Flying the American flag with respect and according to protocol is a way to honor the United States of America, and flyermedia.net is here to guide you through the correct procedures and etiquette. Displaying Old Glory requires knowledge of specific guidelines outlined in the US Flag Code, from proper hoisting and lowering to respectful disposal. By understanding these guidelines, you ensure that your display of the Stars and Stripes shows the reverence it deserves and learn about American symbolism, flag etiquette, and national pride.
1. What Is The US Flag Code And Why Is It Important?
The US Flag Code, outlined in Title 4 of the United States Code, is a set of guidelines for displaying and handling the American flag, and it is important for promoting respect and reverence for the flag as a national symbol. Compliance with the code ensures the flag is treated with dignity, avoiding any actions that could be seen as disrespectful, such as allowing it to touch the ground or displaying it in poor condition. Adhering to the Flag Code demonstrates patriotism and respect for the nation’s values and history.
2. What Are The Proper Times And Occasions To Display The American Flag?
The American flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open, but it can be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during darkness, enhancing civic pride and national symbolism. According to Title 4, Section 6 of the US Code, the flag should especially be displayed on the following days:
- New Year’s Day, January 1
- Inauguration Day, January 20
- Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, the third Monday in January
- Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12
- Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February
- National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29
- Easter Sunday
- Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May
- Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
- Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May
- Flag Day, June 14
- Father’s Day, third Sunday in June
- Independence Day, July 4
- National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27
- Labor Day, first Monday in September
- Constitution Day, September 17
- Columbus Day, second Monday in October
- Navy Day, October 27
- Veterans Day, November 11
- Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
- Christmas Day, December 25
Additionally, the flag should be displayed on the birthdays of states, state holidays, and any other days proclaimed by the President of the United States, reinforcing national unity and historical awareness.
3. How Should The American Flag Be Displayed With Other Flags?
When displaying the American flag with other flags, it should be positioned in a place of honor to ensure respect and proper protocol, aligning with the standards outlined in the US Flag Code. Here’s how to properly display the American flag with other flags:
- Marching in Processions: When the flag is carried in a procession with other flags, it should be either on the marching right, which is the flag’s own right, or if there is a line of other flags, it should be in front of the center of that line.
- Displaying Against a Wall: When displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, the US flag should be on the right, which is the flag’s own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
- Grouping Flags From Staffs: When a number of flags of states, localities, or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs, the US flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group.
- Flying Flags on the Same Halyard: When flags of states, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the US flag, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the US flag should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the US flag or to the United States flag’s right.
- Displaying Flags of Two or More Nations: When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
- Displaying From a Staff Projecting Horizontally or at an Angle: When the US flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.
- Suspending the Flag Over a Sidewalk: When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.
- Displaying the Flag Either Horizontally or Vertically Against a Wall: 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.
- Displaying the Flag Over the Middle of the Street: When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
- Displaying the Flag on a Speaker’s Platform: When used on a speaker’s platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the US flag should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman’s or speaker’s right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.
By following these guidelines, you ensure that the American flag is always given the respect and prominence it deserves when displayed alongside other flags.
4. What Is The Significance Of Displaying The Flag At Half-Staff?
Displaying the flag at half-staff is a sign of mourning and respect for the deceased. The flag is flown at half-staff by order of the President to honor principal figures of the US Government and the governors of states, territories, or possessions, as a mark of respect to their memory.
On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. Additionally, the governor of a state, territory, or possession, or the Mayor of the District of Columbia, may proclaim that the national flag shall be flown at half-staff in that state, territory, or possession or in the District of Columbia because of the death of a member of the Armed Forces, reinforcing national unity and respect.
5. What Actions Are Considered Disrespectful To The American Flag?
Showing disrespect to the American flag is prohibited to maintain its dignity and symbolic importance, according to the US Flag Code. Some actions that are considered disrespectful include:
- Dipping the Flag: The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.
- Displaying the Union Down: 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.
- Touching the Ground: The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
- Carrying the Flag Flat or Horizontally: The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
- Using the Flag as Wearing Apparel, Bedding, or Drapery: The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.
- Fastening or Storing the Flag Improperly: 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.
- Using the Flag as a Covering for a Ceiling: The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
- Placing Marks, Insignia, Letters, etc., on the 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.
- Using the Flag as a Receptacle: The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
- Using the Flag for Advertising Purposes: 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. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
- Using Any Part of the Flag as a Costume or Athletic Uniform: 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.
6. How Should An Unserviceable American Flag Be Disposed Of?
An unserviceable American flag, when it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning, symbolizing respect and proper protocol. Many organizations, such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, regularly conduct flag disposal ceremonies, providing a respectful and communal way to retire the flag. These ceremonies often involve folding the flag in a specific manner, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and then carefully burning the flag in a controlled environment, reinforcing national pride.
7. What Is The Proper Way To Recite The Pledge Of Allegiance?
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. Members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and veterans may render the military salute in the manner provided for persons in uniform, promoting civic responsibility.
8. What Are The Guidelines For Displaying The Flag Indoors?
When displaying the American flag indoors, you should follow specific guidelines to ensure it is done respectfully. 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.
When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer’s left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east, reinforcing national symbolism.
9. What Is The Significance Of The Union (Blue Field With Stars) On The Flag?
The union, or the blue field with stars on the American flag, represents the union of the states. The blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Each of the 50 white stars represents a state in the United States, signifying unity and collective national identity. The arrangement and design have been modified as new states joined the Union, reflecting the country’s growth and evolution, demonstrating civic engagement.
10. How Does The Flag Code Apply To The National Anthem?
During a rendition of the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, when the flag is displayed, individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. When the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed, enhancing national pride.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that you are displaying the American flag with the respect and honor it deserves, thus contributing to the preservation of its symbolic significance for future generations.
