The United States Flag: Symbol of Our Nation’s Values and History
The United States Flag represents many things to US citizens, including liberty, justice, freedom, love of country, and national purpose. The US Flag Code offers rules for displaying all American and military flags. As one of America’s leading flag dealers, A Stars & Stripes Flag Corporation recognizes the Flag Code’s significance. This blog serves as a guide to the rules set forth in the US Flag Code.
What is the US Flag Code?
The United States Flag Code, a set of advisory rules for displaying and caring for the United States national flag, is deeply rooted in our history. It is listed in Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code. The American Legion developed the flag etiquette guidelines in 1923, and Congress adopted them in 1942, marking a significant moment in our nation’s commitment to respecting and honoring our flag.
Rules for Displaying the American Flag or Military Flags
- In a Row: When military flags are displayed in a row, the United States flag goes to the viewer’s left. Flags from other nations are flown at the same height, while state and local flags are flown lower.
- On a Podium: When the United States flag is displayed on a podium, the flag should be placed on the speaker’s right while all other flags should be placed to the left.
- Against a Flat Surface or Wall: When the United States flag is displayed horizontally or vertically against a flat surface or wall, the union, known as the blue field of stars, should be uppermost and to the flag’s right from the observer’s perspective.
Rules for Flying US flags and Military Flags on Flagpoles
- Time of Day: The United States and military flags can be displayed on flagpoles from sunrise to sunset. The flags may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated throughout the night.
- Half-Staff: On special days, flagpole flags may be flown at half-staff. Half-staff means the flag is flown at one-half the distance between the staff’s top and bottom. On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.
- Raising and Lowering: When a flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised to the peak of the flagpole for an instant and then slowly lowered to the half-staff position. It should be raised again to the peak before being lowered for the day.
The US Flag Code was established to provide guidelines so American citizens can demonstrate their respect and patriotism for this great nation by honoring the flag and what it represents. Continued respect for our flag is a way for each of us to connect with our shared history and values.