Many of our readers ask about american flag etiquette and the u. A guide to protocol and etiquette for official entertainment department of the army pamphlet 600 60 history. 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. Etiquette of the stars and stripes flag rules here are the rules for proper display and use of the united states flag, as established by generally accepted custom and by public law 94344 approved by congress and signed by the president of the united states. It is the proper flag to be flown by merchant vessels registered at an australian port. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god. Here is a list of rules and guidelines for displaying the american flag and treating it with proper respect. Standards customs courtesies flags emblems and seals. A flag protocol defines the proper placement, handling, use, and disposal of flags.
This flag is flown in lieu of the post flag in inclement weather. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music. Other recommended sizes are shown in the following table. Identify proper use of the corporate seal, emblem, and logos. Flag retirement options how to properly dispose of a tattered american flag disposal locations displaying a flag outside for all to see, where it will experience different temperatures and everchanging weather, will result in a worn flag eventually even the best flags. 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. It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag. Flag etiquette covers everything from flying holidays to flag code. This page will teach you how to care for your flag. Make sure to follow handling etiquette when attaching the flag to the staff. Flag etiquette connecticut sons of the american revolution. Flag etiquette and flagpole etiquette morgan francis. Flag etiquette by it is the universal custom to display the american flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.
Its unfurled banner, which symbolizes the love and pride that we have as a nation, is a poignant reminder of. It may also be flown by unregistered vessels and small craft, the property of. When displayed from a staff projecting from a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff. Flag code has outlined proper flag etiquette on everything from when, where, and how you should fly an american flag. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol. 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. The below ceremony is a guideline for flag retirement. Guidelines for displaying the flag of the united states pdf. Public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u.
This flag was the official flag of our country from 1795 to 1818, and was prominent in many historic events. It should not be flown lower than another flag nor should it be smaller than another flag flown in the same display. The american flag code is a guideline for proper flag etiquette. Its dimensions are 38 feet fly by 20 feet hoist storm flag. Uses of the us flag are covered in paragraphs 7 and 8. A flag should never be used as a covering for a statue or monument. The individuals can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the pledge of allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection. National flags should be raised in a brisk fashion. How to properly display the american flag event resources. Jul 01, 2019 there are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. This flag is flown in fair weather, except on those occasions when the garrison flag is prescribed.
There are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. Guidelines for display of the flag public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. Here, were looking at how to properly display, fold, and care for your american flag. It was the first flag to be flown over a fortress of the old world when american marine and naval forces raised it above the pirate stronghold in tripoli on april 27, 1805. The flag code offers no specific guidelines as to what qualifies as a properly illuminated flag. 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. Flagpole size should be chosen with the following taken into consideration. The flags alternating red and white stripes represent the original colonies. No other flag should be placed above, or if on the same level, to the flags right. Crs the united states flag federal law relating to display and associated questions. 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. See table below for easy referral to correct poleflag proportions flag etiquette the american flag is more than fabric and thread.
Americans feel great pride and respect for their flag because it is a representation of the great country where they live. When flags of states, cities, or localities are flown on the same halyard with the united states flag, the national flag should always be at the top. Proper retirement of american flags grand new flag. American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding, and. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall or other flat surface, the union blue field of stars should be uppermost and to the flags own right. Flag etiquette the american flag has a long history, and the members of our organization have spent nearly as long defending and honoring our nations most iconic symbol of freedom. Official regulation states that the flag must never touch the.
Its 50 white stars on a blue field represent the 50 states. Many interpret the phrase to mean either a light directly upon the flag preferred or the presence of sufficient local lighting to make the flag visible at night. Department of veterans affairs va to honor and respect the deceased. Introduction the use of military customs and courtesies is a mark of respect and professionalismwhether in a military or cap uniform. Although the code is violated in many different ways each day, what matters most is the intent behind the use of the flag. It is not necessary to salute every american flag that passes. Flag etiquette can be found on the american legion website, and can be found thru emblem sales lets be right on flag. Made of bunting, this flag is 5 feet hoist by 9 feet, 6 inches fly. Title 4, chapter 1, section 7m, calls for the flag to be displayed at halfstaff from dawn until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset. The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be. The flag is typically flown from sunrise to sundown.
