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. 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. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god. Flags flown from angled poles on homes and those displayed indoors are usually either 3 x 5 or 4 x 6. It is not necessary to salute every american flag that passes. How to practice national flag etiquette with pictures. National flags should be raised in a brisk fashion. It is the proper flag to be flown by merchant vessels registered at an australian port. But, did you know there are also general guidelines for the appropriate height of a flagpole. A flag should never be used as a covering for a statue or monument.
Thats why ripping, stepping on or burning a flag at a protest is an act of disrespect. The american legion and veterans of foreign war are always happy to take your worn flag for proper retirement. Personnelgeneral a guide to protocol and etiquette for. A states governor can order the us flag to be flown at half staff, but only for specific reasons. The flag etiquette has been attached at the end of this document. 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. Proper retirement of american flags grand new 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. When on display or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. It includes both the allpurpose flag and the ceremonial or organizational flag. The size of the flag is determined by the exposed height of the flagpole from which it is flying. The united states flag code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the national flag of the united states of america. Although the code is violated in many different ways each day, what matters most is the intent behind the use of the flag. Department of veterans affairs va to honor and respect the deceased. Flagpole guidelines regarding the height of a flagpole appropriate for various sized flags. 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. 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.
American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding, and. The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be. 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. 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.
Introduction the use of military customs and courtesies is a mark of respect and professionalismwhether in a military or cap uniform. The flag code offers no specific guidelines as to what qualifies as a properly illuminated flag. The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. 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. Flag etiquette connecticut sons of the american revolution. Uses of the us flag are covered in paragraphs 7 and 8. When displayed or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. The american flag code is a guideline for proper flag etiquette. To show respect, be sure to follow flag etiquette and properly hang the american flag. 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. The attachedenclosed photosvideos are the property of the state of illinois.
Its dimensions are 38 feet fly by 20 feet hoist storm flag. Crs the united states flag federal law relating to display and associated questions. 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. Remember to respect your flag and learn some new flag terms on this flag and flagpole faq page. This flag is flown in fair weather, except on those occasions when the garrison flag is prescribed. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol. This flag is flown only on holidays and important occasions.
Most american legion posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on flag day, june 14th. Identify proper use of the corporate seal, emblem, and logos. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which americans pledge their allegiance. The flag should be raised at sunrise, and lowered at sunset. When lowered, they should be done so slowly and ceremoniously. 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 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. Jul 01, 2019 there are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. 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. As adopted by the national flag conference, washington, d. 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. Make sure to follow handling etiquette when attaching the flag to the staff. Jun 16, 2015 the attachedenclosed photosvideos are the property of the state of illinois. Other recommended sizes are shown in the following table. It should not be flown lower than another flag nor should it be smaller than another flag flown in the same display. The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. On a stage, the american flag should be placed to the. Public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u.
No other flag should be placed above, or if on the same level, to the flag s right. When suspended from a rope extending from the building on a pole, the flag should be hoisted out, union first from the building. Contact your local american legion hall and inquire about the availability of this service. See table below for easy referral to correct poleflag proportions flag etiquette the american flag is more than fabric and thread. The flag is typically flown from sunrise to sundown. Flag etiquette and rules american flag and flagpole co.
Standards of respect parading and saluting the flag the salute. The flags alternating red and white stripes represent the original colonies. 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. A flag should not be lowered into a grave or touch the ground.
When the american flag is used during a ceremony for a service member, there are several rules suggested by the u. Flag etiquette covers everything from flying holidays to flag code. Flag etiquette suggests what size flag should be flown on what size pole for the most aesthetically pleasing look. Some countries have added certain protocols into their legal system while others prefer to have guidelines without civil or criminal consequences attached.
Flag code has outlined proper flag etiquette on everything from when, where, and how you should fly an american flag. Standards customs courtesies flags emblems and seals. Guidelines for display of the flag public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. Its 50 white stars on a blue field represent the 50 states. It also pays respect to the history and traditions of. Guidelines for displaying the flag of the united states pdf. Maintaining and caring for an american flag, or any flag in fact, can be more difficult than it sounds. 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. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.
It is the universal custom to display the american flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. It should not be flown lower than another flag nor should it be smaller than another flag flown in. This flag is flown in lieu of the post flag in inclement weather. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. When displayed from a staff projecting from a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff. With the average outdoor flag statistically only lasting about 90 days star. Etiquette, rules, and guidelines regarding the display and care of the american flag, as advised by u.
The below ceremony is a guideline for flag retirement. 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. 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. Many of our readers ask about american flag etiquette and the u. Also, it should be placed to the right of a speaker or staging area, while other flags are placed to the left.
Here is a list of rules and guidelines for displaying the american flag and treating it with proper respect. Here, were looking at how to properly display, fold, and care for your american flag. The term us flag, as used throughout this regulation, means the flag of the united states of america. Its unfurled banner, which symbolizes the love and pride that we have as a nation, is a poignant reminder of. 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. The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a. Flagpole etiquette flagpole etiquette follows the guidelines of flag etiquette. Flag sizes and flag pole height have a direct relationship. Flag code, passed by congress in 1942, provides guidelines regarding american flag etiquette. American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding.
It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag. 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. It may also be flown by unregistered vessels and small craft, the property of. Americans feel great pride and respect for their flag because it is a representation of the great country where they live. Flag etiquette and flagpole etiquette morgan francis. Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite. No other flag should be placed above, or if on the same level, to the flags right. Whether youre looking for the historic details of how the u. Displaying the flag when displaying the flag, it is important to remember certain guidelines of proper flag etiquette.
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. Made of bunting, this flag is 5 feet hoist by 9 feet, 6 inches fly. There are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. It is chapter 1 of title 4 of the united states code 4 u. This flag was the official flag of our country from 1795 to 1818, and was prominent in many historic events. Pursuant to illinois state statute, such property shall not be used in connect. How to properly display the american flag event resources. 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. A guide to protocol and etiquette for official entertainment department of the army pamphlet 600 60 history. When placed on a podium the flag should be placed on the speakers right or the staging area.