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. They are:
- The flag should
never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only
as a distress signal.
- The flag should
not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a
platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and
red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the
bunting should be on the top.
- The flag should
never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered,
printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs,
napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary
use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
- 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 military personnel, fireman,
policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
- The flag should
never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter,
word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
- The flag should
never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering
anything.
When the flag is lowered,
no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be
received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded
neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country,
it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
Displaying
the Flag Outdoors
When the flag is displayed
from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union
should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.
When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state,
community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always
be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag
during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain
on a ship at sea.
When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically,
with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk,
the flag's union should be farthest from the building.
When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag
poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the
United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right.
..The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.
..No other flag ever should be placed above it.
..The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the
last to be lowered.
When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be
displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the
same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of
one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.
Raising
and Lowering the Flag
The flag should be raised
briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed
only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at
night.
The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and
lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard
or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.
Displaying
the Flag Indoors
When on display, the
flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right.
Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other
flags should be to the left.
The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at
the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities,
or societies are grouped for display.
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.
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 observer's left.
Parading
and Saluting the Flag
When carried in a procession,
the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried,
the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or
carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it
is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.
The Salute
To salute, all persons
come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute.
Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart
and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand
over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command
of the person in charge.
The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
The pledge of allegiance
should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention
and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note.
The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.
The Flag in Mourning
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. The flag is to be raised
again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the
flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to
sunset.
The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal
government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.
When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at
the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave. |
