The flag is the emblem of United States of America as a separate nation. Therefore, it should be respected by every person all the time. However, most people are not aware of most of the rules that should be observed, and thus disrespect the identity of the nation.

Here are eight rules about the American flag every American should know.

1. Conduct while hoisting, passing or lowering of the American flags

How do you conduct yourself while the flag is passing, hoisting, or being lowered?

1. People present in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the national and maintain that position to the last.
2. Members of the armed forces present but not in uniform may also render the military salute in a manner described for people in uniform.
3. Other people present should stand at attention with the right hand over their heart and remove their headdress and hold it at their right shoulder where applicable.
4. When the flag is not being hoisted, those present should face towards the music and act in the manner they would if the flag were displayed.

2. Occasions for display

Are you aware of the days when the flag should be displayed? During these occasions that have been marked on the calendar, the national flag should be hoisted smartly and lowered ceremoniously. However, it should not be lifted on harsh weather days, except and only when an all-weather flag is displayed.

3. Manner of display

The flag should be displayed in a way that it depicts respect to the nation.

1. The flag should not be presented on a float while in a parade unless from a rod.
2. It should not be wrapped/draped over the hood, back, top, or side of a vehicle, train, or boat.
3. If it is displayed on a car or train, the staff should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped appropriately to the right screen.

4. Respect for the national flag

Every person should respect the national flag at all times. No disrespect for the flag of United States of America should be shown.

1. The flag should never be dipped to anything or to any person.
2. It should never touch anything underneath it such as the ground, water, floor, or any other kind of merchandise.
3. Nobody should use the flag as a wearing apparel, drapery, or dressing. It should always fall free at all times and never drawn back or folded up.
4. It should never be used as a ceiling cover, or any kind of covering.
5. The flag should never be used as a repository for holding, receiving, delivering, or carrying anything.
6. The national flag should not be used for any advertising purposes.

5. Storage of the flag

Which is the best way to store the flag?

1. The flag should be stored properly and respectfully, not in a manner that permits it to be soiled, damaged, or easily torn.
2. When being stored, the flag should be folded neatly and ritually.
3. When it’s torn, the flag should be cleaned and mended appropriately.
4. When the flag is so worn out that it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a respectable and honorable manner.

6. Parading and saluting the flag

When it is being carried in a procession, the flag should always be to the right of the marchers. When it is being carried with other flags, the flag of the United States of America should be centered in front of the others or always carried to the right.

7. Special occasions

How should one treat the flag during special occasions? It should be hoisted half-staff when mourning principal or designated government leaders or upon a presidential order.

1. When hoisted half-staff, the flag should first be raised to the peak and then lowered to half-staff position. When being lowered, it should first be flown to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
2. When used to cover a casket, the flag should never be lowered to the grave. It should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder.

8. Displaying the flag indoors

When the flag is displayed indoors, it should be accorded a place of honor and always placed to the right.

1. It should be placed to the right of the speaker or sanctuary while all other flags are on the left.
2. When placed with other flags, the flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group.

The American flag should be respected all the time. Every person, whether a citizen or non-citizen, should observe the rules concerning it, as it is a symbol of the nation. Respect is key!

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our post. Please share with all your fellow patriots. Brought to you by: Ultimate Flags

Whether you call it Ol’ Glory, the Stars and Bars, or a star-spangled banner, the American flag is one of our most important symbols. Yet, many Americans may not realize that the United States Code details the rules for displaying the flag. According to the Independence Hall Organization, here are nine common misconceptions that people may have about showing their colors.

1. American flag clothing

You may have picked up those red, white, and blue flip-flops for a low price, but did you know that wearing the flag is a no-no? Sure, you want to show your spirit and patriotism, but American flag tanks and shorts are probably not the best way. When an item of clothing bears an American flag then that item technically becomes a flag. Think about that when you spill mustard on your flag shorts.

This rule also applies to sports apparel and clothing. National teams may have an American flag adhered to their uniform.

2. Flying the flag in the dark

By dawn’s early light Frances Scott Key looked for the flag, but it’s not uncommon to see the flag flying in the dark in some neighborhoods. Flags should be removed before nightfall and carefully folded and stored. If you would like to keep your flag flying it should be illuminated. Homeowners may consider purchasing a small solar powered garden light to ensure that their flag is always bright.

3. Flying with style

While your pride in your country may not fade, sometimes the stars on your flag may lose their shine, or the flag itself may become ripped. Flags that are no longer in good shape should be removed and disposed of respectfully.

Did your flag touch the ground? You don’t necessarily have to dispose of the flag because cleaning it is an option.

Flags hung outside, like from balconies, should be done with the fifty stars on the left and the stripes running perpendicular to the ground. Flying a flag another way, such as upside down, is a sign of distress.

4. Who gets top billing?

It’s customary at municipal buildings to fly both the national and state flags; however, the American flag should always be flown higher. The only exception to this rule is when the other flags being displayed are from other countries. In that case, all the flags should be flown at the same height.

5. Pledging with your heart

Originally, the pledge was a child’s poem, but is now the standard manner in which we honor our flag. Children across the country say the Pledge of Allegiance each day. What you may not know is that those that say the pledge should remove their hats or other head gear, and cover their hearts.

6. Honoring heroes

Since the flag is one of our most inspiring symbols of patriotism, it has become customary to lower the flag in honor of fallen heroes. Yet, when is it appropriate to lower the flag to half-mast? And who decides when it is appropriate? According to Home of Heroes, the flag may be flown at half-mast on Memorial Day, Peace Officers Memorial Day, and to commemorate the death of a current or past president, vice president, or other government official.

7. Storing a folded flag

If you own a flag that you would like to preserve, then you should consider purchasing a triangle holding case. Families that have lost a loved one while serving our nation, or were honored for their past service receive a folded flag. Others may have a flag that had been flown over the Capital building and received it from their member of Congress.

How should these flags be displayed? Many craft stores sell wooden triangle flag holders that allow the flag to be displayed while keeping it safe.

8. Designs on a flag

It’s not unusual to see the American flag in colors other than the traditional red, white, and blue at rallies or protests. However, according to the U.S. Code, the flag should never have a word, design, or other marking on it. This also applies to flags on clothing or on items.

9. More than one purpose?

Using the flag as a curtain, to cover the ceiling, or as a way to carry items also violates the U.S. Code. People may be well-intentioned, but the flag can’t be used as a design element or for purposes other than a flag. You should always avoid using or displaying the flag in a manner that could cause it to be torn or damaged.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our post. Please share with all your fellow patriots. Brought to you by: Ultimate Flags