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FLAG ETIQUETTE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS * How are unserviceable flags of the United States destroyed? The
Flag Code suggests that, "when a flag has served its useful purpose, it
should be destroyed, preferably by burning." For individual citizens,
this should be done discreetly so the act of destruction is not perceived as
a protest or desecration. Many American Legion Posts conduct Disposal
of Unserviceable Flag Ceremonies on 14 June, Flag Day. This ceremony
creates a particularly dignified and solemn occasion for the retirement of
unserviceable flags.
* Can the flag of the United States be washed or dry cleaned? Yes,
there are no provisions of the Flag Code which prohibit such care. The
decision to wash or dry clean would be dependent on the material. If
the flag is dirty beyond cleaning, then it is time to replace it. Many
dry cleaners offer free cleaning of United States flags during the months of
June and July.
* Can a torn flag of the United States be mended? If a
flag is torn, it can be repaired, preferably by a professional or someone
skilled in mending. If it is faded or tattered beyond repair, then it
is time to replace the flag.
* What is the significance of displaying the United States flag at half-staff? This
gesture is a sign to indicate the nation mourns the death of an individual(s)
such as death of the President or former President, Vice President, Supreme
Court Justice, member of Congress, Secretary of an executive or military
department, etc. Only the President of the United States or the
Governor of the State may order the flag to be half-staffed. The honor
and reverence accorded this solemn act is quickly becoming eroded by those
individuals and agencies that display the flag at half-staff on
inappropriate occasions without proper authority to do so.
* Can the United States flag be displayed on days when the weather is inclement? The
flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except
when an all weather (nylon or other non-absorbent material) flag is
displayed. Most flags sold nowadays are made of all weather material
(refer to the packaging). If your flag gets wet, never store it until
it is completely dry. Wet folds cause permanent creases; dampness
ruins fabric and causes mildew.
* Is it proper to fly the United States flag at night? The
Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from
sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs 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.
* Are you required to destroy the United States flag if it touches the ground? The Flag
Code states that the flag should not touch anything beneath it
such as the ground. This is stated to indicate that care should be
exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or
damaged. You are not required to destroy the flag when this happens.
As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or
dry-cleaning (which is acceptable practice) is required, you may continue to
display the flag as a symbol of our great country.
* What is the proper method for folding the flag of the United States? The
Flag Code does not require any specific method; however, there is a
tradition that has developed over time. This method produces a
triangular shaped form like that of a three corner hat with only the blue
union showing. For instructions on how to fold the flag,
click here.
* When the United States flag is not flown from a staff, how should it be displayed? It
should be displayed vertically, whether indoors or out, and suspended so
that its folds all free as though the flag were staffed. The stripes
may be 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. When displayed in a window of a home or place of business, the
flag should be displayed in the same way; that is, with the union or blue
field to the left of the observer in the street.
When
used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be
displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in
a church, public auditorium or meeting place, the flag should hold the
position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the
position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the
audience. Prior to the Flag Code changes in 1976, the display
procedure was somewhat different. Now the staffed flag should always
be placed to the right of the speaker (observer's left) without regard to a
platform or floor level.
* What does the Flag Code say about displaying the flag horizontally, as before a football game? The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. * Is it okay to have a flag t-shirt with words written on it? No, the flag should never be worn and no, the flag should never have marks or words written upon it. * Is it okay to use flag napkins or flag paper plates? No, the flag should not be printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. * May a person, other than a veteran, have their casket draped with the United States flag? Yes,
although this honor is usually reserved for veterans or highly regarded
state and national figures, the Flag Code does not prohibit this use.
* Can a United States flag that has been used to cover a casket be displayed after its original use?
There are no provisions in the Flag Code to suggest otherwise. It
would be a fitting tribute to the memory of the deceased veteran and their
service to a grateful nation if their casket flag were displayed.
* Are there penalties for violating the Flag Code? No,
the Flag Code is intended as a guide to be followed on a purely voluntary
basis to ensure proper respect for the flag.
* What is the significance of the gold fringe we see on some flags of the United States?
Records indicate that fringe was first used on the flag as early as 1835.
It was not until 1895 it was officially added to the national flag for all
regiments of the Army. For civilian use, fringe is not required as an
integral part of the flag, nor can its used be said to constitute an
unauthorized addition to the design prescribed by statute. It is
considered that fringe is used as an honorable enrichment only.
* Is it appropriate to fly a flag that has fewer than 50 stars? Yes,
historic American flags are still considered living, active flags.
Facing the display, from left to right: United States flag, state flag,
company flag. If you are flying them on two poles, place the United
States flag over the state flag on the leftmost pole, and the company flag
on the right pole. You may not fly a company flag on the same pole as
the United States flag. The order of precedence for flags generally is
National flags (United States first, then others in alphabetical order in
English), State (host state first, then others in the order of admission)
and territories (Washington DC, Puerto Rico, etc.), military (in order of
establishment: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard), then
other.
Facing the display, from left to right: United States flag, POW/MIA,
state flag. If you are flying them on two poles, place the United
States flag over the POW/MIA flag on the leftmost pole, and the state flag
on the right pole.
* How can I get a flag that has flown over the Capitol? Constituents may arrange to purchase flags that have been flown over the Capitol by getting in touch with their Senators or Representative. A certificate signed by the Architect of the Capitol accompanies each flag. Flags are available for purchase in sizes 3' x 5' or 5' x 8' in fabrics of cotton and nylon.
* Why is the flag sometimes backwards on the side of airplanes, buses, and other vehicles? The
flag decals have the union (the blue area with the stars) on the side closer
to the front of the plane. On the plane's left, the decal shows the
flag with the union at the left, as usual. On the plane's right side,
the union is on the right. This is done so that the flag looks as if
it is blowing in the wind created by the forward movement. You can see
this on cars and trucks as well.
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Updated:
01 November 2007
This site was created and is maintained by NCOAGA Chapter 1.