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. The american flag is displayed even above church flags. 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. The flag of the united states of america is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which americans pledge their allegiance. 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. Always make sure the flag never touches the ground or anything below it. Flag etiquette and rules how to display flags american. The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. This worksheet includes a copy of the pledge of allegiance. The flag, and all it stands for, has always been very important to my dad. American flag etiquette courageous christian father. Whether youre looking for the historic details of how the u. 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. The american flag must be placed in the center, and higher, when displayed with a.
When and how to retire an american flag respectfully. American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding, and. Standards of respect parading and saluting the flag the salute. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. Its been left outside in the rain, stepped on, torn, burned, dropped, stretched in lycra across peoples chests, and generally. Standing at attention and facing the flag with their right hand over the heart, they recite. Shop online on your ipad or smartphone check online for more details about american flag etiquette.
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. When displayed or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own. Dos and donts of american flag etiquette are you doing. It even describes in great detail how to retire an american flag respectfully. Regimental colors, state flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor. 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. Department of veterans affairs va to honor and respect the deceased. 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. 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.
As adopted by the national flag conference, washington, d. 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. Most american legion posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on flag day, june 14th. Proper american flag etiquette boy scouts of america can help. No other flag should ever be flown above the american flag. Here are few basic guidelines to keep in mind based on the u. Person carrying the american flag should never dip the pole holding the flag. The united states flag code outlines proper flag etiquette for everything from properly folding a flag to flying a flag correctly. Some other american flag etiquette tips to remember. When the american flag is used during a ceremony for a serviceman or woman, there are several rules suggested by the u. Flag code, passed by congress in 1942, provides guidelines regarding american flag etiquette.
The american flag code is a guideline for proper flag etiquette. 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. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twentyfour hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Required other flags such as the colorado flag can be dipped. Sentimental writers and orators sometimes ascribe meanings to the colors in.
Flag code illustrates and describes the correct way to display the american flag. Flag etiquette by flagandbanner american flags, custom. Flag etiquette, flag disposal, and federal flag code vfw see more. Pursuant to illinois state statute, such property shall not be used in connection with anything political as the term. Display the flag in bad weather, except using an allweather flag.
Jun, 2016 this video will help you learn how to properly display and respect the united states most recognizable and important national icon. 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. Some general guidelines from the flag code answer many of the most common questions. When displayed or carried in a procession with other flags, the flag should be positioned to its own right. The educational resource handbook the american flag. The american flag must always be displayed in a position of prominence. Jun 29, 2018 independence day is a prime time for americans to show their patriotic spirit by displaying the u. How to properly fold the american flag into a triangle want to learn more. 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.
Let the flag touch anything beneath it floor, ground, etc. American flag etiquette care and display guidelines. Many people feel a fierce sense of loyalty and pride when they see the starspangled banner wave. There are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. Display the flag with the union down, except in an emergency. 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 lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. Keep the pole straight up and down during the playing of the star spangled banner. 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. Dar flag materials can be useful when students are studying the history and importance of the u.
Jul 01, 2019 there are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. Here, were looking at how to properly display, fold, and care for your american flag. 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 american flag code states the american flag should be lit when flown at night. American flag facts, etiquette and history youtube. Jun 16, 2015 the attachedenclosed photosvideos are the property of the state of illinois. Listed below are the flag etiquette rules, guidelines. Students will read the flag etiquette statements and decide if the statement is true or false. Flag dar members present american flags to new citizens at naturalization ceremonies, schools, youth organizations, historical sites, museums, veterans homes, and hospitals. Many of our readers ask about american flag etiquette and the u.
The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol. 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. Although the code is violated in many different ways each day, what matters most is the intent behind the use of the flag. 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. Displaying the flag with other flags on american soil. 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. 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. Here is a list of rules and guidelines for displaying the american flag and treating it with proper respect. 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. When i was a kid we always had a united states flag flying at our house.
It should not be flown lower than another flag nor should it be smaller than another flag flown in the same display. The video was created as part of an eagle scout service. The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for. As flag day approaches, learn more about the history behind some of americas funeral traditions featuring flags. Jul 04, 2017 when and how to retire an american flag respectfully. In this video, martha shows how to fold an american flag into a triangle. Its that time of year time to proudly put up your american flag. The american flag conjures a vast array of different thoughts, feelings, memories and connotations for americans. 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. The care and display guidelines for the american flag can be quite confusing, creating situations that cause etiquette faux pas. Before you start hanging up the red, white, and blue, it is a good idea to brush up on some flag etiquette and codes. American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding.
Guidelines for display of the flag public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, contains rules for handling and displaying the u. Since the american flag is such a respected symbol of our country, there are many other guidelines to follow to pay homage. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twentyfour hours a day. 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. On a stage, the american flag should be placed to the.
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. 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. No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the united states of america. 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. 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. Ill bet youve already done it, but are you doing it right.
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