At sea, flags also send a message and give an awareness to other vessels, making. Guidelines for display of the flag public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. See table below for easy referral to correct pole flag proportions flag etiquette the american flag is more than fabric and thread. For interior or parade use a dress flag may be used.
When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flags union stars should be at. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol. Snyder is a volunteer in the sam houston area council and agreed to let me summarize parts of his presentation into 10 things to know about flag etiquette. Official regulation states that the flag must never touch the. See more ideas about american flag etiquette, american flag and 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 etiquette has been attached at the end of this document. Flag etiquette in guiding, you will often hear the terms colours, colour ceremony and colour party. Flag etiquette and flagpole etiquette morgan francis. Flagpole size should be chosen with the following taken into consideration. The flag, when flown at halfstaff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the halfstaff position. The national flag represents our country and is considered to be a living thing emblematic of the respect and pride we have for our nation. It represents each of us, our past, present and future. Fasten it securely so it wont become soiled or damaged.
A flag should never be used as a covering for a statue or monument. Make sure to follow handling etiquette when attaching the flag to the staff. 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. 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. I thought this weekend would be a great time to start a flag etiquette study with my kids, not only in preparation for memorial day, but also for upcoming flag day on june 14. Find out how to properly display a flag and common flag code violations that most people are not aware of.
When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag s union stars should be at the top, to the flag s own right, and to the observers left. Its a good idea to screw a bracket made for holding a flagstaff to the trim. Flag etiquette can be found on the american legion website, and can be found thru emblem sales lets be right on flag. How to practice national flag etiquette with pictures. Flag etiquette covers everything from flying holidays to flag code. When the american flag is so worn or soiled that it is no longer suitable for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. 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.
Etiquette, rules, and guidelines regarding the display and care of the american flag, as advised by u. Flag should be displayed proudly on every suitable occasion. Maintaining and caring for an american flag, or any flag in fact, can be more difficult than it sounds. Flagpole etiquette flagpole etiquette follows the guidelines of flag etiquette. Great sacrifices and national pride are stitched into its stars and stripes, and it stands as a symbol of hope, opportunity and freedom. Remember to respect your flag and learn some new flag terms on this flag and flagpole faq page.
National flags, and indeed all flags, should be treated with the. See table below for easy referral to correct poleflag proportions flag etiquette the american flag is more than fabric and thread. All pedestrians stopped and stood at attention facing the flag. The union will be to the north in an eastwest street, and to the east in a northsouth street. The custom of flying a flag at halfmast halfstaff arose from the flag being lowered the distance of a flag to allow the invisible flag of death to be flown above it. Standards of respect parading and saluting the flag the salute. Department of veterans affairs va to honor and respect the deceased. When displayed or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. The flag of the united states of america is universally representative of the principles of the justice, liberty, and. The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing.
Choose from 102 different sets of flag etiquette flashcards on quizlet. This is normally made of silk or satin with a fringe around three sides. How to display the flag when displayed over a street, the flag should be suspended vertically. The flag should be raised at sunrise, and lowered at sunset. 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. 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. 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. 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. Do not fly the flag in bad weather, unless it is an allweather flag. This page will teach you how to care for your flag.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a. Flag etiquette standards of respect 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. 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. Its unfurled banner, which symbolizes the love and pride that we have as a nation, is a poignant reminder of americas greatness. Public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. British flag protocol on a speakers platformwhen displayed from a staff, on a speakers platform, the senior national flag should be placed on the righthand side of the speaker. Flags of an international organization such as the united nations, a nation, or a province or state are physical symbols which represent the sovereignty, honour, pride and dignity of the organization, nation, province or state. Many veteran and civic organizations will properly retire a flag at no cost. Flags, standards, banners and similar symbols identify nations, groups, and sometimes individuals. The colour ceremony is the ceremony of raising or lowering the flag and the colour party is the group of girls who perform the ceremony. Many of our readers ask about american flag etiquette and the u. When one flag is used with the flag of the united states of america and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the united states is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.
Here is a list of rules and guidelines for displaying the american flag and treating it with proper respect. When the flags of two rumore nations are displayed together they should be flown from separate staffs of the same height, and the flags should be of. General whether you call it old glory, the stars and stripes, or the star spangled banner, most of the rules, customs, and traditions governing the display of the american flag come from a law called the u. This section will help you display the flag properly. Flag code, passed by congress in 1942, provides guidelines regarding american flag etiquette. Learn flag etiquette with free interactive flashcards.
It should be raised to the top of the staff again before lowering the flag at the end of the day. As adopted by the national flag conference, washington, d. The ultimate guide to flag etiquette gettysburg 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. United states flag etiquette title 4, united states code, chapter 1 as adopted by the national flag conference, washington, d. The flag code includes instruction and rules on such topics as the pledge of allegiance, display and use of the flag by civilians, time and. When lowered, they should be done so slowly and ceremoniously. Flag etiquette is considered a combination of law, good manners and tradition. Flag etiquette displaying the flag at halfstaff when flying the flag at halfstaff, the flag should be raised to the top of the staff for an instant then lowered to the midway point of the staff halfstaff. A flag should not be lowered into a grave or touch the ground. Flag etiquette ideally, an american flag on your house should hang from a staff that angles out from the front wall, a windowsill, or balcony.
When displayed with another flag in the crossedstaff format, the american flag should be on its own rightand in front of the other flags staff. National flags should be raised in a brisk fashion. The code outlines the proper ways to display the american flag. When the american flag is used during a ceremony for a service member, there are several rules suggested by the u.
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. Whether youre looking for the historic details of how the u. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. Flag etiquette suggests what size flag should be flown on what size pole for the most aesthetically pleasing look. Flag sizes and flag pole height have a direct relationship. Raising and lowering the flag parading and saluting the flag the. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. 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. The united states flag code stipulates that as the symbol of a living country, the flag is considered in itself a living thing and should be properly displayed and cared for. On memorial day, the flag should be displayed at halfstaff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. Whether it be nylon, polyester or plain cotton, the american flag is more than fabric and thread. The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of.
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