The U.S. Code is clear about how the American flag should be treated. Are you following these important guidelines, or risking disrespecting this national symbol? Discover the dos and don’ts of flag etiquette as outlined by U.S. law.
1. Displaying the Flag Upside Down
It’s illegal to display the flag with the union down except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. Misusing this distress signal can be seen as a form of protest and is generally frowned upon.
2. Letting the Flag Touch the Ground
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, including the ground, floor, water, or merchandise. Allowing the flag to touch the ground is considered a sign of disrespect.
3. Carrying the Flag Horizontally
The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally but always aloft and free. Carrying it horizontally, like during a sports event, is against the guidelines.
4. Using the Flag as Clothing or Bedding
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. Clothing items or bedding made from the flag are considered disrespectful.
5. Festooning the Flag
The flag should never be festooned, drawn back, or up in folds but always allowed to fall free. For decoration, bunting of blue, white, and red should be used instead.
6. Damaging the Flag
The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in a manner that allows it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged. Proper care should be taken to maintain its dignity.
7. Using the Flag as a Ceiling Covering
The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling. This use is prohibited as it diminishes the respect owed to the flag.
8. Placing Marks on the Flag
No part of the flag should have any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing placed upon it. Adding such elements is illegal.
9. Using the Flag as a Receptacle
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. This includes using it as a bag or container.
10. Advertising With the Flag
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes. It should not be printed or impressed on items designed for temporary use and discarded, such as paper napkins or boxes.
11. Using the Flag as a Costume or Athletic Uniform
No part of the flag should be used as a costume or athletic uniform except for flag patches on the uniforms of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.
12. Decorating With the Flag
Using the flag to decorate is restricted to specific guidelines. It should not be draped or used in ways other than its intended purpose as a flag.
13. Using the Flag in Disrespectful Art
Artworks incorporating the flag in a disrespectful manner, such as being trampled or displayed in a degrading way, are against the guidelines.
14. Burning the Flag in Protest
While burning the flag in protest is protected under free speech, it is still a highly controversial and offensive act to many Americans.
15. Using the Flag as a Prop in Performances
The flag should not be used as a prop in any performance or display that could be seen as disrespectful or trivializing its importance.
16. Writing on the Flag
Writing on the flag for any reason, including messages of protest or support, is not allowed.
17. Using the Flag in Commercial Logos
Incorporating the flag into commercial logos or trademarks is prohibited as it commercializes a national symbol.
18. Failing to Properly Dispose of a Worn Flag
When a flag is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Simply throwing it away is considered disrespectful.
19. Flying a Torn or Tattered Flag
Displaying a flag that is torn or tattered without repairing or replacing it shows a lack of respect for the national symbol.
20. Allowing the Flag to Be Submerged
The flag should never be allowed to become submerged in water. This includes using it in any water-related activities or displays.
Respecting the Flag’s Legacy
These guidelines are designed to maintain the dignity and respect of the American flag. How well do you think you follow these rules? Are there any practices you need to change to show proper respect for this powerful national symbol?
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / lynnis Jones.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
