Standards of respect parading and saluting the flag the salute. 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 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 use of. The united states flag code stipulates that as the symbol of a living country, the flag is considered in itself a living thing. It 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, fivepointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal. The flag of the united states shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white. Federal law relating to display and associated questions summary this report presents, verbatim, the unite d states flag code as found in title 4 of the united states code and the section of title 36 which designates the starspangled banner as the national anthem a nd provides instructions on how to display. Guidelines for display of the flag public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. Learn about the american flag and how to display it.
On june 14, 1777 the continental congress established an official flag for the new united states by passing the flag act. The american flag is displayed even above church flags. Public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. Find answers to common and uncommon questions about the united states flag and its evolution. Flag code defines the legal etiquette for the care, use and display of the american flag.
Guidelines for display of the flag united states department. The american flag code is a guideline for proper flag etiquette. 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. This code formalizes and unifies a set of instructions on handling, displaying and caring for the american flag. Flag etiquette, american flag etiquette, us flag etiquette. The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. That is left to the states and to the federal government for the district of columbia.
The united states code is a consolidation and codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the united states. The united natfons flag should in no case be made a part of a ofrole of flags. The flag is flown at halfstaff by order of the president upon the death of principal figures of the united states government and the governor of a state, territory, or possession. Information about the currency of united states code titles is available on the currency page. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the united states or to the united states flag s right. Regimental colors, state flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor. Flag protocol in pursuance to iarticle 3 2 of the united nations flag code the 3 1. The united states holds the service of those who protect our country in very high regard.
Flag code, a long list of rules and guidelines for displaying and. The american flag must always be displayed in a position of prominence. This book is simply a good looking shelf decoration that includes the u. How to honor and display the american flag when displaying the flag, it is important to remember to use the guidelines laid out by the u. Federal law relating to display and associated questions. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the united states should be hoisted first and lowered last.
It is section 1 of title 4 of the united states code 4 u. Respect for the flag the flag of the united states should always be treated with deference, respect, and reverence. I have also included some nonacceptable methods in dealing with our flag. 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. 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 code the flag american flag and flagpole co.
The flag, and all it stands for, has always been very important to my dad. Find out how to properly display a flag and common flag code violations that most people are not aware of. United we stand national museum of american history online exhibition highlighting some 500 magazines featuring the american flag on their cover during world war ii. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which americans pledge their allegiance. A user guide and the uslm schema and stylesheet are provided for the united states code in xml. Did you know that according to the united states flag code, the american flag represents a living country. Crs report for congress the american flag foundation, inc. Flag code, passed by congress in 1942, provides guidelines regarding american flag etiquette. Otherwise, the united states flag code dictates that the christian flag must fly below the american flag, although they may be on the same pole. From the book our flag published in 1989 by the house of representatives. Specific ways, in which the flag should not be used, according to the code, are. The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
Learn about the united states flag with a level reading book for prekindergarten with simple fun facts about the stripe and stars. General protisiocls a under article 5 of the flag code the unlted nations flag may be displayed or otherwise used in accordance with the. Flag code which can be distributed to institutions, businesses and individuals. 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. To request flag etiquette brochures for your organization, contact the office at 65120124 or by email at secretary. No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the united states of america. It was on this date that the national flag code was adopted by the national flag conference which was attended by representatives of the army and navy which had evolved their own procedures, and some 66 other national groups. While the code empowers the president of the united states to alter, modify. The united states flag curious kids fun facts for kids. Perhaps the most important guideline involves how citizens should behave around the stars and stripes.
On july 4, 1776, the continental congress passed a resolution authorizing a committee to devise a seal for the united states of america. When displayed or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. The flag code, a national guideline on ways in which the flag is to be respected, states that no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the united states of america. Educate children and adults about the authorized rules of the flag code adopted by the united states congress. Criminal penalties for certain acts of desecration to the flag were contained in title 18 of the united states code prior to 1989. However, many christians take issue with this, arguing that the christian flag should never be made inferior to any other flag. Full text of united states code, title 4, chapter 1, available at cornell university law school. As adopted by the national flag conference, washington, d. The educational resource handbook the american flag. Reviewed in the united states on september 6, 2016. 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. A website dedicated to the flag of the united states of. When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note.
