Section 7 of the flag code provides one major exception: the flag of the United Nations can be flown in the position of honor or prominence at the U.N. We know that the American flag is supposed to be displayed in a position of prominence over other flags on American soil. The flag code allows for flying the flag with the union (the blue field of stars) down only "as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."
When is it acceptable to fly the flag upside down? Instead, the code stipulates, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." Unless hitting the ground once renders the flag unfit for display, there's no need to burn it. While the code states, "The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise," there's no rule saying that a flag that slips has to immediately be burned. The flag code is quite a bit more realistic about this situation. Is it true you have to retire and burn a flag that touches the ground? Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart." Section 8 rather elegantly states, "The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. What about those American flag lapel pins that so many folks wear? Section 8 also states, "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery." Mental Floss: Why do we sing the National Anthem at sporting events?Īny other restrictions on wearing the flag?
However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations." Section 8 of the code covers "Respect for the Flag," and it explicitly states, "No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. Why doesn't, say, the Dream Team take the courts in American-flag jerseys at the Olympics? The flag should be displayed in or near every schoolhouse on school days, on or near the main administration building of every public institution each day, and in or near every polling place on election days. Section 6 of the flag code covers this question, too.
Day, Lincoln's birthday, Washington's birthday, Easter, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Father's Day, Independence Day, National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, Labor Day, Constitution Day, Columbus Day, Navy Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, state holidays, states' dates of admission, and "such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States." Section 6 of the flag code states, "The flag should be displayed on all days." However, the code goes on to say that the flag should especially (emphasis added) be displayed on the following days: New Year's Day, Inauguration Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. "However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness." While the flag code notes that displaying the flag only from sunrise to sunset is "universal custom," it makes an exception. These rules cover all manner of extremely specific situations, but they're all governed by the same basic principle: the flag is one of the most visible and important symbols of our country, so we should treat it with respect.Īre you really supposed to lower the flag at sunset? These rules became law during World War II and form the bulk of what's now the United States Flag Code. On Flag Day in 1923, a group of organizations headed by the American Legion outlined the National Flag Code as a set of advisory rules for displaying the flag. When did these flag rules fall into place? ( ) - On Memorial Day, we thought it might be a good time to take a look at some of the rules for respectfully displaying the American flag, as dictated by the United States Flag Code.