Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Flag Etiquette

I have been asked several times about flag etiquette. So, I thought, I would post something and give you all a link. Most people would be surprised what the dos and don'ts of the US Flag Code (link is via the American Legion) actually are.

The following are excerpts from the US Flag code:

Time and occasions for display:

- It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

Respect for the flag:

- 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.

- The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.

- 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.

Position and manner of display:

- When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak.

- 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.

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