Federal law relating to display and associated questions summary. Federal law relating to display and associated questions, congressional research service, february 7, 2011 page 9 iii lets be right on flag etiquette, the american legion, january, 2002 iv vexillology is the scholarly study of flags v honor the flag. The flag of the united states of america, often referred to as the american flag or u. The amy vanderbilt complete book of etiquette, which was first published in 1952 and last revised in 1978, is as much a guide to contemporary living as it is an etiquette book. This mission, designed to reflect the founding fathers beliefs, values, and sovereignty of the.
Eichman, the flag protection act of 1989 held unconstitutional, crs report for congress, 90301. Dar flag materials can be useful when students are studying the history and importance of the u. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. It is prepared by the office of the law revision counsel of the united states house of representatives.
Crs the united states flag federal law relating to display and associated questions. The flag code has many rules for the display of the flag, and most of these are common sense based on the idea that our flag should be given the prominence of honor when displayed with other flags or banners. This report presents, verbatim, the united states flag code as found in title 4 of the united states code and the section of title 36 which designates the star spangled banner as the national anthem and provides instructions on how to display the flag during its rendition. The united nations flag itself should always be displayed on. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol. United states flag store is the leading online store supplying american flags and various other flag related products such as car flags, banners, flagpoles, flag cases and indoor flags. Flag etiquette for kids is one of the unique skills that should be one of life skills for teens that you work on this year when i was a kid we always had a united states flag flying at our house. United states department of defense directive 1005 united states department of defense directive 48 united states department of defense instruction 48. The book includes details of the laws relating to the u. The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure.
Below are highlights of the proper etiquette and respect to be given to our flag. A brief history and summary of recent supreme court decisions and proposed constitutional amendment, crs report for congress 95709. In other countries and places, local etiquette applies. It does not impose penalties for misuse of the united states flag. In partnership with the national league of cities, the american flag foundation coordinates with 2,500 mayors of cities and towns across the united states, encouraging them to lead their local citizens at 7. 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. Previous to flag day, june 14, 1923 there were no federal or state regulations governing display of the united states flag. Some general guidelines from the flag code answer many of the most common questions.
When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. Jun 17, 2016 according to american flag etiquette, you might be displaying the stars and stripes all wrong. The section of law dealing with american flag etiquette is generally referred to as the flag code. United states flag etiquette the flag of the united states.
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 flag code modification of rules and customs by president. The online store offers sewn flags with warranty and features useful flag information resource. The current law can be found in the united states code. The flag of the united states is the emblem of our identity. One of the most symbolic ways we show our appreciation is by incorporating the american flag into the traditions and rituals of military and police funerals. Everything you need is presented in a comprehensive, detailed, and wellorganized book that makes it easy to navigate official protocol. The flag, when displayed with another against a wallboth from crossed staffsshould be on the right the flags own right, and its staff should be in front of the other staff. It is americas strength in honor, as dignified in the stars and stripes of the flag, which. The united nations flag may not be displayed above or in a position of superior prominence to the united states flag except at united nations headquarters. The united states flag code is found in title 4 of the united states code and the section of title 36 which designates the starspangled banner as the national anthem and how to display the flag during its rendition. United states protocol is a musthave reference for communicating with government and business officials, international organizations, and highlevel military personnel, both in the united states and abroad. The united states flag code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the national flag of the united states of america. Displaying the flag with other flags on american soil.
The positions of the stars in the union of the flag and in the union jack shall be as indicated on the attachment to. 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. To contemporary americans, the armistead familys treatment of the starspangled bannermarking up the stars and stripes with signatures, cutting off pieces to give away as souvenirsmight seem strange or inappropriate, even though it was customary at the time. Although the code is violated in many different ways each day, what matters most is the intent behind the use of the flag. The flag of the united states of america the dar promotes and encourages a strong patriotic feeling and respect for the flag of the united states of america.
In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any state, territory, or possession of the united states, the governor of that. United states flag specifications american flag and. For a united states senator, representative, delegate, or the resident commissioner from the commonwealth of puerto rico. Thats why ripping, stepping on or burning a flag at a protest is an act of disrespect.
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