
What does the blue and red flag mean?
The supposed symbolism of the colors red, white and blue is drawn from heraldry and was not originally intended to apply to the flag. Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, discussing the proposed U.S. Seal, gave symbolic meanings for the colors in the seal, drawn from heraldry, with white signifying purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue signifying vigilance, perseverance and justice. Over time, that explanation came to be associated with the flag.
How many stripes does the Admiralty Seal have?
His Admiralty Seal had seven red stripes; whereas, his second U.S. Seal proposal had seven white ones. Remnants of Hopkinson's U.S. flag of seven white stripes can be found in the Great Seal of the United States and the President's seal.
What war was the flag used in?
Civil War and the Flag. Prior to the Civil War, the American flag was rarely seen outside of military forts, government buildings and ships. During the American War of Independence and War of 1812 the army was not even officially sanctioned to carry the United States flag into battle.
What was the flag resolution of 1777?
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution which stated: " Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.".
What is the federal flag code?
Public Law 94-344 , known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol.
Can you dip the flag for any person?
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.
Why is the flag at half mast?
This gesture is a sign to indicate the nation mourns the death of an individual (s), such as death of the president or former president, vice president, Supreme Court justice, member of Congress, secretary of an executive or military department, etc. Only the president or a state governor may order the flag to be displayed at half-staff.
What does proper illumination mean?
The American Legion interprets “ proper illumination” as a light specifically placed to illuminate the flag (preferred) or having a light source sufficient to illuminate the flag so it is recognizable as such by the casual observer.
When is the American Legion's flag disposal day?
Many American Legion posts conduct disposal of unserviceable flag ceremonies on June 14, Flag Day. Such ceremonies are particularly dignified and solemn occasions for the retirement of unserviceable flags.
Where should the stripes be on the flag?
The stripes may be displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, and the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right (that is, to the observer’s left). When displayed in a window of a home or a place of business, the flag should be displayed in the same way (that is, with the union or blue field to the left ...
Who can order the flag to be displayed at half staff?
Only the president or a state governor may order the flag to be displayed at half-staff. The honor and reverence accorded this solemn act is quickly becoming eroded by those individuals and agencies that display the flag at half-staff on inappropriate occasions without proper authority to do so.
Is there a penalty for desecration of the American flag?
There are currently no penalties for the physical desecration of the flag. The American Legion and other members of the Citizens Flag Alliance continue working toward securing a constitutional amendment to protect the flag from physical desecration.
Do you have to destroy the flag?
You are not required to destroy the flag when this happens. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or dry-cleaning is required, you may continue to display the flag as a symbol of our great country.
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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