How to Correctly Display a Flag

The U.S. flag should be aloft and free.

The American flag has a long and celebrated history, but some people unwittingly show disrespect for the flag. The American Flag Code contains specifics on how the flag should be treated. Observing recent news we might wonder: Should Sarah Palin have signed a flag? In Nevada, should the Mexican flag be flown above the U.S. flag? Should people make clothing out of the U.S. flag? Should President George W. Bush and the First Lady have stood on a carpet of the American flag at the site of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack? The answer to all of these questions is no. We will find the myriad flag rules and regulations in the United States Flag Code, which is an unenforced federal law.

Instructions

1. 

   The U.S. flag should not be defaced.

   Do not mark the flag in any way. That includes words, pictures, signatures, or marks of any kind. Never wear the flag or make any object, such as a purse, out of it. The flag should never be attached to anything that will allow it to be torn or dirtied. The American flag should never be used in advertising of any kind. It should never be used on paper products that are designed to be thrown away.

2. 

   The U.S. flag should not be used as clothing.

   Keep the flag from falling on the ground or floor; you should never walk on the flag, even if it is on a rug. Always carry the flag aloft and free. Never use the flag as part of a costume or an athletic uniform. "The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing."

3. 

   The US flag should fly above other flags.

   Display the flag with respect. The American flag should always be on top if other flags are flown on the same halyard. No flag should be flown above the U.S. flag or to the right of our flag. The rules about who can order the flag at half-mast are in the Flag Code, §7m. Display the flag only during daylight unless a light is available to illuminate it. Do not fly the flag in bad weather unless it is weather-proof. When the U.S. flag is displayed with state flags, it should be in the middle and higher than other flags. The flag of the United Nations may be displayed in a position superior to the U.S. flag only at the U.N. headquarters.

4. 

   Improper use of the flag.

   Show respect for the flag by never dipping it to a person or thing. Flying the flag with the union (stars) down is a sign of dire distress. Never carry the flag horizontally or flat, even at a football game or a NASCAR race. Always show respect when the flag is hoisted, lowered, or passing by. All military personnel in uniform should salute the flag. Civilians should stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. When the flag is in worn condition, it should be destroyed with honor, preferably by burning. Only the president may change the Flag Code.

References

• USHiistory: Flag Rules and Regulations: Flag Code: §8j Respect for the Flag
• USHiistory: Flag Rules and Regulations: Flag Code

Resources

• USC Chapter 1 - The Flag
• Cornell University Law School: Legal Information Institute: Chapter 1-The Flag