Understanding_American_Flag_Etiquette_Code_and_Significance

Understanding American Flag Etiquette, Code, and Significance

Flag History

The American Flag has been a national iconic symbol recognized for over 200 years, representing strength and unity.

 

 

Flag Description

The flag today consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The red and white stripes represent the original 13 colonies. The stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, and white symbolizes purity and innocence, while blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

 

 

Flag Laws and Codes

Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law dealing with American Flag etiquette is generally referred to as the Flag Code. More information regarding the history of the Flag Code is available here. The Flag Code is voluntary, and it includes no penalties or enforcement provisions. It does not attempt to anticipate every flag display situation, but rather, it provides a guide against which situations not contained within it may be measured.

 

Some general guidelines from the Flag Code may answer many of the most frequent questions. It serves as a guide for civilians who wish to properly honor our beloved flag.

  • The flag should always be lit, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
  • The flag should be flown in fair weather unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
  • The flag should never be dipped to or on any person or thing.
  • It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
  • The flag should not be used for any decoration in general.
o   Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes.
o   The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
  • The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose.
o   It should not be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use.
o   Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
  • The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firefighter, police officer and members of patriotic organizations.
  • The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.
  • The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
  • When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms.
  • Store the flag folded neatly and in a ceremonious manner.
  • The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
  • 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.
  • The City has two locations available for residents to retire worn flags, (this includes small yard sized flags):
o   Fire Station 1: 28730 Vacation Drive
o   Pack Wrap & Post: 31566 Railroad Canyon Road

 

 

Flag Status

City staff utilize a resource that notifies subscribers of the daily status of the flag. This subscription based service is free and provided by Stars & Stripes Daily, a newspaper resource that is headquartered in Washington, D.C. They publish a global daily print edition for U.S. military service members serving overseas Monday through Friday with help from their sponsors with a global edition available as a free e-download format for public use.