When placed on a podium the flag should be placed on the speakers right or the staging area. To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. 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. Most american legion posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on flag day, june 14th. The american legion and veterans of foreign war are always happy to take your worn flag for proper retirement. It should not be flown lower than another flag nor should it be smaller than another flag flown in. Flag code, passed by congress in 1942, provides guidelines regarding american flag etiquette. Flag etiquette and rules american flag and flagpole co. Flagpole etiquette flagpole etiquette follows the guidelines of flag etiquette. How to practice national flag etiquette with pictures. It also pays respect to the history and traditions of.
Some countries have added certain protocols into their legal system while others prefer to have guidelines without civil or criminal consequences attached. The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. When displayed or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. No other flag should be placed above, or if on the same level, to the flag s right. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. The united states flag code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the national flag of the united states of america. The term us flag, as used throughout this regulation, means the flag of the united states of america. Flagpole guidelines regarding the height of a flagpole appropriate for various sized flags. Pursuant to illinois state statute, such property shall not be used in connect. 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.
It is chapter 1 of title 4 of the united states code 4 u. Personnelgeneral a guide to protocol and etiquette for. Etiquette, rules, and guidelines regarding the display and care of the american flag, as advised by u. The attachedenclosed photosvideos are the property of the state of illinois. Thats why ripping, stepping on or burning a flag at a protest is an act of disrespect. When lowered, they should be done so slowly and ceremoniously.
A flag should not be lowered into a grave or touch the ground. Contact your local american legion hall and inquire about the availability of this service. This flag is flown only on holidays and important occasions. It is the universal custom to display the american flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. 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.
Do not allow the flag to touch the ground any time during the raising and lowering process. Flag etiquette suggests what size flag should be flown on what size pole for the most aesthetically pleasing look. The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a. On a stage, the american flag should be placed to the. Standards of respect parading and saluting the flag the salute. Flags flown from angled poles on homes and those displayed indoors are usually either 3 x 5 or 4 x 6. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which americans pledge their allegiance. Jun 16, 2015 the attachedenclosed photosvideos are the property of the state of illinois. With the average outdoor flag statistically only lasting about 90 days star.
As adopted by the national flag conference, washington, d. The flag etiquette has been attached at the end of this document. When suspended from a rope extending from the building on a pole, the flag should be hoisted out, union first from the building. Displaying the flag when displaying the flag, it is important to remember certain guidelines of proper flag etiquette. When the american flag is used during a ceremony for a service member, there are several rules suggested by the u. A states governor can order the us flag to be flown at half staff, but only for specific reasons. The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. When on display or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. Whether youre looking for the historic details of how the u. 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. Flag etiquette american flag etiquette flag etiquette the flag of the united states of america nothing evokes such strong emotion as seeing the flag, either a ceremony honoring a great event or draped over a coffin as a sign of mourning for a hero or loved one.
However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twentyfour hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding. Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite. But, did you know there are also general guidelines for the appropriate height of a flagpole. To show respect, be sure to follow flag etiquette and properly hang the american flag. Also, it should be placed to the right of a speaker or staging area, while other flags are placed to the left. Email etiquette 101 before you click send email checklist most misunderstandings can be avoided by one side or the other not rushing through their email activities and ensuring your email will be received, read and perceived with the desired meaning by the intended recipient. Flag sizes and flag pole height have a direct relationship. Maintaining and caring for an american flag, or any flag in fact, can be more difficult than it sounds. It includes both the allpurpose flag and the ceremonial or organizational flag. Remember to respect your flag and learn some new flag terms on this flag and flagpole faq page. The flag should be raised at sunrise, and lowered at sunset. If it is carried by an honor guard or in a group with other flags, stand up and salute veterans or pay respect to the flag.
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