The flag of the united states of america should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display. It may be displayed on any day of the year according to the following. It should not be flown lower than another flag nor should it be smaller than another flag flown in the same display. 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. The flag of the united states should never be dipped to any person or thing. Each update of the united states code is a release point. In other countries and places, local etiquette applies. As adopted by the national flag conference, washington, d. United states flag code formulated shortly after the attack on pearl harbor by representatives from 68 national organizations including the military, the code formalizes and unites a set of instructions for handling and displaying the. United states flag etiquette and patriotic courtesies 73 united states flag etiquette and patriotic courtesies 226.
The flag of the united states is the emblem of our identity as a sovereign nation, which the united. When displayed from a staff projecting from a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the united states should be hoisted first and lowered last. Find answers to common and uncommon questions about the united states flag and its evolution. The flag flies freely a life force powerful enough to unite a nation. Representatives of 68 national organizations including the army and navy came together to create the united states flag code, which became public law about a year after the attack on pearl harbor. 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. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the united states or to the united states flags right. Many americans may not realize that some of the things they do, including some methods of disposing of an old flag, are actually disrespectful if not done correctly.
United states flag etiquette indiana rolling thunder, inc. Crs the united states flag federal law relating to display and associated questions. The ultimate guide to flag etiquette the american flags is one of the most treasured and important symbols of our country, and its important that respect is shown to it at all times. The colors used in the flag of the united states of america. The flag should never be used as apparel, bedding, or. Flag code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used the following is a list. It does not impose penalties for misuse of the united states flag. This flag is authorized for active nonfleet marine force activities not authorized the class 1 standard. It is section 1 of title 4 of the united states code 4 u. Guide to protocol and courtesy 2 table of contents chapter page introduction 3 1 saluting 4 2 flag etiquette 5 3 shipboard etiquette 5 4 wardroom etiquette 6 5 invitations 7 6 receiving lines 8 7 formal functions 8 8 introductions 8 9 seating a. Criminal penalties for certain acts of desecration to the flag were contained in title 18 of the united states code prior to 1989. Flag etiquette and rules american flag and flagpole co.
A website dedicated to the flag of the united states of. The american flag, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flags own right, and its staff should be. Personnelgeneral a guide to protocol and etiquette for. The term us flag, as used throughout this regulation, means the flag of the united states of america. Standards of respect parading and saluting the flag the salute. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger. The flag of the united states of america is universally representative of the principles of the justice, liberty, and. It was then sent to the smithsonian institution in washington d. When flags of states, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the united states, the latter should always be at the peak. It includes both the allpurpose flag and the ceremonial or organizational flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america. 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. Fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field.
A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded. A guide to protocol and etiquette for official entertainment department of the army pamphlet 600 60 history. The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the united states of america is established for the. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol. That is left to the states and to the federal government for the district of columbia. Flag etiquette the flag etiquette information published by the american legion is an effort to increase the knowledge of the general public in the proper display and respect for the flag of the united states of america. No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the united states of america. The publication was last revised o n 1 5 o c t o b e r 1 9 8 9, a u t h e n t i c a t e d b y order of the secretary of the army by carl e. When one flag is used with the flag of the united states of america and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the united states is placed on its own right with. Guide to protocol and courtesy united states coast guard. There is an important and timely chapter on internet protocol and a long section with various useful lists, such as facts about all the presidents and states, addresses of agencies and embassies, and american and religious holidays. When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag. When suspended from a rope extending from the building on a pole, the flag should be hoisted out, union first from the building.
It is chapter 1 of title 4 of the united states code 4 u. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which americans pledge their allegiance. Great sacrifice and national pride are stitched into its stars and stripes. United states flag etiquette and patriotic courtesies. The united states flag code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the national flag of the united states of america. This page provides downloadable files for the current release point. Federal law relating to display and associated questions congressional research service 1 background public concern and confusion regarding the proper respect shown to the united states flag has given rise to many questions on the law relating to. Flags, pennants, honors, cerehlonies and customs president oftbe united states, and as such will 2. The united nations flag cannot be in a superior position to the united states flag, except at the united nations headquarters. Great sacrifices and national pride are stitched into its stars and stripes, and it stands as a symbol of hope, opportunity and freedom. The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. For further information on this case, see crs report 90301,united states v.
Public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. On a platform, the flag should be above and behind the speaker, with the union to the observers left. United states flag etiquette proper methods of display excerpts from the us flag code flying the flag outdoors. How to properly display the american flag event resources. The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing, and can be flown upside down only as a distress signal. Uses of the us flag are covered in paragraphs 7 and 8. The flag of the united states is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered. A user guide and the uslm schema and stylesheet are.
Flag code perhaps the most important guideline involves how citizens should behave around the stars and stripes. The flag is a symbol of respect, honor, and patriotism. The american flag is a solemn symbol of united states history. Display of the powmia flag at the capitol pursuant to subsection d1 of this section is in addition to the display of that flag in the rotunda of the capitol pursuant to senate concurrent resolution 5 of the 101st congress, agreed to on. This code formalizes and unifies a set of instructions on handling, displaying and caring for the american flag. The united states flag code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the flag of the united states. Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite. When performed by naval bands, renditions not be performed by naval bands as a tribute to of hail h the chie shall be as prescribed in other dignitaries. Relating to the north american legions site, although the a flag code according to the banner should not contact anything at all underneath that, is actually an indicator the winchester celebrity put up a banner utilized during the municipal war and printed poems and.
Titles in bold have been changed since the last release point. Who designed the original stars and stripes flag of the united states is a point never definitely confirmed. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the united states or to the right of the united states flag. The flag of the united states is always the first flag raised and the last to lowered. United states department of defense directive 1005 united states department of defense directive 48 united states department of defense instruction 48. Flag etiquette can be found on the american legion website, and can be found thru emblem sales lets be right on flag. The flag remained as a precious heirloom in the driver family until 1922. The flag code taken from united states code title 36, chapter 10 the flag code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used.
Table 1 contains the list of organiza tions authorized the class 2 organizational flag. The flag code includes instruction and rules on such topics as the pledge of allegiance, display and use of the flag by civilians, time and. More flag etiquette tips here are more basic flag etiquette guidelines. The flag of the united states, the white flag of truce, and weather flags are examples. The flag of the united states of america is saluted as it is hoisted and low ered. Information on official entertaining, formal seating, and flag etiquette follow. 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. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of. Folded edge is then folded over to meet the open edge. The words united states marine corps are on the scoll. Flag is a general descriptive term for a cloth device with a distinguishing color or design, which has a special meaning or serves as a signal.
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