Here is a list of rules and guidelines for displaying the american flag and treating it with proper respect. The american flag code states the american flag should be lit when flown at night. Jun 16, 2015 the attachedenclosed photosvideos are the property of the state of illinois. Sentimental writers and orators sometimes ascribe meanings to the colors in. The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source. 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. Proper american flag etiquette boy scouts of america can help. Required other flags such as the colorado flag can be dipped. Shop online on your ipad or smartphone check online for more details about american flag etiquette. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. There are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette.
On a stage, the american flag should be placed to the. Although the code is violated in many different ways each day, what matters most is the intent behind the use of the flag. No other flag should ever be flown above the american flag. Person carrying the american flag should never dip the pole holding the flag. Listed below are the flag etiquette rules, guidelines. The american flag must be placed in the center, and higher, when displayed with a. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which americans pledge their allegiance. It even describes in great detail how to retire an american flag respectfully. This worksheet includes a copy of the pledge of allegiance. The video was created as part of an eagle scout service. When displayed or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. Flag etiquette flag etiquette for kids is one of the unique skills that should be one of life skills for teens that you work on this year.
However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twentyfour hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. As flag day approaches, learn more about the history behind some of americas funeral traditions featuring flags. Displaying the flag with other flags on american soil. The educational resource handbook the american flag. Jul 04, 2017 when and how to retire an american flag respectfully. When and how to retire an american flag respectfully. When displayed or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own. The american flag is displayed even above church flags. Display the flag in bad weather, except using an allweather flag. American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding, and. Flag etiquette for kids is one of the unique skills that should be one of life skills for teens that you work on this year when i was a kid we always had a united states flag flying at our house. 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. Flag etiquette guide, rules american pride flagpoles va.
Some general guidelines from the flag code answer many of the most common questions. American flag etiquette the flag code formalizes and unifies the standards of respect that must be given to the flag, even containing specific instructions regarding how the flag should not be used. In this video, martha shows how to fold an american flag into a triangle. Some other american flag etiquette tips to remember. Flag dar members present american flags to new citizens at naturalization ceremonies, schools, youth organizations, historical sites, museums, veterans homes, and hospitals. The american flag code is a guideline for proper flag etiquette. 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. 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. American flag facts, etiquette and history youtube. Flag etiquette by flagandbanner american flags, custom. Flag etiquette gysgt aguilar assistant marine officer instructor at unc nrotc agenda standards of respect displaying the flag outdoors raising and lowering the flag displaying the flag indoors the pledge of allegiance and national anthem the flag in mourning time and occasions for display. Flag etiquette and rules how to display flags american. Its that time of year time to proudly put up your american flag.
Many people feel a fierce sense of loyalty and pride when they see the starspangled banner wave. American forces in the battle of lake erie in september of 18, the flag that withstood enemy bombardment at fort mchenry, maryland on september and 14, 1814, inspiring francis scott key to write the starspangled banner, and it was flown by general andrew jackson at the battle for new. Jun 29, 2018 independence day is a prime time for americans to show their patriotic spirit by displaying the u. American flag etiquette rules for flying the american flag. Standards of respect parading and saluting the flag the salute. Jun, 2016 this video will help you learn how to properly display and respect the united states most recognizable and important national icon.
Federal law relating to display and associated questions congressional research service 3 c the flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an allweather flag is displayed. Pursuant to illinois state statute, such property shall not be used in connection with anything political as the term. Department of veterans affairs va to honor and respect the deceased. The flag of the united states of america the dar promotes and encourages a strong patriotic feeling and respect for the flag of the united states of america.
Flag etiquette, flag disposal, and federal flag code flag etiquette from the veterans of foreign wars flag came to be, or the rules and regulations that encompass her daily flight, were here to ensure you can find the information you need. The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, state flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor. 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.
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. Since 1984, approximately th4,000 3rd, 4th and 5 graders from public, private and homestudy schools in baltimore city and the surrounding counties have formed a living american flag at fort mchenry, and elementary schools sites. Its been left outside in the rain, stepped on, torn, burned, dropped, stretched in lycra across peoples chests, and generally. The flag, and all it stands for, has always been very important to my dad. Most american legion posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on flag day, june 14th. Flag code illustrates and describes the correct way to display the american flag. American flag etiquette care and display guidelines. Here, were looking at how to properly display, fold, and care for your american flag. Display the flag with the union down, except in an emergency.
Flag code, passed by congress in 1942, provides guidelines regarding american flag etiquette. The united states flag code outlines proper flag etiquette for everything from properly folding a flag to flying a flag correctly. 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. Proper american flag etiquette display of the american flag is governed by law to ensure that it will be treated with the respect due the flag of a great nation. A brief video detailing common flag etiquette and usage as detailed by chapter 1 of title 4 of the united states code, the flag code. Jul 01, 2019 there are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. The flag of the united states shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white. Relating to the north american legions site, although the a flag code according to the banner should not contact anything at all underneath that, is actually an indicator the winchester celebrity put up a banner utilized during the municipal war and printed poems and content articles about flag etiquette and background. Keep the pole straight up and down during the playing of the star spangled banner. Since the american flag is such a respected symbol of our country, there are many other guidelines to follow to pay homage. How to properly fold the american flag into a triangle want to learn more. Flag etiquette by it is the universal custom to display the american flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. Many of our readers ask about american flag etiquette and the u. American flag etiquette courageous christian father.
The care and display guidelines for the american flag can be quite confusing, creating situations that cause etiquette faux pas. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. When not on display, the flag should be respectfully folded into a triangle, symbolizing the tricorn hats worn by colonial soldiers in the revolutionary war. When the american flag is used during a ceremony for a serviceman or woman, there are several rules suggested by the u. Flag manual the starspangled banner the national anthem of the united states by act of congress, march 3, 1931 oh, say, can you see, by the dawns early light, whose broad stripes and bright. Let the flag touch anything beneath it floor, ground, etc. It should not be flown lower than another flag nor should it be smaller than another flag flown in the same display. As adopted by the national flag conference, washington, d. Dos and donts of american flag etiquette are you doing. Flag manual the starspangled banner the national anthem of the united states by act of congress, march 3, 1931 oh, say, can you see, by the dawns early light, whose broad stripes and. Students will read the flag etiquette statements and decide if the statement is true or false. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for.
How to properly retire an american flag us flag etiquette. The american flag conjures a vast array of different thoughts, feelings, memories and connotations for americans. Ill bet youve already done it, but are you doing it right. Flag etiquette, flag disposal, and federal flag code vfw see more. Dar flag materials can be useful when students are studying the history and importance of the u. When a flag has become too worn to be displayed, it must disposed of in a respectful manner, usually through disposal ceremonies held by american legion posts. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible. Always make sure the flag never touches the ground or anything below it. Relating to the north american legions site, although the a flag code according to the banner should not contact anything at all underneath that, is actually an indicator the winchester celebrity put up a banner utilized during the municipal war and printed poems and. Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite. Whether youre looking for the historic details of how the u. What do the colors and gold fringe on the american flag mean. No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the united states of america. When i was a kid we always had a united states flag flying at our house.
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